Oats

Oats are a cereal grain commonly used in horse feed due to their high digestibility and balanced nutrient profile. They outer hull proves fiber, with the inner components supplying carbohydrates and essential nutrients.

Oats are valued in equine nutrition as a highly digestible source of energy, making them a commonly used grain for performance horses. They have a lower starch content compared to other grains (such as corn and wheat), reducing the risk of digestive issues such as colic or laminitis. However, they still have a higher starch content than many commercial grains so should be fed with care to prevent providing excess starch in the diet.

Oats can be fed whole, crimped, rolled, or clipped to improve digestibility, but they generally require minimal processing. While they are a good source of calories, oats have a relatively low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and need to be balanced with other feed ingredients to meet a horse’s complete nutritional needs.