How to Pick the Right Pellet for Your Horse Breed

Every horse has different energy needs, making it important to customize each individual horse’s diet. A horse on the wrong diet may either gain or lose weight and become unhealthy. To achieve optimal health and performance, it’s important to understand how to pick the right pellet for your horse breed and energy requirements.

Breed and Temperament

If you have an energetic or “hot” breed, you are well aware that feeding too many calories can give your horse an unwelcome boost of energy. Likewise, not feeding enough energy can deprive a heavier or “cold” breed of the energy they so desperately need. Here is a quick guideline to help you learn how to pick the right pellet for your horse breed.

• Energetic breeds under light to normal work: If your horse is a hot breed or temperament, but doesn’t have high energy demands, it’s important not to feed too many calories. Grass hay pellets will provide the right amount of nutrition without adding too much energy.
• Energetic breeds under heavy work: Even energetic breeds will require additional energy in their diet if they are under a heavy workload. Race horses and high-level show horses need an extra boost of energy to get them through their frequent workouts. These horses will do best on an alfalfa pellet, which contains more protein for additional energy.
• Most heavier breeds: Heavier breeds, such as draft horses, are known to be a little lazy, so these horses will likely benefit from a little extra energy in their food. These horses will do well on alfalfa pellets, as that extra protein will help boost their energy during their workouts. The exceptions are horses that are only worked lightly or not at all, or those that have metabolic issues or are “easy keepers,” as these horses may gain too much weight on alfalfa pellets.

Other Factors to Consider

Breed is only one of the factors to consider when choosing the right pellet for your horse. The level of their workload is also important, as it determines how much energy they need to get from their diet. Their overall health and age are other factors that need to be considered. Your horse’s diet can have a lasting impact on your horse’s health, so be sure consult with your veterinarian before making any major dietary changes.

For more information about the different types of pellets, please contact Sacate Pellet Mills.