Horse Feeding Calculator
Estimate your horse’s daily feed, forage and concentrate from its weight, age and workload.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a horse eat daily?
A horse should eat approximately 1.5% to 3% of their body weight daily, with at least 1% to 1.5% coming from forage (hay or pasture). For a 1,000 lb horse, this means 15–30 lbs of feed per day.
What counts as “moderate” work?
Moderate work includes regular schooling, frequent trail riding, low-level competition, or ranch work. This typically means 3–5 hours of exercise per week with some elevated heart rate activity.
Should I feed hay or pasture?
Both are excellent forage sources. Pasture provides natural grazing behavior and fresh nutrients, while hay offers more controlled nutrition. Many horse owners use a combination, especially when pasture quality varies seasonally.
When should I add concentrates?
Concentrates (grain or commercial feeds) should be added when forage alone doesn’t meet your horse’s energy needs—typically for horses in moderate to heavy work, growing horses, lactating mares, or hard keepers. Always introduce concentrates gradually.
Is this calculator accurate for all horses?
This calculator provides general guidelines based on standard nutritional recommendations. Individual horses may have different needs based on age, metabolism, health conditions, and breed. Always consult with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist for a personalized feeding plan.