Forage Explained: How It Supports Long-Term Equine Health
For horses, nutrition is more than a matter of sustenance—it’s a fundamental pillar of wellness, performance, and longevity. One of the most essential aspects of equine nutrition is forage. Often mistakenly lumped in with general animal feed, forage is unique in its role, especially when supporting the long-term health of horses.
What Is Forage?
Forage refers to plant-based fiber sources that are essential to a horse’s digestive health and overall diet. Unlike grain-based feeds, forage provides the fiber needed to maintain gut motility, support microbial health, and mimic the horse’s natural grazing behavior.
Pellets vs. Cubes
- Forage Cubes: Designed for high-quality performance horses, forage cubes offer a dense, high-fiber meal that supports energy, stamina, and muscle maintenance. These are not just replacements for traditional hay but rather superior alternatives that deliver concentrated nutrition.
- Forage Pellets: These are best used as a supplement to forage cubes or other forage sources. Pellets provide an additional boost in nutrients and are particularly useful for horses with dental issues or those who require specialized nutrition.
Both forms can be soaked for 30 minutes or until softened, enhancing palatability and ease of digestion, though soaking is not mandatory.
Why Forage Matters for Equine Health
Horses evolved as grazing animals, consuming small amounts of fibrous forage continuously throughout the day. This constant intake of fiber is crucial for multiple physiological systems:
Digestive Health
The equine digestive system is uniquely sensitive and relies heavily on a steady supply of forage to prevent ulcers, colic, and other gastrointestinal issues. Forage cubes and pellets maintain this delicate balance by ensuring consistent fiber intake.
Nutritional Balance
Forage is rich in essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamins. When made from premium ingredients, forage cubes and pellets support:
- Strong bone development
- Proper muscle function
- Immune system resilience
Mental and Behavioral Well-Being
Access to forage satisfies a horse’s natural urge to chew, which reduces stress and mitigates behavioral problems like cribbing or pacing. Using cubes and pellets ensures that horses maintain this behavioral health, even in stable environments where grazing isn’t an option.
Choosing the Right Forage for Your Horse
Consider Your Horse’s Needs
Every horse is different, and their forage feed should reflect that. Consider factors like:
- Age
- Activity level
- Health status
- Dental condition
Performance horses, for instance, benefit greatly from high-quality forage cubes due to their elevated nutritional needs. Meanwhile, senior horses or those with dental issues may do better with forage pellets that are easier to chew and digest.
Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to forage feed, quality is everything. Low-grade forage can contain dust, mold, or nutritional inconsistencies that can negatively impact your horse’s health. Look for products that:
- Are bagged for protection and consistency
- List clear nutritional information
- Are free from additives or fillers
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we pride ourselves on offering premium, bagged forage cubes and pellets made from top-tier ingredients. Our products undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure they meet the highest standards in equine nutrition.
The Role of Forage Feed in Specialized Scenarios
Forage for High-Performance Horses
High-performance horses have unique dietary requirements due to the intense physical demands placed on them. For these equine athletes, forage cubes provide the robust nutrition needed to:
- Maintain muscle mass
- Sustain energy levels
- Aid in post-exercise recovery
Adding forage pellets on top as a supplement ensures a well-rounded, nutrient-dense feeding regimen.
Forage for Aging Horses
Older horses often face challenges like tooth loss, decreased digestive efficiency, and reduced appetite. Forage pellets, especially when soaked, offer an ideal solution by providing an easy-to-consume, highly digestible source of nutrition that still meets their fiber requirements.
Forage During Recovery or Illness
Horses recovering from illness or surgery may require specialized diets. Soaked forage cubes and pellets can be gentler on the digestive system and help maintain nutritional intake without overwhelming the stomach.
Feeding Best Practices
Introduce Slowly
To avoid gastrointestinal upset, transitioning to a new forage should be done gradually over a period of 7-10 days.
Monitor Intake
Keep an eye on how your horse responds to the new forage in terms of appetite, energy levels, and manure consistency.
Consider Soaking
While not mandatory, soaking forage cubes and pellets for about 30 minutes or until softened can:
- Prevent choking
- Improve hydration
- Increase palatability
Complement with Balanced Nutrition
While forage should be the foundation, depending on their individual needs, your horse may still benefit from additional supplements, grains, or concentrates.
Sustainability and Community Values
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we believe in more than just feeding horses—we believe in nurturing the entire ecosystem that supports them. Our commitment to sustainability means:
- Ethical sourcing of forage ingredients
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Supporting local agriculture
But our mission goes further. We are dedicated to giving back to the community, offering educational resources, supporting local equine events, and engaging in meaningful outreach.
Why Choose Greenway Animal Nutrition?
When you choose Greenway Animal Nutrition, you’re choosing more than just a product—you’re choosing a partner in your horse’s health. Our offerings are designed with the highest standards in mind:
- Premium Forage Cubes: Ideal for performance and active horses
- High-Quality Forage Pellets: Perfect supplemental fiber source
- Bagged Bedding: Clean, comfortable, and sustainable
We work closely with veterinarians, nutritionists, and horse owners to ensure our products deliver consistent, reliable results. Whether you’re managing a racing stable, a riding school, or a small family farm, our forage feed products can help you achieve optimal equine health.
Final Thoughts
Forage isn’t just a component of a horse’s diet—it’s the cornerstone. By understanding its role, choosing the right forms, and adhering to best practices, horse owners can significantly enhance the health and longevity of their animals. Whether you opt for cubes, pellets, or both, the key lies in quality, consistency, and a holistic approach to equine care.
Partner with Us Today
At Greenway Animal Nutrition, we recognize that high-quality feed is essential for maintaining healthy, well-nourished horses. That’s why we offer premium forage products designed to meet the needs of horse owners, breeders, and trainers. Whether you’re caring for a high-performance racehorse, a trusted riding companion, or a herd on your farm, our diverse selection of forage pellets and cubes provides a reliable feeding solution.
Reach out to us today and discover how our expertly crafted forage feed products can support your horse’s health now and in the long run.