Choose the best forage option for your horse

By Betsy Gilkerson Weiland, University of Minnesota Extension

If you are a horse owner looking for ways to extend your hay, remember that horses need roughage just like everyone else — in fact, they need much more. Fifty percent to 100 percent of a horse’s diet should be forage of some sort.

Lower amounts of forages can lead to an increased risk for ulcers and colic.

The easiest approach to lack of hay is to avoid the situation in the first place. Know how much you need, and plan to have enough hay. Horses eat roughly 2 percent to 3 percent of their body weight a day; for example, an average 1,000-pound horse will eat around 20 to 30 pounds of feed daily, plus water.

When calculating your hay needs, add 10 percent for wasted hay. There is less waste when using feeders and small square bales, compared to round bales. Ask your hay supplier how much the bales weigh and calculate your hay needs before ordering. If you do experience a shortage of hay, it is best to extend the good hay you have with other fiber sources. A slow transition to other forages is essential for horses rather than switching when you run out. Common alternatives to regular baled hay are listed below, along with the pros and cons of each.

< Hay cubes. Pro: Little waste, easily handled and transported, good baled hay extender or replacement. Think of them as very small hay bales. Con: Can be expensive.

< Older hay. Pro: Can be quite healthy for horses. Con: Vitamins break down with time and minerals can leach out if bales get wet. You may want to test for nutrient levels to balance the hay with supplements.

< Beet pulp. Pro: Good source of energy and protein, you can feed 5 to 10 pounds a day. Con: Beet pulp should be soaked before feeding large amounts to prevent swelling in the horse’s digestive system. Need to supplement vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium.

< Complete feeds. Pro: Nutrients are balanced, good hay extender. Con: Not enough total fiber.