Horse Feeding for Welfare: Forage-First Principles

Appropriate feeding management is fundamental to equine welfare. Forage-first feeding principles reflect equine physiology and behavioral needs while preventing common welfare-compromising conditions.

Key Facts

Horses evolved to eat fibrous forage for 16-18 hours daily to maintain digestive health
The equine stomach secretes acid continuously regardless of whether food is present
Extended periods without forage cause gastric ulcers, colic, and behavioral problems
Concentrate feeding should supplement rather than replace forage in most horses
Slow feeders and hay nets extend feeding time closer to natural grazing duration

Welfare Considerations

Feeding management errors are among the most common causes of preventable welfare problems in horses. Extended fasting periods cause gastric acid accumulation leading to ulcers and discomfort. Large concentrate feeds cause rapid fermentation producing lactic acid and risk of colic and laminitis. Inadequate forage causes the frustration and behavioral problems of stereotypies as horses attempt to self-medicate through oral behavior. Forage-first feeding that provides ad libitum hay or controlled-access grazing for all horses, with concentrate supplementation only as required for work level and body condition, meets physiological and behavioral needs simultaneously.

What You Can Do

Ensure horses have access to forage for at least 16 hours daily
Use slow feeders and small-holed hay nets to extend feeding time
Never leave horses without forage for more than four hours
Reduce concentrate feeds to what is actually needed based on body condition and work level
Feed multiple small concentrate meals rather than one large feed
Provide appropriate hay analysis and mineral balancing for complete nutritional provision