How to Select a Concentrate for Performance Horses

Stephen E. Duren, BS, MS, PhD, PAS; and Tania A. Cubitt, BS, MS, PhD

Feed companies manufacturing concentrates for performance horses will vary the amounts of essential nutrients, and even the sources of these nutrients, to satisfy the nutrient requirements of the performance horse and to appeal to consumers. Feed manufacturers will also write feeding instructions to account for horses performing at different intensities. The challenge for the consumer, and ultimately for the veterinarian assisting the consumer, is to determine which concentrate is best suited for that individual horse or group of horses.