Introduction
Feeding concentrate feed separately—rather than mixing it with hay or pasture—is a practical management technique that allows precise control of a horse's nutrient intake. This method reduces waste, prevents selective feeding, and helps monitor individual consumption. This guide covers recommended concentrate types, portion sizes based on weight and workload, feeding frequency, essential nutrients, foods to avoid, water intake, supplements, age-specific adjustments, and signs of proper nutrition.
Recommended Concentrate Types
Concentrates include grains (oats, barley, corn), pelleted feeds, and textured feeds (sweet feed). For separate feeding, choose feeds that are palatable and easy to measure. Common options are:
- Oats – high fiber, low starch, safe for most horses.
- Barley – higher energy, should be crimped or rolled.
- Corn – high starch, best for horses needing extra calories but must be cracked or steamed.
- Commercial pelleted feeds – balanced vitamins and minerals, convenient.
- Texture mixes – include molasses for palatability; monitor sugar content.
Always choose feeds appropriate for your horse's age, workload, and health status. Avoid dusty or moldy feed.
Portion Sizes and Daily Caloric Needs
Feeding by weight (pounds or kg) is essential. Below is a table indicating approximate daily concentrate amounts based on body weight and workload. Note: These are guidelines; adjust based on body condition and hay quality.
| Body Weight (lbs) | Light Work (lbs concentrate/day) | Moderate Work (lbs/day) | Heavy Work (lbs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 3-4 | 4-6 | 6-8 |
| 1200 | 3.5-5 | 5-7 | 7-9 |
| 1400 | 4-6 | 6-8 | 8-10 |
| Pony (500) | 1-2 | 2-3 | 3-4 |
Caloric needs: A 1000 lb horse at maintenance needs about 16,000 kcal/day, but concentrate provides only part of this. Hay should always be the foundation. For example, 4 lbs of oats (approx. 1.6 lbs? Actually compute: oats ~1.5 Mcal/lb, so 4 lbs = 6 Mcal). Adjust accordingly.
Feeding Frequency and Schedule
Feed concentrate in two or three meals per day, at regular times. Ideal schedule:
- Morning: 6-7 AM
- Afternoon (optional): 2-3 PM
- Evening: 6-7 PM
Feed each meal in a separate bucket, and ensure the horse finishes before turning out. Observe eating habits; any leftovers may indicate overfeeding or dental issues.
Essential Nutrients
Concentrates provide energy (calories), protein, and some vitamins/minerals. Key nutrients:
- Protein: 10-14% crude protein for adult horses; higher for growing, lactating, or hard-working horses. Source: soybean meal, alfalfa meal.
- Fat: Up to 8% fat in concentrate for extra energy; rice bran, flaxseed.
- Carbohydrates: Starch from grains (50-60% in corn); fiber from beet pulp or oats.
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, D, E; B vitamins generally synthesized in hindgut.
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus (ratio 1.5:1), magnesium, salt (sodium chloride).
Commercial feeds are often fortified; if feeding straight grains, supplement with a balancer pellet.
Foods and Ingredients to Avoid
Some plants and substances are toxic or harmful:
- Grain overload – too much concentrate at once can cause laminitis or colic. Never feed more than 5 lbs per meal.
- Moldy feed – may contain mycotoxins causing colic or liver damage.
- Blister beetles in alfalfa hay – rarely in concentrate but avoid contaminated lots.
- Milo (sorghum) – low palatability, may cause mouth ulcers if not processed.
- High starch concentrates – avoid for horses with metabolic issues (equine metabolic syndrome, Cushing's).
Always store feed in a cool, dry place; keep clean containers free from rodent droppings.
Water Intake
Fresh, clean water must always be available. A horse typically drinks 5-10 gallons per day, increasing with heat or work. Concentrate feeding increases thirst; ensure water source near feeding area. Monitor intake, especially if feeding dry pellets; consider soaking beet pulp to increase water consumption.
Beneficial Supplements
Supplement only if diet deficiencies exist. Common supplements:
- Salt – provide free-choice salt block (plain or trace mineral).
- Vitamin E/Selenium – for horses on poor pasture; antioxidants.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – flaxseed or fish oil; supports coat and joints.
- Probiotics – during stress or after antibiotics; helps hindgut health.
- Joint supplements – glucosamine, chondroitin for older or working horses.
Consult your vet before adding supplements; more is not always better.
Feeding Differences by Age
Foals (under 1 year): need high-quality protein and balanced minerals. Creep feed (small amounts of starter grain) separately. At weaning, feed 3-4 times daily; total concentrate up to 1.5% of body weight.
Yearlings to 2-year-olds: still growing; use specialized growth formulas with correct Ca:P ratio. Feed 2-3 times a day.
Adult horses: maintenance or work-appropriate rations. Adjust for pregnancy/lactation (increase energy and protein).
Senior horses (over 15-20 years): may have dental issues; choose easily chewed feeds (soaked pellets, mash). Feed smaller, more frequent meals. Add oil for calories and digestibility.
Signs of Healthy vs. Poor Diet
Healthy nutrition shows: bright eyes, shiny coat, good muscle tone, calm demeanor, consistent manure (well-formed), normal appetite, and optimal body condition score (5-6 on 1-9 scale).
Poor nutrition signs: dull coat, weight loss or gain, lethargy, hard or runny droppings, picky eating, hoof issues (cracks), respiratory problems (dusty feed), or colic episodes.
If you notice any negative signs, re-evaluate feed quality, amounts, and overall diet; consult a veterinarian or equine nutritionist.