Raising a healthy foal starts with the most fundamental aspect of care, nutrition.
Feeding young horses from birth through weaning is a delicate process that plays a critical role in their growth, development, and long-term well-being. Whether you're an experienced breeder or new to foal care, understanding the nutritional needs at each stage of a young horse’s life is essential.
Here are our top tips to help ensure your foal gets the best start in life:
Start with colostrum - The first and most crucial feed
In the first few hours of life, colostrum (the mare's first milk), is absolutely vital. It’s rich in antibodies that protect the foal from infection. Your foal should nurse within the first 2 hours after birth. A backup plan is often beneficial, keeping frozen colostrum or a powdered supplement on hand just in case.
Monitor nursing and mare health
For the first 2 to 3 weeks, the foal will receive all necessary nutrients from the mare's milk. Make sure the foal is nursing regularly and the mare has no udder issues or mastitis. A healthy foal should gain approximately 600g to 900g per day.
Your mare should also be fed a suitable feed balancer to ensure her ongoing health and recovery, and to support milk production.
Ensure clean, fresh water is always available, foals will begin to drink early on.
Introduce feeding gradually
At around 2 to 3 weeks of age, start offering a feed. A balancer can be ideal as the formulation is scientifically balanced, and easy for a foal to digest. Feeding from this age helps support growth as milk becomes insufficient and prepares the foal for weaning. Balancers can also be fed by the hand in small portions to ensure the foal receives all they need.
Choose a balancer with 16 to 18% protein (like Blue Chip Original), balanced calcium and phosphorus, and added vitamins like A, D, and E.
Support the gut with probiotics
A young foal’s digestive system is developing, so supporting gut health is key. Probiotic supplements promote healthy gut microbiome and can boost immune function. If your foal has diarrhoea, this can signal dietary issues or illness, and it's always wise to consult you vet promptly.
Pay attention to growth rate
Rapid or uneven growth can lead to developmental orthopaedic diseases (DODs), a group of conditions affecting bone and cartilage development during growth. We advise tracking weight and height weekly, and taking regular photos can really help you see the changes you don't often notice.
Avoid overfeeding or feeding of high-energy diets that encourage growth too fast.
Plan for a smooth weaning transition
Weaning typically happens after 6 months of age. At this stage an independent foal should be eating adequate amounts of hard feed, including a balancer. Wean gradually, as sudden weaning can cause stress and growth slumps. Try a step-by-step process if possible.
Post-weaning diet: Continue feeding a balancer/balanced diet formulated to ensure steady growth.
Be alert for signs of nutritional imbalances or health problems such as:
- Poor coat condition
- Lethargy or irritability
- Joint swelling or lameness
- Reluctance to eat or drink
Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Feeding a young horse correctly from birth through weaning requires care, consistency, and a good understanding of their developing needs. Providing high-quality colostrum, managing a gradual shift to a balancer/balanced diet, and maintaining this balanced nutrition (suitably matching their growth) throughout weaning will help lay the foundation for a strong, healthy adult horse.
INTERESTED IN FEEDING PREGNANT MARES?
Consult with us on feed whenever you're unsure, investing in correct feeding early on can make all the difference to your foal’s future.
We are always here to help, call us, email or chat on social.
