Dr. Jazmin Markey, PhD, PAS
This article focuses on key feeding management factors that influence digestive health and nutrient utilization in horses and ponies.
When discussing equine nutrition, much of the focus tends to be on what we feed - for example, ingredients, nutrient levels, or specific supplements; however, how, when, and why we feed horses can be just as important. Meal size and feeding frequency influence digestion, metabolic stability, and overall gut health. Understanding these feeding principles can help horse and pony owners structure feeding programs that better support the horse’s natural digestive physiology while optimizing feed utilization.
While every horse and pony is different, several general feeding guidelines are applicable across management systems.
Horses evolved as grazing animals. Under natural conditions, they may spend 14–18 hours per day eating, gradually consuming forage as they move or travel. The amount of time spent eating and the amount of forage consumed in a day may be influenced by the environment, as well as the quality and delivery of the forage (pasture vs. hay; high-quality vs. low-quality).
The equine digestive system reflects this grazing behavior. Horses have a relatively small stomach compared to their body size, and gastric acid is produced continuously. Because of this, long periods without fibrous feed can increase the risk of digestive disturbances such as gastric ulcers.
Horses and ponies should consume approximately 1.5–2.0% of their body weight per day as forage. For a typical 1,100 lb horse, this equates to roughly 16–22 pounds of forage per day. Whenever possible, horses should have regular access to forage throughout the day, whether through pasture turnout, free-choice hay, or multiple hay feedings. Feeding patterns that encourage frequent fiber intake more closely mimic natural grazing behavior and support overall digestive health.
Some horses can meet their energy requirements from forage alone, but many - particularly those in work, young horses in growth, or horses that struggle to maintain body condition - require additional calories from concentrate feeds. When feeding concentrates, meal size becomes especially important.
The horse’s small intestine has a limited capacity to digest starch at one time. When concentrate meals become too large, some starch may bypass digestion in the small intestine and enter the hindgut. This can disrupt microbial populations and increase the risk of digestive disturbances such as hindgut acidosis, colic, or even laminitis.
To help reduce this risk, concentrate meals should remain moderate in size. An established guideline is that concentrate intake should not exceed approximately 1.0% of body weight per day and/or 0.5% of body weight per feeding. For a 1,100 lb horse, this equates to roughly 11 pounds of feed per day and 5–6 pounds of concentrate per meal. If a horse requires more concentrate than this amount per day, it is generally best to divide the ration into multiple (three or more) meals rather than increasing the size of individual feedings.
In many barns, horses and ponies are fed twice daily for simplicity and practicality. This can work well when adequate forage is paired with low to moderate concentrate offerings; however, for higher concentrate intake, feeding smaller meals more frequently can provide additional digestive benefits.
Increasing feeding frequency may help:
• Improve nutrient digestion and absorption
• Reduce large spikes in blood glucose and insulin
• Stabilize energy levels
• Reduce the likelihood of starch reaching the hindgut
Management realities do not always allow for additional feedings, but ensuring that horses have consistent access to forage between concentrate meals can help maintain a more stable digestive environment in any scenario.
Some horses and ponies are particularly sensitive to large meals and may benefit from feeding programs that prioritize smaller, more frequent feedings.
These include:
• Performance horses: Athletic or working horses often require higher calorie intake. Dividing concentrate into multiple meals can help improve digestive efficiency while supporting consistent energy levels.
• Ulcer-prone horses: Frequent forage intake helps buffer stomach acid and may help reduce ulcer risk.
• Senior horses: Older horses may digest smaller meals more comfortably and benefit from additional feedings throughout the day.
• Horses with metabolic concerns: Dividing concentrate meals can help moderate glycemic response (blood glucose and insulin) and reduce metabolic stress.
Providing a consistent feeding routine can be just as beneficial as establishing proper meal size and frequency. Horses thrive on predictable schedules, and sudden changes in feeding practices can disrupt the digestive system. Changes in feed type, feeding rate, or feeding schedule should always be introduced gradually.
Good feeding management practices include:
• Feeding at consistent times each day
• Introducing diet changes gradually over 7–14 days
• Avoiding excessively large concentrate meals
• Ensuring adequate forage intake
Maintaining a consistent feeding routine helps support stable hindgut microbial populations and overall digestive health.
An Extra Note: Water Availability
Water intake is another important part of feeding management. It plays a critical role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and maintaining normal gut motility. Horses should always have access to clean, fresh water, particularly when consuming dry forage such as hay.
Water intake can vary depending on temperature, workload, and diet, but most horses will consume 5–10 gallons per day. Higher intake should be expected during hot weather or periods of increased exercise or production (e.g., lactation). Ensuring consistent access to water supports normal digestion and helps maintain overall health.
While every horse or pony’s nutritional needs vary, several practical guidelines apply across most feeding programs.
In general:
• Provide 1.5–2.0% of body weight in forage daily and encourage frequent access
• Limit concentrate meals to no more than 0.5% of body weight per feeding
• Divide larger concentrate amounts into multiple meals when possible
• Ensure horses always have access to clean, fresh water
• Maintain consistent feeding schedules
Good nutrition is not just about what we feed - it is also about how, when, and why we feed it.
At Keyflow®, our range of feeds, balancers, and supplements is developed with these principles in mind. Many Keyflow® products emphasize digestible fiber, allowing horses to receive balanced nutrition while maintaining low to moderate feeding rates by utilizing pre-digestive technologies such as steam extrusion alongside micronization.
Keyflow® feeds support nutrient availability and digestive efficiency, enabling horses to obtain the nutrition they need without relying on large concentrate meals.
United Kingdom
International Stockists
