Horse Feed Ration Calculator

Horse Feed Ration Calculator Guide

Proper nutrition is fundamental to a horse's health, performance, and longevity. The Horse Feed Ration Calculator assists owners in estimating the total daily feed intake required and how to balance it between forage (fiber) and concentrates (energy).

How Much Should a Horse Eat?

As a general rule of thumb, a horse should consume between 1.5% and 3.0% of its body weight in dry matter daily. For most healthy horses at maintenance or light work, 2.0% is the standard baseline.

The formula for total daily intake is:

\(Total\ Feed = Body\ Weight \times Intake\ \%\)

Balancing Forage and Concentrates

Horses are hindgut fermenters designed to eat fiber continuously. Therefore, forage (hay, pasture, chaff) should always form the foundation of the diet.

• Maintenance / Light Work: Often thrive on 100% high-quality forage.
• Moderate Work: May require 70-80% forage and 20-30% concentrates to meet energy demands.
• Heavy / Performance: May need up to 40-50% concentrates, but forage should never drop below 1% of body weight to prevent ulcers and colic.

Using the Calculator

Input your horse's accurate weight (use a weigh tape if unsure) and select the activity level that best describes their weekly routine. The calculator provides a starting point for daily rations. Always introduce diet changes gradually over 7-10 days and consult an equine nutritionist or veterinarian for specific health issues.