10 Common Horse Feeding Mistakes

so they can provide good grazing for your horses.
Poor Hay
Buying hay can be difficult but it really is worth it to be particular because poor hay can cause all types of problems. Hay may be nutritionally deficient. Some hays are not suitable for horses and can cause colic. Dusty moldy hay can be bad for your horses lungs and overall health.
Calculating by Volume Not Weight
Its important to feed both hay and concentrates by weight not by volume. Although it will be difficult to determine the weight of the hay your horse eats if it is eating free choice from a round bale you can estimate the weight of the hay your horse is eating if youre using small square bales. Why is this important? Generally owners throw their horses a few flakes of hay for each meal. But not all small squares are of equal weight.
Weighing grain concentrates is important too. Most caretakers use the scoop method. But horse feed companies recommend feeding by weight and calculate recommended portions by body weight. If you just go by eye you may be under or overfeeding your horse. Weigh the portions at least once to calculate the recommended amount for your horse and then make a mark on your scoop so you know youre feeding the same amount each time.
OverSupplementing
At best oversupplementing is throwing your money away. At worst oversupplementing can cause mineral or vitamin imbalances
Before adding vitamin or mineral supplements have your hay analyzed and check the ingredients of your concentrates.
Ignoring Parasite Control
Some internal parasites compete with your horse for the food they eat. A regular deworming program can get rid of harmful parasites that can both steal nutrients and damage your horses internal organs.
While equine dental problems arent really a feeding problem your horse will not be able to get all of the nutrition it needs if it cant chew properly. This is especially common in older horses that may have missing or loose teeth. Mature horses can develop hooks and sharp edges on their teeth which can make chewing painful. Regular dental care is a must
Not Providing Adequate Water
Providing clean plentiful water is essential to your horses health. Impaction colic can occur if your horse especially one who has access to only hay doesnt stay well hydrated. Very cold water can dissuade horses from drinking in the winterand not surprisingly thats when impaction colic is most common. A trough
heater or half bucket of hot water mixed with the cold is a good way to make sure your horse doesnt have to drink icy cold water.
Not Providing Salt
Salt is important to maintain your horses electrolyte balance. Some people put loose salt on their horses feed. Be careful not to oversalt. Most horses can selfregulate with a salt block in their stall or pasture.