Forage Feed for Horses: Benefits, Types, and Best Practices

Forage feed for horses forms the foundation of a healthy equine diet. Unlike humans, who thrive on a variety of cooked meals, horses are grazing animals built to consume a steady supply of fibrous plants throughout the day. Whether your horse is a pasture companion, an elite competitor, or something in between, forage should make up the majority of their diet. But with so many options available—from hay to pasture to alternative fiber sources—horse owners often wonder which type is best and how to feed it properly.

This guide explores the benefits of forage feed for horses, different types available, and the best practices to ensure your horse thrives.

Why Forage is Essential for Horses

1. Digestive Health

Horses have a unique digestive system designed for constant grazing. Their large cecum and colon rely on a steady intake of fibrous forage to maintain healthy microbial populations. Without enough fiber, horses are at risk of colic, gastric ulcers, and impaction. Forage acts as a natural “gut regulator,” keeping the digestive tract functioning smoothly.

2. Nutritional Balance

Forage feed for horses is a natural source of essential nutrients. High-quality hay and pasture supply protein, vitamins, and minerals in addition to the fiber horses need. While grains and concentrates can provide energy boosts, forage is what sustains a horse’s overall well-being.

3. Behavioral and Psychological Well-Being

Horses are natural grazers, spending up to 16 hours per day foraging in the wild. Providing access to forage helps satisfy this instinctual need, reducing stress, boredom, and destructive behaviors such as cribbing or weaving.

4. Weight Management

Forage is not only filling but also lower in calories compared to grain. Horses that receive the bulk of their diet from forage are less prone to obesity and metabolic disorders. Controlled forage feeding is also useful for “easy keepers” who maintain weight easily.

Types of Forage Feed for Horses

When choosing forage feed for horses, it’s important to consider quality, nutritional profile, and availability. The most common types include:

1. Pasture Grass

Fresh pasture is the most natural forage source for horses. It provides hydration, vitamins (particularly vitamin E), and a balanced nutrient profile. However, pasture quality can vary with season, soil conditions, and grass species.

• Benefits: Natural, palatable, nutrient-rich, keeps horses active.

• Considerations: Seasonal availability, risk of laminitis in lush spring grass, and the need for rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing.

2. Hay

Hay is the most common form of forage feed for horses, especially when pasture is unavailable. There are several types:

• Legume Hay (e.g., alfalfa, clover): Higher in protein and calcium, ideal for growing horses, lactating mares, and performance horses.

• Grass Hay (e.g., timothy, orchard, Bermuda): Lower in protein, moderate energy, excellent for adult horses and easy keepers.

• Mixed Hay: Combines legumes and grasses, providing a balance of protein and fiber.

3. Haylage and Silage

Haylage is partially fermented grass with higher moisture content than hay. It’s more common in Europe but gaining popularity elsewhere.

• Benefits: Palatable and dust-free.

• Considerations: Shorter shelf life once opened and higher risk of spoilage if improperly stored.

4. Alternative Fiber Sources

Sometimes, horses need forage substitutes due to dental issues, allergies, or lack of quality hay. Options include:

• Beet Pulp: Highly digestible fiber, often soaked to prevent choke.

• Hay Cubes and Pellets: Convenient and consistent in nutrition.

• Chopped Forage/Bagged Chaff: Dust-free, great for older horses or those with respiratory problems.

How Much Forage Should Horses Eat?

A general guideline is that horses should consume 1.5–2.5% of their body weight in forage daily. For a 1,000-pound horse, this equals 15–25 pounds of forage.

• Light work/maintenance: Closer to 1.5%.

• Heavy work, growth, or lactation: Up to 2.5%.

Continuous access to forage (ad libitum feeding) often works best, as it mimics natural grazing patterns and reduces digestive risks.

Best Practices for Feeding Forage

1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

High-quality forage should be clean, green, and free from dust, mold, or weeds. Poor-quality forage can cause respiratory issues or digestive upset.

2. Match Forage to Horse’s Needs

• Performance horses: Benefit from higher-protein options like alfalfa or mixed hay.

• Easy keepers: Do better on lower-calorie grass hays.

• Senior horses: May need soaked hay cubes, beet pulp, or chopped forage if chewing becomes difficult.

3. Ensure Consistent Supply

Abrupt changes in forage type or source can disrupt gut microbes and cause colic. Transition gradually when switching hay or introducing new forage sources.

4. Provide Forage Safely

• Slow Feeders & Nets: Extend eating time, reduce waste, and mimic grazing.

• Soaking Hay: Useful for horses needing lower sugar intake, such as those prone to laminitis.

• Clean Storage: Store hay in a dry, well-ventilated space to prevent mold growth.

5. Balance with Concentrates When Needed

While forage feed for horses should be the diet’s foundation, some horses—particularly athletes, lactating mares, or hard keepers—may require grain or concentrate feeds to meet energy demands. Always introduce concentrates gradually and under veterinary or equine nutritionist guidance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Feeding Too Little Forage: Horses need fiber constantly; restricting forage can lead to ulcers, colic, and anxiety.

2. Ignoring Forage Analysis: Forage nutrient content varies. Having hay analyzed ensures you know what nutrients may need supplementing.

3. Over-Reliance on Grain: Concentrates are not a substitute for forage. Grain-heavy diets increase the risk of digestive disorders.

4. Poor Storage: Moldy or dusty forage can cause respiratory problems and should never be fed.

The Role of Forage in Specialized Diets

• Weight Loss Programs: Low-calorie grass hay paired with slow feeders allows overweight horses to lose weight without feeling deprived.

• Laminitis Management: Soaked hay with reduced non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) helps protect vulnerable horses.

• Senior Horse Nutrition: Easy-to-chew forage alternatives ensure older horses still get enough fiber.

Final Thoughts

Forage feed for horses isn’t just filler—it’s the cornerstone of equine nutrition. Whether it comes from lush pasture, high-quality hay, or carefully chosen alternatives, forage supports digestion, mental well-being, and long-term health. The key lies in choosing the right type of forage, feeding it consistently, and tailoring it to your horse’s age, activity level, and health needs.

By prioritizing forage as the foundation of the diet, horse owners can ensure their equine partners stay healthy, happy, and thriving for years to come.