Roughage (Forages)

• Roughage includes hays such as alfalfa, bermuda, fescue and timothy as well as blends that occur naturally in a pasture. Roughage should make up the majority of a horse's diet.
  
  

Concentrates

• Concentrates are a mixture of grains (oats, corn, barley and wheat) plus some kind of byproduct such as molasses or bran. Concentrates are higher in starches and lower in fiber. They are usually used to supplement a pleasure horse's nutritional needs.
  
  

Protein Supplements

• Supplements such as soybean meal, linseed meal, brewer's grains and cottonseed meal are beneficial for very active horses and working horses.
  
  

Treats

• Treats such as sliced apples or carrots and cookies made especially for horses are a pleasurable way to pamper your horse. Just be sure to feed your horse treats in moderation.
  
  

Considerations

• What you feed your horse and how much you feed it should always depend on the horse's age, weight, activity level, overall health and breeding status.
  
  

Warnings

• Colic is an intestinal condition that can be deadly to a horse. Often colic can be managed by an increased fiber intake, an adequate water supply and feeding consistency.
  Since moldy corn can be poisonous to horses, check corn feed for signs of mold.