HORSES The Forage-Based Diet By Emily Fought | April 11, 2023 Share Many owners are realizing the benefits of a forage-based diet for their horse. These diets utilize grass products like pasture, hay, and pellets or cubed hay. Because horses are intended to graze throughout the day, this is a more natural way to feed your horse. Supplements or balancers are also used for nutritional support. The Basics of a Forage Diet Forage intake is 1.5-2.5% of their bodyweight. This varies based on if your horse needs to gain, maintain, or lose weight. Forage-based carrier consists of hay pellets (like timothy) and beet pulp. Mineral balancer, such as Vermont Blend or CA Trace Plus. Plain white salt is offered: 1-2oz daily. Vitamin E at 1-2iu/lb of bodyweight. Stabilized ground flax can be added for additional calories. Ideally, you'll be able to send a hay and/or pasture sample out for testing. This will allow you to supplement any deficiencies found in it. If that's not possible, then you can use a general mineral balancer based on your region. A nutritionist can formulate a diet to meet your horse's individual needs. You can also do research on your own! A forage-based diet can be used with hard or easy keepers, competition horses, those with metabolic disorders or sugar sensitivities. Many horses do wonderful on it! Horse owners have noticed a decrease in ulcer and gut problems. Their horses also have an improved mental state. Remember, any changes to your horse's diet should be done gradually. Cowgirl HotlistEmail address:* EmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. HORSES | commercial cowgirl diet feeds forage horses minerals natural nutrition vitamins