Check the feeding rate, the energy and protein levels, the fibre and sugar or starch content, the ingredient list and the added vitamins and minerals. Match these to your horse’s workload, weight and needs.
Start with the feeding rate
The recommended feeding rate tells you how much to feed for the horse to get the intended nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals. Feeding well below it, as many owners do with a balancer or a light feeder, can leave gaps, so read this first.
Energy, protein and fibre
Energy is what most people mean by heating or non-heating feed, and should match the workload. Protein supports muscle and condition, while fibre is the base of a healthy diet. A high-fibre, appropriate-energy feed suits most horses better than a high-cereal one.
Sugar and starch
For good doers, and horses prone to laminitis, ulcers or tying up, the sugar and starch content matters a great deal. Look for low-sugar, low-starch feeds for these horses, and be wary of cereal-heavy products that spike blood sugar.
Ingredients and additives
The ingredient list and the added vitamins and minerals tell you the quality and completeness of the feed. Named ingredients and a full mineral profile are reassuring. If your horse’s feed is short on anything, a supplement or balancer can fill the gap.
Match it to your horse
The best feed is the one that suits your individual horse’s weight, workload, age and health, fed at the right rate. When in doubt, a nutrition helpline or your vet can help you read a label and choose, rather than guessing from marketing on the front of the bag.
