Ensure Optimum Nutrition with the Best Horse Feed & Treats
Provide your horse with premium nutrition through our comprehensive collection of horse feed, healthy horse treats, and targeted horse supplements. From specialized senior horse feed formulas to low starch horse feed options and beneficial equine supplements, we offer vet-recommended nutrition for every life stage and dietary need. Whether supporting weight gain for horses or managing metabolic conditions with low sugar horse feed, find the best horse feed solutions for optimal equine health.
Why Quality Horse Feed & Supplements Matter
Proper equine nutrition forms the foundation of horse health, affecting everything from energy levels and performance to coat quality and joint function. Senior horses have unique nutritional needs, requiring easily digestible feeds with higher fat and protein content to maintain body condition and muscle mass. Specialized supplements like joint supplements for horses and probiotics address specific health concerns while supporting overall wellness.
Essential Horse Feed Categories
- Senior Horse Feed: Complete feeds like Purina Equine Senior and Triple Crown Senior provide easily digestible nutrition with higher fat (10%) and fiber (17%) content for aging horses. These feeds support horses with dental issues through soft pellets that can be soaked into mash.
- Low Starch & Low Sugar Feed: NSC-restricted formulas containing less than 10% combined starch and sugar help manage metabolic conditions, insulin resistance, and laminitis risk. Essential for horses with PPID or EMS.
- Complete Feeds: All-in-one nutrition that can replace hay when necessary, containing a minimum of 15% crude fiber. Ideal for horses with limited forage access or those unable to chew hay adequately.
- Performance Feed: Energy-dense formulations supporting active horses with higher caloric needs while maintaining digestive health through balanced fiber content.
- Weight Gain Formulas: High-fat feeds with added calories from digestible fiber sources like beet pulp, supporting healthy weight gain in thin or hard-keeper horses.
Premium Horse Supplements
- Joint Supplements: MSM, glucosamine, and omega-3 fatty acids support cartilage health and reduce inflammation. Research shows omega-3s provide "highest strength evidence" for arthritis management.
- Probiotics for Horses: Beneficial bacteria supporting gut health and immune function, particularly important during stress, antibiotic treatment, or dietary changes.
- Omega-3 Supplements: EPA and DHA from marine sources provide anti-inflammatory benefits for joint health, with studies showing improved stride length and reduced inflammatory markers.
- Hoof Supplements: Biotin and amino acids supporting strong hoof walls and healthy growth, requiring 6-12 months for visible improvements.
- Senior Horse Supplements: Enhanced nutrition with higher quality proteins (lysine, threonine), organic minerals, and digestive support for aging horses.
Healthy Horse Treat Options
- Low Sugar Treats: NSC-restricted options including timothy hay cubes, beet pulp cookies, and vegetable-based treats safe for metabolic horses.
- Natural Treats: Fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, berries, and celery provide vitamins and antioxidants in moderation.
- Commercial Healthy Treats: Wholesome Blends and similar products containing beneficial ingredients like sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, and alfalfa without harmful additives.
- Training Rewards: Peppermint, carrot, and apple flavored treats that horses readily accept, supporting positive reinforcement during training sessions.
Feeding Guidelines by Horse Type
- Senior Horses (15+ years): Feed high-fat, high-fiber complete feeds with enhanced protein quality. Look for signs like muscle loss, coat changes, and difficulty maintaining weight.
- Metabolic Horses: Provide low NSC feeds (<10% combined starch/sugar) with forage-based diets. Avoid high-starch grains and sugary treats.
- Performance Horses: Support with energy-dense feeds and targeted supplements, including joint support, electrolytes, and muscle-building amino acids.
- Hard Keepers: Use high-calorie complete feeds with added fat sources and digestible fiber. Consider rice bran or vegetable oils for additional calories.
- Growing Horses: Provide balanced nutrition supporting development with appropriate protein levels and essential amino acids for proper growth.
Supplement Safety & Usage
Most equine supplements are safe when used according to directions, but always introduce them gradually to prevent digestive upset. Joint supplements typically require 4-8 weeks for visible benefits, while probiotics show effects within days to weeks. For horses with specific health conditions, veterinary consultation ensures appropriate supplement selection.
Why Shop Horse Feed & Treats from HardyPaw
- NABP-Authenticated Quality: As an authenticated pet pharmacy, we ensure access to genuine feed and supplement products that meet FDA and AAFCO standards for equine nutrition.
- Trusted Brand Partners: We stock premium horse feed and supplements from industry leaders known for research-backed nutrition and proven results in equine health.
- Expert Nutrition Guidance: Our knowledgeable team helps you select appropriate feed and supplements based on your horse's age, activity level, and specific health requirements.
- Complete Nutrition Solutions: We carry comprehensive nutrition solutions for every horse's needs, from basic maintenance feeds to specialized therapeutic diets.
- Professional Support: Our team provides guidance on feeding programs, supplement combinations, and nutritional management for optimal equine health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good senior horse feed different from regular feed?
Senior horse feeds contain higher fat (8-12%) and fiber (15-20%) with easily digestible ingredients and enhanced protein quality. They're formulated as complete feeds that can replace hay if necessary, with soft pellets suitable for horses with dental issues. Many include prebiotics and probiotics for digestive support.
Which supplements are most beneficial for joint health in horses?
Omega-3 fatty acids show the strongest scientific evidence for joint health, followed by MSM and glucosamine. Research indicates marine-derived omega-3s at 15-38 grams daily provide anti-inflammatory benefits and improved joint function in arthritic horses, with effects visible after 75-90 days of consistent use.
Are low-sugar horse treats safe for all horses?
Low-NSC treats are safer for most horses, particularly those with metabolic conditions like insulin resistance or laminitis. Good options include timothy hay cubes, celery, cucumber, and commercial treats with <10% combined starch and sugar. Always introduce new treats gradually and feed in moderation.
How do I know if my horse needs probiotics?
Probiotics for horses benefit those experiencing digestive upset, stress, antibiotic treatment, or feed changes. Signs include loose manure, poor appetite, weight loss, or behavioral changes. Senior horses and those with compromised gut health particularly benefit from probiotic support for immune function and nutrient absorption.
What's the difference between complete feeds and grain concentrates?
Complete feeds contain high fiber (15%+) and can replace hay entirely, making them suitable for horses with dental issues or limited forage access. Grain concentrates require hay supplementation and provide concentrated energy and nutrients. Complete feeds are typically fed at higher quantities (15-25 lbs daily) versus concentrates (2-8 lbs daily).
