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Best Feed For Growing Horses (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for the best way to nourish your growing horse, then investing in high-quality feed is essential. As a responsible horse owner, you understand that proper nutrition is crucial to supporting your horse's overall health and development. However, with so many feed options available, finding the right one to meet your horse's unique dietary needs can be a daunting task.

Before buying any feed for your growing horse, there are several key factors that you need to consider. Firstly, you need to evaluate the nutrient content of the feed to ensure that it contains all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and proteins required for your horse's growth. Moreover, you should look for feed that is free of artificial preservatives and additives as these can harm your horse's health. Finally, you need to check if the feed is age-appropriate and designed to meet the specific nutritional demands of growing horses.

Are you tired of browsing through countless feed options without finding the perfect one for your growing horse? Are you concerned about providing the best possible nutrition for your horse but unsure about where to start? Look no further! In this article, we'll guide you through the key factors to consider when purchasing feed for your growing horse. Additionally, we'll provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about horse feed that every owner should know.

10 Best Feed For Growing Horses

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
It is ideal for supporting the health and growth of pregnant or nursing horses and their foals.
2
This horse feed is ideal for all stages and is pelleted for easy consumption.
3
The product is ideal for providing high-fat stabilized rice bran and coconut meal supplements specifically designed for senior horses.
4
This product is ideal for controlling flies in horses by breaking their life cycle.
5
This product is ideal for providing horses with comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplementation for healthy skin and coat.
6
This product is ideal for various animals such as reptiles, birds, and poultry as a high protein supplement.
7
This product is ideal for improving gut health in horses, promoting mood, coat, hoof growth and weight gain.
8
This product is ideal for reducing the population of flies in horses in a safe and palatable way.
9
The product is ideal for providing horses with essential vitamins and minerals in pellets form.
10
Ideal for housing and raising quails or other small birds, providing a durable and easy-to-clean two-layer cage for hatching.
It is ideal for supporting the health and growth of pregnant or nursing horses and their foals.
This horse feed is ideal for all stages and is pelleted for easy consumption.
The product is ideal for providing high-fat stabilized rice bran and coconut meal supplements specifically designed for senior horses.
This product is ideal for controlling flies in horses by breaking their life cycle.
This product is ideal for providing horses with comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplementation for healthy skin and coat.
This product is ideal for various animals such as reptiles, birds, and poultry as a high protein supplement.
This product is ideal for improving gut health in horses, promoting mood, coat, hoof growth and weight gain.
This product is ideal for reducing the population of flies in horses in a safe and palatable way.
The product is ideal for providing horses with essential vitamins and minerals in pellets form.
Ideal for housing and raising quails or other small birds, providing a durable and easy-to-clean two-layer cage for hatching.

1. Purina Impact | Professional Mare & Foal Horse Feed | 50 Pound (50 Lb) Bag

The Added Fat horse feed is designed to meet the caloric demands of breeding horses while supporting haircoat shine and bloom. The feed is formulated with controlled starch and sugar and without corn or corn-by products, making it a healthier option. Moreover, the feed is enriched with high-quality protein and added amino acids, including lysine and methionine, which supports breeding mares and growing foals. The vitamin and mineral fortification in the feed is specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements of broodmares and growing horses. This horse feed is formulated by Ph.D. equine nutritionists who have used ingredients that have been proven, through research and time, to support overall horse health and performance.

Pros

  • The Added Fat horse feed meets the caloric demands of breeding horses and supports haircoat shine and bloom.
  • The feed is formulated with controlled starch and sugar, making it a healthier option.
  • The high-quality protein and added amino acids, including lysine and methionine, support breeding mares and growing foals.
  • The vitamin and mineral fortification is specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements of broodmares and growing horses.
  • The feed is formulated by Ph.D. equine nutritionists using proven ingredients that support overall horse health and performance.

2. Purina | Impact All Stages 14 Pelleted Horse Feed | 50 Pound ( 50 Lb) Bag

This horse feed is specially formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of horses when fed as directed. It contains added vegetable oils, which provide sustainable energy and promote a shiny hair coat. The high-quality protein in the feed supports muscle performance with desirable amino acid profiles. The ingredients in the feed have been carefully selected by Ph.D. Equine Nutritionists and proven through time and research to support overall horse health. Additionally, the ingredients are highly digestible and naturally palatable, making it easier for horses to digest and enjoy their meals.

Feeding this horse feed to your horse can help ensure that they are receiving the balanced nutrition they need to support their overall health and wellbeing. The addition of vegetable oils promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat, while the high-quality protein supports muscle performance. The feed is made with quality ingredients that are easily digested and naturally palatable, making it a great choice for even the most finicky eaters.

