How to Change Your Horse's Feed Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing your horse's feed can be necessary for many reasons, including weight management, illness, or a need to introduce supplements. However, because a horse's digestive system is sensitive, changes must be made *slowly and carefully* to avoid upsetting their health.

Research highlights that rapid feed changes can cause serious health issues such as colic and laminitis. The horse’s digestive system requires time to adapt to any dietary adjustments to maintain overall well-being.

Step 1: Understand Your Horse’s Digestive Needs

The equine digestive system is designed to process consistent diets, so sudden changes can disrupt the balance of gut microbes. When introducing any new feed or supplements, it’s essential to do so gradually. For example, oils and supplements should be incorporated slowly to allow good absorption and reduce the risk of diarrhoea or digestive upset.

Step 2: Changing Hard Feed Safely

If you need to increase your horse's hard feed, do so gradually by adding no more than 1½ lbs per day. To decrease hard feed, reduce by roughly ¼ lb every two days over 7 to 14 days.

When switching to a completely different hard feed, the safest method is to replace portions of the old feed with the new one, starting with 25% new feed mixed with 75% old feed. Increase the new feed by 25% every two days over a 5 to 7 day period until the transition is complete.

Step 3: Transitioning Hay and Forage

Changes to hay should also be gradual, especially when moving between types such as grass hay to legume hay. Replace about 25% of the hay every two days until the new hay fully replaces the old.

If switching from hay to haylage, proceed very slowly due to the higher moisture content of haylage. Watch for signs of scouring (loose stools), and if this occurs, immediately switch back to hay to protect your horse’s digestion.

Step 4: Managing Pasture Grazing

At times of lush grass growth, particularly in spring and autumn, horses prone to laminitis or digestive issues must have restricted grazing. Limit turnout time to a few hours daily, preferably letting your horse out after 10 am when the grass is less potent.

For horses not prone to laminitis, grazing time can be gradually increased by about an hour each day once grass starts to dry off. Muzzles can be used to control intake, but ensure they fit securely and cannot be removed by your horse.

Step 5: Work Closely With Your Vet for Special Diets

If your horse has veterinary dietary requirements for health conditions, always follow your vet’s specific instructions with regard to feed type and quantities. Any adjustments should still be made gradually to support your horse’s delicate digestive system and to prevent colic risk.

Step 6: Monitor Your Horse Throughout the Process

Throughout the feed transition, closely watch your horse for any signs of digestive upset such as changes in manure consistency, appetite loss, colic symptoms, or behavioural changes. If any issues arise, slow the rate of transition or consult your vet promptly.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Feed Change

• Maintain consistent access to clean fresh water to aid digestion during the transition period.
• Introduce new feeds or supplements in small amounts initially, gradually increasing over several days to weeks.
• Use a gradual mixing schedule: start with 25% new feed, 75% old feed for 2-3 days, then 50/50, then 75% new feed, before switching fully to the new feed.
• Be patient and prepared to adjust the timeline based on your horse's response.
• When in doubt, work with a qualified equine nutritionist or your vet to tailor the feeding plan.

By following these careful, step-by-step guidelines, you protect your horse’s health and digestive comfort during feed changes. Slow, monitored transitions are the key to avoiding colic and digestive disturbances, ensuring your horse thrives on their new diet.

For those looking for horses, consider responsibly sourced horses for sale from reputable breeders or sellers who prioritise animal welfare and proper nutritional care.