How to use this calculator
Enter your horse's body weight in pounds and select their activity level. Horses in light work need less feed than those in heavy training or competition. The calculator uses these inputs along with standard nutritional guidelines to estimate daily hay and grain requirements.
Choose your hay type (grass, alfalfa, or a mix) since each has a different calorie and protein content, which affects how much your horse needs to eat. If your horse receives grain or concentrates, the calculator factors that in as a supplement to the forage ration rather than a replacement.
Enter your local hay and grain prices per unit to see accurate cost projections. The results display daily, monthly, and annual feed consumption and costs. If you manage multiple horses, enter your herd size to scale the totals. Use these figures for budgeting, comparing hay suppliers, and planning bulk purchases during harvest season when prices are lowest.
How horse feed costs add up
Feed is the single largest ongoing expense of horse ownership, often accounting for 50% to 70% of total annual care costs. The amount your horse eats depends on body weight, workload, age, metabolism, and the quality of available forage. Hay prices also fluctuate by region and season, making it important to plan ahead and budget accordingly.
Horses are hindgut fermenters that require a forage based diet. Grain and concentrates supplement calories and nutrients when hay alone is not enough, but forage should always remain the foundation. Understanding your horse's daily requirements helps you avoid both underfeeding and costly overfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
How much hay does a horse need per day?
A horse at maintenance typically needs 1.5% to 2% of its body weight in forage daily. For a 1,000 pound horse, that equals 15 to 20 pounds of hay. Horses doing heavy work, lactating mares, and growing foals may require up to 2.5% of body weight in total daily feed.
How much does it cost to feed a horse per month?
Monthly costs depend on hay prices in your area, the type of hay, and whether your horse needs grain. Hay alone typically runs $100 to $250 per month. Adding grain or commercial feed for working horses can bring totals to $150 to $400 per month. Pasture access during the growing season reduces hay costs significantly.
Should I feed my horse grain or just hay?
Many horses at maintenance or in light work thrive on quality hay and a basic vitamin mineral supplement alone. Horses in moderate to heavy work, breeding or lactating mares, and growing youngsters typically benefit from the extra calories and protein in grain or commercial concentrates. A veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help determine the right balance.
How much water does a horse drink per day?
A horse at rest in mild weather drinks about 5 to 10 gallons per day. Horses in work or hot conditions may drink 15 to 20 gallons or more. Lactating mares also need extra water. Always provide access to fresh, clean water, as dehydration is a leading cause of colic.