Pros

  • Contains added vegetable oils for sustainable energy and a shiny hair coat
  • Formulated by Ph.D. Equine Nutritionists for overall horse health
  • High-quality protein supports muscle performance with desirable amino acid profiles
  • Quality ingredients are highly digestible and naturally palatable

3. Senior Horse Gold Renewal | 30lbs High-Fat Blend

Renew Gold Senior is a supplement that provides multi-spectrum support for senior and high-performance horses. It supports digestive efficiency, protein metabolism, and joint health, making it an excellent choice for horses that require comprehensive supplementation. The supplement contains High Fat Stabilized Rice Bran, CoolStance Coconut Meal, Ground Peas, and Stabilized Ground Whole Flax, which provide the controlled starch load (15%) base designed to be used with roughage and little to no additional grain. These ingredients also support cool, focused energy for your horses.

The extruded pellets of Renew Gold Senior are easier to digest and provide proper access to the joint health and digestive support ingredients, making it a convenient supplement for your horses. The supplement is formulated with Non-GMO ingredients, making it a safe and healthy option for your horses.

Pros

  • Supports joint and digestive health for multi-spectrum supplemental support in senior and high-performance horses
  • Provides controlled starch load base designed to be used with roughage and little to no additional grain
  • CoolStance Coconut Meal supports cool, focused energy for horses
  • Extruded pellets are easier to digest and provide proper access to joint health and digestive support ingredients
  • Non-GMO ingredients make it a safe and healthy option for horses

4. Simplifly Horse Fly Control Pellets – 160 Days Of Protection

The Fly Control Pellets are an effective solution to control fly populations. The product is capable of reducing fly populations by 97-100%. It is also formulated to prevent the development of house and stable flies in the manure of treated horses. The Fly Control Pellets contain Larvastop, an insect growth regulator that breaks the fly life cycle.

The pellets are highly palatable and can be easily added to the horse's feed. The product does not contain any organophosphates, which makes it safe for horses. It is recommended to feed the Fly Control Pellets throughout the season until cold weather restricts fly activity. The product is available in four different sizes, 3.75 lb., 10 lb., 20 lb., and 50 lb., providing 60-day, 160-day, 320-day, and 800-day supply respectively.

Pros

  • Reduces fly populations by 97-100%
  • Prevents development of house and stable flies in horse manure
  • Contains Larvastop, an insect growth regulator that breaks the fly life cycle
  • Highly palatable pellet that can be added to horse's feed
  • Does not contain any organophosphates
  • Available in four different sizes

5. Glossycoat Supplement For Healthy Horses

This feed supplement is designed to improve the nutritional value of any feed. It is packed with antioxidants that help support a healthy immune system. The supplement is highly palatable and easy to feed, making it a great addition to any animal’s diet. The inclusion of yeast culture in the supplement ensures optimal digestion, making it easier for the animal to absorb all the necessary nutrients. Additionally, this product is NASC certified, so you can be confident that it has been manufactured to the highest standards.

If you want to give your animal the best possible nutrition, this feed supplement is an excellent choice. It is easy to use, highly effective, and backed by industry-leading certifications. With this supplement, you can provide your animal with the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they need to stay healthy and strong.

Pros

  • Improves the nutritional value of any feed
  • Contains antioxidants to support a healthy immune system
  • Highly palatable and easy to feed
  • Includes yeast culture for optimal digestion
  • NASC certified

6. Mealworm Medley For Feathered And Scaled Friends

PTCOM&HATORTEMPT Dried Mealworms are a 100% natural and non-GMO source of nutrition for various small animals. The mealworms are raised on high-quality feed in good conditions and are checked strictly for quality at every step of production. They are quick-dried to ensure crispness and maximum flavor that animals crave.

These dried mealworms are rich in protein, fat, crude fiber, vitamins, and top-grade edible oils. They are an excellent food source for bluebirds and other wild birds, chickens, ducks, geese, sugar gliders, hedgehogs, reptiles, and other small animals that feed on mealworms. The convenient firm and resealable zip-top bags make it easy to bring out the mealworms and store the rest without worrying about spoilage. No refrigeration is necessary.

PTCOM&HATORTEMPT Dried Mealworms are more affordable than 11 lb dried mealworms and come with a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the product, you can receive a refund.

