Feed Smarter, Not Harder: How to Cut Feed Costs Without Compromising Your Horse’s Health
By Annie Emery
There is no doubt that horse care, feeds, and management are all getting more expensive every week. I hear it in my calls and echoed online. And…its super overwhelming! That said, I see some people making a few mistakes that cost in the end—and ignore some other common-sense ways to save some cash without compromising quality and nutrition…
Much of my work is about client education, and you’ll have seen these themes reflected before—
Emotional decisions, especially around supplement choices.
We forget that horses don’t “need” supplements (I don’t consider salt a supplement—that’s a nutrient). We see many ads each day that vie for our attention, and we must HIT THE PAUSE button. Think about what you would need it for, and don’t do it “just because.”
For those supplements you have now, think:
Why did I start feeding this?
Have I seen the result I was hoping for?
Is this still appropriate for my horse’s current condition or workload?
Can I get a veterinarian to help with this? Is there a need for a medication instead?
Hay:
Buy the best hay you can afford and don’t waste—even the best “grain” can’t outperform bad hay. Try to get a hay analysis if you can, and contact me if you want a hay analysis review ($50).
Yes, we love our grain/concentrates. But don’t 100% rely on that to fill gaps in hay—depending on what it is, that might not be enough. Make sure you know how much per day your horse needs, and weigh it with a fish scale if possible.
Don’t waste what you have! Use a net, bag, or feeder to avoid horses throwing it on the ground. This also slows down the horse which is beneficial to the gut as they have hay in front of them longer.
Budget feeds:
Many people try to cut costs on “grains” by buying the $25-a-bag versions. But be warned! This will bite you in the butt. Why?
They are economy lines with poor-quality protein sources, and the feeding rate is often 5–10 pounds a day! That will quickly add up—likely to even more cost than a bag from a reputable brand with high-quality ingredients.
Look for soy, beet pulp, alfalfa, flax, and rice bran as legit first-tier options. If you see grain by-products, roughage, corn, oats—RUN! That’s the fast track to health problems and a decline in wellbeing.
Know the right feed and the volume of feed for your horse, and you’ll come out ahead—knowing you’re spending your dollars wisely.
Don’t use supplements for first-line health needs—work with your vet to get a clear diagnosis, treatment plans, and appropriate meds/prescriptions. Supplements are supportive, not therapeutic. Consider this in the bigger picture.
Get help.
Feeding your horse doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
By focusing on hay quality, feeding the right amount, reducing waste, and cutting unnecessary supplements, you can keep your horse healthy and reduce your monthly costs.
If you’re unsure where to start—or want help evaluating your current feeding plan—I offer affordable one-time reviews and custom consultations at Revolution Equine Nutrition.
This content reflects the original opinions and voice of Annie Emery and was not created by AI. All rights reserved. Use at your own risk. © 2025 Annie Emery.
Hay photo: Federico Respini