Forage is the foundation of a horse’s diet, playing a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. As grazing animals, horses are naturally designed to consume small amounts of forage consistently throughout the day and night. Ensuring your horse has access to ample forage can help address common health challenges, improve their quality of life, and support their natural dietary needs.

Let’s explore the benefits of forage intake and how it can make a significant impact on your horse’s health.

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1. Forage & Healthy Weight Gain

For horses that need to gain weight, forage is one of the safest and most effective solutions. High-quality hay, pasture, or other forage sources provide a steady supply of calories and fiber, supporting gradual and healthy weight gain without overwhelming the digestive system.

Best Forage Options for Weight Gain:

• High-quality hay (timothy, orchard grass, teff, alfalfa, etc.)
• Haylage (great for extra moisture and nutrients)
• Chopped hay or hay cubes (easy to digest and packed with energy)

Unlike grain-based feeds, forage-based weight gain reduces the risk of metabolic issues and keeps the digestive system functioning smoothly.

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2. Forage Helps Prevent Ulcers

Did you know that horses produce stomach acid continuously, even when they aren’t eating? Without a constant supply of forage, stomach acid can build up and lead to gastric ulcers, a painful and common condition in horses.

How Forage Protects Against Ulcers:

• Chewing produces saliva, which helps buffer stomach acid.
• A full stomach means less acid exposure to the delicate stomach lining.
• Consistent forage intake prevents long periods of fasting that increase ulcer risk.

Tip: Horses should never go longer than 4 hours without eating to maintain gut health and prevent discomfort. Learn more about this research here.

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3. Forage Helps Horses Stay Warm in Winter

When temperatures drop, forage becomes a horse’s natural heater! As forage ferments in the hindgut, it generates internal heat, helping horses stay warm from the inside out.

Winter Forage Tips:

• Increase hay intake during cold snaps to support body temperature.
• Feed free-choice hay to allow horses to regulate their own needs.
• Choose high-fiber forage like grass hay to maximize warmth.

Providing extra forage in winter not only keeps your horse warm but also helps maintain their weight during colder months when calorie demands are higher.

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4. Mimicking Natural Grazing Behavior

In the wild, horses graze up to 16-18 hours a day, consuming small, frequent meals. This natural grazing behavior keeps their digestive system functioning optimally and prevents issues like:

Boredom & Stereotypic Behaviors (cribbing, weaving)
Digestive Upsets (colic, ulcers)
Stress & Anxiety

By ensuring your horse has access to forage throughout the day and night, you’re mimicking their natural feeding patterns, which promotes both physical and mental well-being.

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Practical Tips for Increasing Forage Intake

Looking to increase your horse’s forage availability? Try these simple strategies:

• Free-Choice Hay: Allow your horse access to hay at all times, especially if pasture is limited.
• Slow Feeders: Use slow-feed hay nets or feeders to extend forage availability and prevent waste.
• Forage Variety: Offer a mix of hay types, such as grass hay and alfalfa, to meet your horse’s nutritional needs.
• Winter Preparation: Increase forage intake in cold weather to help maintain weight and body temperature.
• Nighttime Forage: Ensure your horse has hay available overnight to prevent long fasting periods.

These small adjustments can greatly improve your horse’s digestive health, comfort, and overall happiness.

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Why Forage is Key to Your Horse’s Health

Forage is so much more than just a source of calories—it’s the cornerstone of equine nutrition. By prioritizing a forage-rich diet, you can:

• Support healthy weight gain in underweight horses.
• Prevent ulcers and digestive issues by maintaining stomach health.
• Keep your horse warm in winter with natural heat production.
• Reduce stress and mimic natural grazing behaviors, improving mental well-being.

Providing consistent forage access is one of the best ways to support your horse’s long-term health and happiness. Whether it’s offering free-choice hay, adding extra flakes, or using slow feeders, these simple changes make a big difference!

How do you ensure your horse gets enough forage? Share your tips in the comments!