What is the difference between forage and concentrate for horses?

For horses, the primary distinction between forage and concentrate lies in their composition and purpose. Forage, such as pasture grasses and hay, is high in fiber and forms the foundation of a horse’s diet, supporting digestive health. Concentrates, like grains, are high in energy and supplement forage to meet increased energy demands, especially for working or growing horses.

What’s the Difference Between Forage and Concentrate for Horses?

The main difference between forage and concentrate for horses is their nutritional content and role in the diet. Forage, like pasture and hay, provides essential fiber for digestion. Concentrates, such as grains, offer a concentrated source of energy to meet specific needs.

| Feature | Forage

What Types of Feed Are Considered Forage?

Forage includes pasture grasses, hays, silage, root crops, straw, and cornstalks. Hay, created by drying grasses or legumes, retains maximum digestible protein and carbohydrates when harvested before seed development.

What is the Nutritional Value of Forage?

The nutritional value of forage varies. Legume hays like alfalfa and clovers are rich in protein, while grasses such as timothy and Sudan grass have lower protein content that depends on maturity and nitrogen fertilization. Pasture grasses and legumes are vital for grazing animals, offering a cost-effective feed source during the growing season.

How Do Concentrates Supplement a Horse’s Diet?

Concentrates supplement a horse’s diet by providing high energy. Grains like oats, corn, barley, wheat, and milo can be used, with oats being a preferred choice due to their bulk. Concentrates are especially useful for horses with high energy needs, such as those performing medium to heavy work.

Horses need a balanced diet of both forage and concentrates to meet their nutritional requirements, which vary based on their activity level, age, and physiological state.

Would you like to explore specific types of forage and their benefits for horses?