Horses’ digestive system is unique. It requires the consumption of a high-fiber diet in small amounts spread throughout the day. Unlike humans, horses eat many small meals repeatedly. Most of their time is spent eating. Despite this eating habit, not all animal feed is appropriate for them. This is the list of horses feed types to keep them healthy.
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Pasture Grass
Pasture is grass and other low plants covering the land. Good pasture supplies the best nutrition for horses. It may also contain natural silica that supports dental health through the mechanical action of chewing. For horses living in natural conditions, access to varied pasture allows them to adapt well and self-regulate their intake. They rarely experience problems like metabolic disorders, laminitis, or obesity. These conditions are more often found in modern horses kept in confined environments, where the type of feed and lack of exercise are the main contributing factors.
Hay
Grazing on pasture is a luxury that is not always available. When good pasture is not accessible, hay becomes the practical option. Hay for horses comes in two main categories: grass hay and legume hay. Grass types include Kentucky bluegrass, timothy, and orchard grass. Compared to legume hay, grass hay has lower protein and higher fiber content, making it well suited for horses that do not have high energy demands.
It is important to test hay for its nutritional composition, including vitamins, minerals, and other components, before feeding it regularly. Since hay is mown and dried, it needs proper wrapping or storage to preserve its nutritional value. For horses that are fed preserved silage rather than dry hay, grass silage for horses requires specific quality standards to ensure safety and digestibility.
Concentrates
Concentrates are mixed feeds consisting of grains, beet pulp, molasses, flaxseed, bran, vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients. This mixture is a rapid source of energy and can be added to grass or hay as a supplement. Concentrates are particularly useful for working horses, pregnant mares, or horses in heavy training that need additional energy beyond what forage alone provides. They should always be fed in conjunction with adequate forage, never as a replacement for it.
Grains
In natural settings, wild horses consume the seed heads of grasses as part of their diet. Oats and whole corn can also be used as horses feed when managed carefully. However, horses should not be fed highly processed or finely ground grains. Feeding too many grains, or grains high in rapidly fermentable starch, can cause colic or laminitis. Grains should always be introduced gradually and fed in limited quantities alongside sufficient fiber from hay or pasture.
Salt and Minerals
Salt and minerals are important components of a balanced horse diet. They can be included in concentrates or provided separately. A salt block placed in the pasture or stable allows horses to consume salt according to their own needs, which helps maintain electrolyte balance. Salt blocks can also be formulated with added minerals. Salt intake is especially important during summer or periods of heavy sweating, when electrolyte loss through perspiration increases significantly.
Treats
Treats for horses are not only given as a reward for good behavior but can also be used to support training and reinforce new skills. Common healthy options include apples, carrots, and other firm fruits and vegetables. Sweet fruits such as strawberries, bananas, melons, and grapes can be offered occasionally in small amounts. However, sugary treats like candies or sugar cubes should be kept to an absolute minimum, as excessive sugar intake raises the risk of laminitis, particularly in horses that are already prone to metabolic issues.
Horses do not have the instinct to associate discomfort with something they ate, so they will readily continue eating food that is not suitable for them. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain a structured and appropriate feeding plan.
Water
Water is not feed, but it is one of the most essential elements of horse health. Horses consuming fresh pasture grass naturally take in more moisture through their feed and may drink less. Horses fed primarily dry hay will require more water to compensate. For both, fresh and clean water should always be freely available. An average adult horse in moderate conditions needs between 25 and 55 liters of water per day, with needs increasing significantly during hot weather or heavy work.
Horse Feed Nutritional Overview
Understanding the general nutritional profile of each feed type helps owners build a balanced feeding plan for their horses.
| Feed Type | Crude Protein | Fiber Level | Energy Level | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pasture Grass | 10 to 20% (varies by season) | High | Moderate to High | Primary feed for all horses |
| Grass Hay | 8 to 12% | High | Low to Moderate | Maintenance, dry cows, mature horses |
| Legume Hay (Alfalfa) | 16 to 22% | Moderate | High | Working horses, lactating mares |
| Concentrates | 12 to 16% | Low | Very High | Performance horses, supplement to forage |
| Oats / Whole Corn | 10 to 12% | Low | High | Energy boost, limited amounts only |
| Grass Silage | 10 to 16% | High | Moderate | Alternative to hay in wet conditions |
Feed Storage Protection
After knowing the types of horses feed, it becomes clear that some feed may not be freshly available at all times. Some feed needs to be prepared in bulk and stored properly to serve the horses over an extended period. Having adequate stock in preparation for winter or periods of feed scarcity is important for every horse owner.
Silopak has been manufacturing silage film and bale net wrap since 2011 and has exported agricultural packaging products to many countries including New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and others. Our products include silage film, bale net wrap, and round bale film, available in various sizes to suit different farm requirements.
Using the right wrap helps with feed transportation and protects stored feed against moisture, birds, and rodents. Your horse feed stock will last longer and retain its nutritional quality when properly wrapped and stored.
Frequently Asked Questions about Horses Feed
Q: What is the most important component of a horse’s diet?
Forage is the most important component of any horse’s diet. This includes pasture grass, hay, or silage. Horses evolved as grazing animals with a digestive system designed to process large amounts of fibrous plant material over the course of the day. A minimum of 1.5 to 2% of the horse’s body weight in dry matter forage should be provided daily. Without adequate forage, horses are at increased risk of digestive problems including gastric ulcers, colic, and behavioural issues linked to insufficient chewing time.
Q: Is hay or silage better for horses?
Both hay and silage can be appropriate for horses when they are of good quality. Hay is the traditional choice and is widely accepted by most horses. Silage for horses requires more careful management because it must meet stricter hygiene and fermentation quality standards. Silage has no dust, which makes it an excellent option for horses with respiratory sensitivities. However, poorly made silage can contain mold or butyrate contamination that is harmful to horses. The best choice depends on your climate, available resources, and the specific health needs of your horse.
Q: Can horses eat grains as their main feed?
No. Grains should never be the main feed for horses. Horses’ digestive systems are not designed to handle large amounts of rapidly fermentable starch. Feeding too much grain can overwhelm the small intestine’s capacity to digest starch, allowing it to pass into the hindgut where it ferments rapidly, disrupting the microbial balance and causing conditions such as colic or laminitis. Grains should always be fed in small, measured amounts as a supplement to a forage-based diet.
Q: How much water does a horse need per day?
An average adult horse in moderate conditions requires approximately 25 to 55 liters of clean water per day. Water needs increase significantly during hot weather, heavy work, or when the horse is consuming primarily dry hay rather than fresh pasture. Lactating mares have even higher water requirements. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Horses that do not drink enough water are at increased risk of impaction colic, which is one of the most common digestive emergencies in horses.
Q: What fruits and vegetables are safe treats for horses?
Safe and commonly fed treats for horses include apples, carrots, pears, and most firm fruits and vegetables. Softer sweet fruits such as strawberries, bananas, grapes, and watermelon can also be offered in small amounts on occasion. Treats should always be cut into manageable pieces to prevent choking. Avoid feeding onions, garlic, rhubarb, tomatoes, avocado, stone fruit pits, and any processed human food. Keep sugary treats to a minimum to protect the horse’s metabolic health and reduce the risk of laminitis.
Q: How should horse feed be stored to maintain quality?
Hay should be stored in a dry, ventilated area away from direct ground contact to prevent moisture uptake from below. Round bales stored outdoors should be wrapped with UV-resistant bale net wrap to hold their shape and reduce surface spoilage. Concentrates and grains should be kept in sealed, rodent-proof containers. Silage bales must remain airtight until feeding and should be used within two to three days of opening. Checking stored feed regularly for signs of mold, unusual odor, or heating is an important routine for maintaining feed quality and animal safety.
This article was last reviewed and updated by the Silopak Editorial Team on May 10, 2026. Our team periodically revisits published content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with current best practices in livestock feed management and silage preservation.
