The 5 Types of Horse Feeds and Concentrates

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 horse’s 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.

Mineral and Vitamin Supplements

Minerals and vitamins are critical for horse health. Essential major minerals include calcium, phosophorus, sodium and others, while trace minerals such as iron and selenium are just as needed but in smaller amounts. These can be found in many fortified grains but can be added separately in the form of mineral salt blocks or commercial mineral supplements. The vitamin and mineral needs of a horse depends on its stage of life, what roughage it is being fed, and the geographic location.

Ration Balancers

A ration balancer is a commercial mineral and vitamin supplement that is pelleted with a protein source, often soybean meal. They can be added to a diet if a horse needs more protein but is sensitive to feeds high in sugar.

Concentrates

Concentrates are feed that can be used to supplement calories to a horse’s diet. Many horses don’t need anything other than roughage and a mineral supplement, but those in high levels of work such as racing or pregnant or lactating mares should be monitored carefully for low body condition and supplemented as needed. There are a few key things to know about the horse’s digestive system before supplying concentrates. Firstly, the horse digestive system relies on microbes to help digest food, and any change in feed, especially grain, will cause a shift in this microbial population and can potentially cause colic. Secondly, horses are very sensitive to some additives found in other livestock feeds. Only feed your horse equine-specific feed; cattle or poultry feed can be fatal.

It's important to read any feed bag carefully and follow instructions. Also, make sure any feed is stored in airtight containers and thrown away if mold develops or if pests such as mice or opossums are noticed to have gained access. Grains are especially tasty to horses, and horses may overeat if they themselves have been able to access storage. Call your veterinarian immediately if you notice your horse has overeaten any type of grain, as it can cause serious diarrhea and laminitis.