Horse Feed Calculator
Calculate daily hay, grain, and water requirements for your horse based on weight, activity level, and life stage.
Horse nutrition is based on body weight and workload. The foundation of any horse’s diet is forage (hay or pasture), which should make up at least 50–100% of the total diet by weight. Grain and concentrates supplement energy needs for working horses but should not replace forage.
The Golden Rule:
Total daily feed intake = 1.5% to 3.0% of body weight
Minimum forage = 1.0% to 1.5% of body weight
For a 1,000 lb (454 kg) horse, this means 15–30 lbs (6.8–13.6 kg) of total feed per day, with at least 10–15 lbs (4.5–6.8 kg) coming from hay or pasture.
Feed Requirements by Activity Level:
| Activity Level | Total Feed (% BW) | Forage (% of total) | Concentrate (% of total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance (idle) | 1.5–2.0% | 100% | 0% |
| Light work (1–3 hrs/week) | 1.8–2.0% | 80–100% | 0–20% |
| Moderate work (3–5 hrs/week) | 2.0–2.5% | 60–70% | 30–40% |
| Heavy work (racing, eventing) | 2.5–3.0% | 50–60% | 40–50% |
| Pregnant mare (last trimester) | 2.0–2.5% | 70–80% | 20–30% |
| Lactating mare | 2.5–3.0% | 60–70% | 30–40% |
| Growing foal (6–12 months) | 2.5–3.5% | 50–70% | 30–50% |
Common Horse Weights:
| Breed Type | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Miniature horse | 200–350 lbs (90–160 kg) |
| Pony | 400–800 lbs (180–360 kg) |
| Arabian / Light breed | 800–1,000 lbs (360–454 kg) |
| Quarter Horse / Average | 1,000–1,200 lbs (454–544 kg) |
| Warmblood / Large breed | 1,200–1,400 lbs (544–635 kg) |
| Draft horse | 1,500–2,200 lbs (680–1,000 kg) |
Hay Types and Quality:
| Hay Type | Protein | Energy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timothy | 8–10% | Moderate | Maintenance, easy keepers |
| Orchard grass | 8–10% | Moderate | All-purpose |
| Bermuda | 7–10% | Moderate | Warm climates |
| Alfalfa | 15–22% | High | Performance, lactating, growing |
| Mixed grass/alfalfa | 10–14% | Moderate-High | Versatile option |
Water Requirements:
Water = 5–10 gallons (19–38 liters) per day
Horses in hot weather or heavy work may drink 15–20 gallons (57–76 liters) per day. Always provide unlimited access to clean, fresh water. A dehydrated horse can colic within hours.
Salt and Minerals: Every horse needs salt — provide a salt block or loose salt at all times. Most horses consume 1–2 ounces (28–57 g) of salt per day. Additional mineral supplementation depends on local hay quality and soil conditions.
Feeding Schedule: Divide daily feed into at least 2 meals (ideally 3 or more). Horses are designed to eat small amounts continuously. Long gaps without forage (more than 4–6 hours) increase the risk of gastric ulcers and behavioral problems. Hay nets with small holes slow consumption and extend eating time.
Common Feeding Mistakes:
- Feeding too much grain and too little hay
- Changing feed suddenly (always transition over 7–10 days)
- Feeding immediately before or after heavy exercise
- Not providing enough water
- Ignoring body condition (too thin or too fat)
Body Condition Scoring (BCS): Use the Henneke 1–9 scale to assess your horse’s weight. A score of 5 is ideal. You should be able to feel the ribs with light pressure but not see them. Adjust feed amounts based on body condition, not just activity level.