By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
It’s easy to look at the picture or name on a feed bag and assume it’s suitable only for one specific type of horse. For example, stud feeds are often thought to be exclusively for breeding animals, racehorse feeds for Thoroughbreds, and senior mixes for older horses.
While it’s true that these feeds are designed with a particular group in mind, the real question is: Can we use them outside of those intended categories? And more importantly, why might we want to?
When manufacturers formulate feeds, they usually base their recipes on the most common nutritional needs of a broad group. For example:
Racehorses generally require high-energy diets to meet the demands of intense training and competition.
Growing horses need more protein to support proper growth and development.
Senior horses often require feeds that are softer, easier to chew, and support age-related challenges such as reduced digestion.
These formulations work well for the average horse within those categories. However, as we all know, horses are individuals with different metabolisms, workloads, temperaments, and health histories. That means the most “logical” feed choice based purely on age or discipline might not always be the most appropriate one.
Take, for example, BlackType Sensitive - a feed originally developed for racehorses. It was designed to meet several key needs commonly seen in that population:
High energy to fuel top-level performance
Low starch to support gut health and reduce the risk of gastric ulcers
Excellent palatability to encourage consistent intake, even under stress or during travel
This makes perfect sense for racehorses. But when we break down what the feed actually delivers, it’s clear that these features could also benefit horses outside the racing world.
Dressage horses, eventers, and performance ponies often have similar requirements - sustained energy, digestive support, and feeds that promote steady intake. While the bag may say “racehorse”, the formulation itself can be an excellent match for other equine athletes too.
This is where feed representatives can be an invaluable resource. They have an in-depth understanding of the full product range and, crucially, they know what each feed truly provides, regardless of how it’s marketed.
A knowledgeable feed rep can:
Assess your horse’s individual needs and recommend feeds that may not be the most obvious choice
Explain the nutritional breakdown of feeds, including energy sources, starch and sugar content, and protein levels
Help you compare options across ranges to find the best fit - not just the one with the “right” label
Provide guidance on feed transitions, managing sensitive horses, and addressing specific performance or health goals
They act as a bridge between the science of equine nutrition and the practical realities of feeding real horses with unique needs.
Labels and marketing can be helpful guides, but they shouldn’t restrict your choices. By focusing on what a feed actually delivers, rather than who it’s marketed for, you can make more informed decisions that truly support your horse’s health and performance.
And remember, you don’t have to work it all out alone. Partnering with a feed rep can help you design a diet tailored to your horse’s specific requirements, whether they’re a racehorse, showjumper, broodmare, or a much-loved retired companion.
In the end, the best feeding programme is the one that works for the horse in front of you.
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