The 80/20 “Rule”: A New Approach to Feeding Horses—But Should You Follow It?

Sep 25

Written By Ann Emery

Social media is abuzz with talk of the "80/20 Rule," which suggests feeding horses 80% of their forage during the day.

But is this advice worth following?

Maybe, maybe not.

Let's dive into the origins of this idea and explore the concerns. The devil is in the details……

The Origins of the 80/20 “Rule”

The idea dates back to research from 2009, yet it hasn’t gained widespread traction since. Why? Good question! The concept was brought to light by veterinary surgeon Richard Hepburn, an expert in equine internal medicine. He introduced a feeding strategy aimed at reducing the risk of gastric ulcers—one of the most common and costly equine health issues.

Speaking at a Saracen Horse Feeds seminar, Hepburn suggested that feeding horses 80% of their forage during daylight hours could significantly reduce the chances of developing ulcers. Traditionally, horses are fed more evenly throughout the day and night, especially when stabled. However, pasture access and other factors can complicate this approach.

The Concept of Daytime Forage Bias

Hepburn advocates for a "daytime forage bias," where owners provide 80% of their horses' daily forage between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. This mimics the natural grazing habits of wild horses, which are most active during the day. Daytime grazing helps buffer the stomach from acid, whereas prolonged periods without food can increase stomach acidity and the risk of ulcers.

However, many horses experience drops in stomach pH without developing ulcers, which is a point of caution. The science behind this feeding strategy is promising but not definitive, and it’s essential to consider the bigger picture. For instance, horses with access to pasture may not fit neatly into this approach.

Supporting Research

The idea of daytime forage bias is supported by a 2009 study published in the Equine Veterinary Journal. Dr. Husted and colleagues observed that horses tend to consume about 63% of their forage during the day, even when given 24/7 access to hay. However, the study lacked a control group, and while interesting, it doesn’t provide enough evidence to warrant a complete overhaul of feeding schedules.

Practical Tips for Horse Owners

Hepburn's strategy may be particularly beneficial for horses on restricted diets, such as show horses or those prone to weight gain. For these horses, managing when they eat can be as important as how much they eat. By feeding the majority of forage during the day, owners might help protect the horse’s stomach while controlling calorie intake.

Is There Enough Evidence to Change Feeding Practices?

While the research is promising, more extensive studies are needed before making this feeding strategy a standard practice. Feeding schedules should be tailored to each horse's specific needs. The timing of hay delivery is important, but so are the amount and quality of the forage. It’s crucial to consider a horse’s individual metabolic needs, activity level, and body condition when determining a feeding plan.

Conclusion: Rethinking Feeding for Ulcer Prevention

Though the concept of a "forage bias" is intriguing, more research is needed to fully validate it. For now, it offers valuable insights for preventing ulcers in horses at risk. Aligning feeding times with natural behaviors may help improve digestive health, but any changes to a horse’s diet should be made in consultation with an equine nutrition professional.

Stay informed, and consult with experts before making significant changes to your horse’s feeding regimen. With further research, we’ll continue to learn what’s best for maintaining equine health.

References: Husted, L., Sanchez, L. C., Baptiste, K. E., & Olsen, S. N. (2009). Effect of a feed/fast protocol on pH in the proximal equine stomach. Equine Veterinary Journal.

Listen to More: Check out the episode “Science, Social Media, and Your Horse’s Health” on The Scoop Equine Nutrition Podcast. Host Annie Emery, a scientist and independent nutrition professional, discusses the importance of interpreting scientific research in horse nutrition.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4D7Ayj7SEcgurepykgW6NQ

Ann Emery