Horse Feed Cost Calculator
Calculate monthly and annual horse feed costs including hay, grain, and supplements based on horse weight and feeding rate.
How horse feed requirements are calculated:
A horse’s daily feed intake is based on its bodyweight. Horses eat roughly 1.5–3% of their bodyweight per day in total dry matter — a combination of forage (hay or pasture) and concentrate (grain or pellets).
Daily intake formula:
Daily dry matter (lbs) = Horse weight (lbs) × Intake rate %
Intake rate by activity level:
- Maintenance (light work or retired): 1.5–2% of bodyweight
- Light to moderate work (trail riding, light dressage): 2–2.5%
- Heavy work or performance (eventing, racing): 2.5–3%
Forage first rule: At least 1–1.5% of bodyweight must come from forage (hay or grass). Grain should never replace forage — it causes digestive issues.
Worked example:
1,100 lb Quarter Horse in light work (2% intake rate):
- Total daily dry matter = 1,100 × 0.02 = 22 lbs per day
- Hay: 18 lbs/day × $0.15/lb = $2.70/day
- Grain: 4 lbs/day × $0.40/lb = $1.60/day
- Daily feed cost: $4.30 → Monthly: ~$129
Typical feed costs (US averages):
- Grass hay: $0.08–0.18 per lb
- Alfalfa hay: $0.18–0.30 per lb
- Sweet feed / grain mix: $0.30–0.55 per lb
- Pelleted complete feed: $0.35–0.60 per lb
Supplements to budget separately:
- Salt/mineral block: $5–15/month
- Joint supplement: $30–80/month
- Hoof supplement: $20–50/month
- Dewormer (rotational): $10–15/dose, 4–6 times per year
Total monthly horse ownership typically runs $300–1,500+ including board, farrier, vet, and feed combined. Feed is usually 25–40% of total cost.