The 5 Types of Horse Feeds and Concentrates

Grains

Cereal grains include corn, oats, and barley. These are very high in energy, with corn being the most energy-dense and oats the most-fiber dense. Mold on any grain can be poisonous to horses, but especially mold found on corn. Grains are usually mixed with pellets in commercial feeds to provide added vitamins and nutrients.

Grain Mixes with Pellets

Commercial mixes are fortified in minerals and vitamins in addition to the grains and pellets. Beet pulp may be added to increase fiber, and molasses increases palatability and decreases dust. The most classically known mix is “sweet feed,” which so named because it is high in sugars. These are best for horses in high levels of work, as they are made up of mainly easily digestible carbohydrates for fast energy. 

Pelleted and Extruded Feeds

Pelleted feeds contain the same ingredients as grain mixes but are ground and formed into pellets so that horses can’t sift through to pick and choose ingredients. Extruded feeds undergo an additional cooking process to cut down on dust. Extruded feeds are also higher in fats, which help a horse gain weight and condition without some of the deleterious effects of sugar on the gastrointestinal system. There are myriad commercial options for every stage of life and level of work, with many higher in fiber and protein and lower in sugar than can be found in grain mixes. 

Complete Feeds

Complete feeds are so named because they are made up of the roughage, mineral, vitamin, and caloric content needed for a horse’s entire diet. Senior horses who have completely ground down or lost their teeth often need a senior feed, as they instead gum hay into balls called quids and drop them rather than appropriately chewing and swallowing. Some types of horses that colic routinely may benefit from a switch to complete feeds from hay.

Other additives to a diet are called supplements; your veterinarian and/or farrier may recommend these if your horse has specific hoof or health needs. Otherwise, while the bulk of a horse’s diet should be made up of roughage with the addition of minerals and vitamins as needed, a small amount of grain can support overall health and provide a tasty treat. Make sure to always supply a source of clean, fresh water.

Calculating your horse’s dietary needs can be tricky. Feed stores have scales that you can use, and there are ways to estimate your horse’s weight. Make sure to ask your veterinarian for their advice and make any feed changes slowly for the best gastrointestinal health. The best resource for further reading for any equine caretaker is the National Research Council's Nutrient Requirements of Horses: Sixth Revised Edition.1