Pros

  • 100% natural and non-GMO
  • Raised on high-quality feed in good conditions
  • Checked strictly for quality at every step of production
  • Quick-dried to ensure crispness and maximum flavor
  • Rich in protein, fat, crude fiber, vitamins, and top-grade edible oils
  • Excellent food source for various small animals
  • Convenient firm and resealable zip-top bags
  • No refrigeration necessary
  • More affordable than 11 lb dried mealworms
  • Satisfaction guarantee

7. Gutboost Plus: Boost Mood, Coat, Hoof, Weight

This supplement is a must-have for horses suffering from ulcers. It comes in a liquid formula which is based on aloe vera, making it effective in promoting digestive health. The supplement is easily administered by adding it to the horse's daily feed. It provides quick relief from stomach and hindgut irritability, significantly improving the horse's mood. Not only does it provide relief, but it also improves the overall gut health of the horse. It enhances nutrient uptake and increases the efficacy of other vitamins. Moreover, it promotes a fuller coat, healthy weight gain, and improved hoof growth. This supplement is an effective solution for horse owners looking to provide their horses with the best possible care.

Pros

  • A much-needed supplement for horses suffering from ulcers
  • Liquid formula based on aloe vera for promoting digestive health
  • Easy to administer by adding to the horse's daily feed
  • Provides quick relief from stomach and hindgut irritability
  • Improves overall gut health by enhancing nutrient uptake and increasing the efficacy of other vitamins
  • Promotes a fuller coat, healthy weight gain, and improved hoof growth

8. Equine Fly Control Pellets – Safe & Palatable.

Say goodbye to fly infestations with MultiFly’s effective fly control pellets for horses. These pellets are formulated with Novaluron, an Insect Growth Regulator that effectively breaks the life cycle of flies, reducing the fly population in your barn by 99.9%. Unlike other brands, MultiFly’s active ingredient is completely safe for horses as it is not an organophosphate. These alfalfa and wheat midd-based pellets are also palatable, making it easier to administer to your horses daily by adding it to their feed. MultiFly is just as effective as other brands, but it is more affordable, giving you the best value for your money. All MultiFly products are proudly manufactured in their Colorado facility since 1946.

Say goodbye to fly infestations with MultiFly’s fly control pellets for horses. These pellets are formulated with Novaluron, which is known to be an effective Insect Growth Regulator. It works by breaking the fly life cycle, reducing the fly population in your barn by 99.9%. Unlike other brands, MultiFly’s active ingredient is safe for horses as it is not an organophosphate. These pellets are made with alfalfa and wheat midd, which makes them palatable and easy to administer to your horses daily by adding it to their feed. MultiFly’s fly control pellets are affordable, making it a cost-effective solution for horse owners. All of MultiFly’s products are made in the USA, ensuring high-quality standards since 1946.

Eliminate fly infestations with MultiFly’s fly control pellets for horses. These pellets contain Novaluron, an Insect Growth Regulator known for its effectiveness in breaking the fly life cycle, reducing the fly population in your barn by 99.9%. Unlike other brands, MultiFly’s active ingredient is not an organophosphate, making it completely safe for horses. These palatable pellets are made with alfalfa and wheat midd, which makes them easy to administer to your horses daily by adding it to their feed. MultiFly’s fly control pellets are affordable, providing horse owners with a cost-effective solution. All of MultiFly’s products are made in the USA, ensuring high-quality standards since 1946.

Pros

  • Contains active ingredient Novaluron, which is an Insect Growth Regulator
  • Effective at breaking the fly life cycle, reducing the fly population in your barn by 99.9%
  • Safe for horses as it is not an organophosphate
  • Palatable and easy to administer to your horses daily
  • Affordable, providing horse owners with a cost-effective solution
  • Made in the USA, ensuring high-quality standards since 1946

9. Farnam 100506701 Red Cell Horse Vitamin & Mineral Pellets, 4-Lbs. – Quantity 4

This horse supplement is designed to provide overall health support to horses of all ages and workloads. It contains important vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the diet, which helps maintain healthy metabolism and cardiovascular function. The supplement also supports the immune system with the presence of iron and zinc.

It is an ideal supplement for young, growing horses, broodmares, debilitated horses, senior horses, and performance horses. The supplement comes in palatable yucca-flavored pellets, which makes it easy to feed with no mess. The supplement contains 4LB of iron per half ounce and includes b-complex vitamins that help maintain normal cardiovascular recovery and support the immune system. It also helps maintain energy needs and performance demands.

Pros

  • Provides overall health support to horses of all ages and workloads
  • Contains important vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the diet
  • Supports the immune system with the presence of iron and zinc
  • Ideal for young, growing horses, broodmares, debilitated horses, senior horses, and performance horses
  • Comes in palatable yucca-flavored pellets, which makes it easy to feed with no mess
  • Contains 4LB of iron per half ounce
  • Includes b-complex vitamins that help maintain normal cardiovascular recovery and support the immune system
  • Helps maintain energy needs and performance demands

Best Feed For Growing Horses FAQs

How can the quality of feed be assessed for growing horses?

