The ideal grain mix for an active horse depends on several factors, including the horse’s activity level, age, and overall health. A balanced diet of good quality forage, like grass or hay, supplemented with appropriate grains, ensures your horse receives the necessary energy and nutrients.
What to Consider in a Grain Mix for Active Horses?
When choosing a grain mix, consider the following:
- Activity Level: Horses engaged in medium to heavy work, such as plowing or intense training, require more energy than those at light work.
- Nutrient Requirements: The specific nutrient needs of horses are not always well-defined, but a mix of forage and concentrates generally meets their needs.
- Quality of Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality grains and avoid moldy or dusty feeds, as horses are susceptible to forage poisoning and respiratory issues.
Types of Grains Suitable for Active Horses
- Oats: Often considered the preferred grain for horses due to their bulk and digestibility.
- Corn (Maize): Can be used as a high-energy source, especially when horses need to gain weight, but use it in moderation as it can make horses sweat easily.
- Barley, Wheat, and Milo: These grains can also be used, particularly if they are more cost-effective than oats.
How to Feed Grain to Active Horses
- Supplementation: Lush spring pastures may require supplementation with high-energy grains for horses performing medium to heavy work. Conversely, late fall and winter pastures may need protein and vitamin A supplements.
- Feeding Schedule: Avoid feeding horses immediately before or after work to prevent digestive problems.
- Water: Fresh water is crucial, especially when the horse is shedding its winter coat, but avoid watering an overheated horse immediately after work.
- Commercial Mixes: Many commercial feed mixes are available that contain minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients designed to provide a balanced diet when supplemented with hay.
Potential Problems with Overfeeding Grain
- Digestive Disturbances: Overfeeding grain can lead to digestive upsets. Grain-burnt describes a digestive disturbance attributed to overfeeding with grain.
- Balanced Diet: Ensure that the grain is part of a balanced diet that includes sufficient forage to maintain healthy digestion.
| Grain | Benefits
Oats are generally the preferred grain for horses due to their bulk. Corn, barley, wheat, and milo can be used, however, whenever they are less expensive.
### What are some signs of grain overload in horses?
Grain overload in horses can manifest through several signs, including colic, diarrhea, laminitis (inflammation of the hoof), and general depression. The undigested grain ferments in the hindgut, leading to a buildup of lactic acid and a disruption of the gut’s microbial balance. Early detection and veterinary intervention are crucial to prevent severe complications.
### How much grain should I feed my horse daily?
The amount of grain to feed a horse daily depends on its weight, activity level, and the quality of forage it consumes. Weanling foals need about three pounds of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily