5 Feeding Mistakes That Might Be Sabotaging Your Horse (Without You Realizing It)

1. Feeding by Volume, Not by Weight

This is one of the most common mistakes I see.

We feed our horses by pounds, not by scoops. But unless you’ve actually weighed your feed, there’s no way to know what your horse is getting.

For example:

• 1 scoop of beet pulp ≠ 1 scoop of alfalfa pellets in weight

• Even different brands of grain vary wildly in density

Why it matters:
Overfeeding or underfeeding by weight can cause nutrient imbalances, weight gain/loss, and even metabolic stress—especially in easy keepers or performance horses.

What to do instead:
Weigh each type of feed you use with a simple kitchen or barn scale, then label your scoops accordingly. It’s a one-time task that pays off for the rest of your horse’s life.

2. Ignoring Forage Quality (and Quantity)

Hay isn’t just filler—it’s your horse’s foundation.

Many horses are fed “enough” hay in quantity, but the quality isn’t meeting their needs. Poorly stored, overly mature, or low-nutrient hay can leave major nutritional gaps.

Why it matters:

• Horses need 1.5–2.5% of their body weight in forage daily

• Poor forage = ulcers, weight loss, irritability, and poor digestion

• Quality matters just as much as quantity

What to do instead:
If you can, test your hay to know what you’re really feeding. Not possible? Consider supplementing with alfalfa, soaked cubes, or a forage balancer.

3. Overloading on Grain-Based Feeds

I get it—grain bags promise performance, shine, and topline in one scoop. But feeding more doesn’t mean better.

Why it matters:

• Many grains are loaded with starch and sugar

• Excessive grain can disrupt gut pH, cause ulcers, and contribute to colic or laminitis

• Most horses don’t need a full scoop (or any) of traditional grain

What to do instead:
Prioritize forage first, then add what’s missing. Many horses thrive on a forage-based diet with a simple vitamin-mineral balancer or ration balancer instead of grain.

4. Skipping the Mineral Balancer

Even the best hay is often deficient in key nutrients like copper, zinc, and selenium.

If you’re not balancing your horse’s diet with minerals, you’re likely missing the mark—whether or not you can see it yet.

Why it matters:

• Chronic mineral imbalances lead to dull coats, weak hooves, immune issues, and poor recovery

• Many feed labels don’t provide the right ratios for your forage

What to do instead:
Add a forage-specific balancer or get help creating a custom plan. A small adjustment can make a huge difference in your horse’s health and appearance.

5. Following Trends Instead of Feeding the Horse in Front of You

Just because it worked for someone else’s horse on TikTok doesn’t mean it’ll work for yours.

Every horse has unique needs based on age, workload, metabolic health, access to turnout, and more. Feeding based on trends—or flashy marketing—can backfire.

What to do instead:
Focus on your horse. Observe, track progress, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Better yet, work with a nutritionist (hi!) to tailor a plan that fits your horse’s body, lifestyle, and goals.

Feeding is one of the most powerful tools we have in caring for our horses—but only if we use it wisely.

These five feeding mistakes might seem small, but over time they can have a big impact on your horse’s performance, health, and happiness.

Need help building a better feeding plan?
I offer custom equine nutrition consultations through Coat to Core — no gimmicks, no hard sells, just real support and balanced solutions.