Horse Feeding Guides: Diet and Nutrition Tips

an idea of how much to feed flake and bale weights differ considerably. Round bales may be more economical but must be closely examined for wetness or mold which can harbor the dangerous toxin botulism. Quality of hay including low dust and absolutely no mold is paramount to horse health. 
Cubes and Hay Pellets
Hay and alfalfa also come in pelleted and cubed form. These can be easier to eat for horses with poor dentition because roughage is already broken down into small pieces to create the pellets and cubes. However it is very important to soak hay cubes in water for at least 10 minutes2 and even break them up manually as they can be a source of esophageal obstruction or choke. Horses that have airway diseases may benefit from being fed soaked hay cubes or pellets as dust coming off soaked feeds is minimal.

Beet Pulp
Beet pulp is a byproduct of the sugar beet industry and is dried or pelleted. It is a source of fiber and carbohydrate without being massively high in sugar. It is also high in calcium and has moderate protein content. Soaking raw beet pulp makes it more palatable increases your horses hydration and reduces the chance of esophageal obstruction. Beet pellets do not have to be soaked. It is excellent as an additive for hard keepers that need to gain weight safely. Beet pulp cannot completely replace the need for hay but is a good option if you want to reduce the amount of hay you feed because of cost or increase water intake.