The quality of feed for growing horses can be assessed in several ways. One of the most important factors to consider is the nutritional content of the feed. Growing horses require a balanced diet that provides adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy growth and development. It is important to choose feeds that are specifically formulated for young horses, as these will typically contain the right balance of nutrients.

Another important factor to consider when assessing the quality of feed for growing horses is the freshness and purity of the feed. Feed that is contaminated with mold or other toxins can cause serious health problems for horses, so it is important to choose high-quality feed that has been stored properly and is free from contaminants.

Finally, it is important to monitor the growth and development of young horses closely to ensure that they are receiving the right amount and type of feed. Regular weigh-ins and body condition scoring can help to identify any nutritional deficiencies or imbalances, allowing for adjustments to be made to the horse's diet as needed. By paying close attention to these factors, horse owners can help to ensure that their young horses receive the best possible nutrition for healthy growth and development.

How often should growing horses be fed and what is the appropriate portion size?

Growing horses should be fed multiple times a day, ideally between 2-4 meals per day. This allows for a steady intake of nutrients and prevents overloading the digestive system. The appropriate portion size for a growing horse depends on several factors including age, weight, activity level, and overall health.

In general, growing horses should consume 1.5-2% of their body weight in forage (hay or pasture) per day. For example, a 500-pound horse should consume 7.5-10 pounds of forage per day. Additionally, a growing horse should consume a balanced concentrate feed that meets their nutritional needs. The amount of concentrate feed will vary depending on the horse's individual needs and the specific feed being used.

It is important to monitor a growing horse's weight and body condition regularly to ensure they are receiving the appropriate amount of feed. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues, while underfeeding can stunt growth and development. Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to develop a feeding plan tailored to your horse's specific needs.

What are the potential risks and benefits of feeding supplements to growing horses?

Feeding supplements to growing horses can have both potential risks and benefits. On the positive side, supplements can provide essential nutrients and vitamins that may not be present in the horse's regular diet. This can help promote healthy growth and development, as well as boost the immune system and improve overall health.

However, there are also potential risks associated with feeding supplements to growing horses. Over-supplementation can lead to adverse effects such as toxicity or imbalances in nutrients, which can actually harm the horse's health. Additionally, some supplements may not be properly regulated, and could contain harmful substances that may negatively impact the horse's growth and development.

It is important for horse owners to carefully research and select supplements that are safe and appropriate for their horse's specific needs. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist can also help ensure that the horse is getting the proper nutrition and supplementation for optimal growth and health.

What should be the ideal nutrient requirements for a growing horse?

The ideal nutrient requirements for a growing horse are essential for their proper development and health. A young horse requires a balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Protein is necessary for muscle and tissue growth and repair, while carbohydrates provide energy. Fats also provide energy and are essential in the formation of cell membranes.

Vitamins and minerals are also crucial for a growing horse. Vitamin A is necessary for vision and skin health, while vitamin D is required for bone development. Calcium and phosphorus are essential minerals for bone growth and development. Other important minerals include copper, zinc, and iron.

It is important to note that the nutrient requirements may vary depending on the breed, age, and activity level of the horse. Additionally, the type and quality of feed must be considered when creating a balanced diet. Adequate water intake is also necessary to support digestion and overall health.

Overall, providing a balanced and nutritious diet that meets the individual needs of a growing horse is vital for their health and development. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help ensure that the horse is receiving the appropriate nutrients for their growth and wellbeing.

What type of feed is best for growing horses - hay, grains, or a combination?

The type of feed that is best for growing horses depends on various factors such as age, breed, activity level, and overall health. However, in general, a combination of hay and grains is the best option for growing horses.

Hay is an essential component of a horse's diet as it provides the necessary fiber and roughage required for proper digestion. It also helps maintain the horse's digestive system healthy and prevents issues such as colic and other digestive problems. On the other hand, grains are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary for muscle and bone growth.

It is crucial to ensure that the hay and grains are of good quality and balanced in their nutritional content. Overfeeding grains can lead to issues such as obesity and laminitis, a painful hoof condition. Therefore, it is essential to consult a veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount and type of feed for growing horses.

In conclusion, a combination of hay and grains is the best feed for growing horses, but it is crucial to ensure that the feed is of high quality and balanced in its nutritional content to ensure the horse's optimal health and growth.

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