HORSE FEEDING GUIDE
How To Feed A Horse Feed Balancer
Practical guidance for introducing horse feed balancers, improving palatability and helping fussy horses receive the nutrients they need.
In this guide
- How to introduce gradually
- How to improve palatability
- How to help fussy horses
- How to choose the right balancer
Quick Summary
Feeding A Balancer Successfully Starts With Simple, Consistent Mixing
- Introduce balancers gradually over several days.
- Use a small carrier feed such as soaked fibre if your horse is fussy.
- Mix thoroughly so powders do not settle at the bottom of the bucket.
- Add water slowly to improve texture and palatability.
- Keep meals simple and avoid unnecessary sugary feeds.
Step-By-Step Feeding Process
How To Introduce A Horse Feed Balancer
Keep the process simple. Most horses accept a balancer more readily when it is introduced gradually, mixed thoroughly and fed in a small, familiar carrier feed.
Start Small
Begin with a small amount of balancer and gradually increase over several days.
Use A Carrier Feed
For fussy horses, use a small amount of soaked fibre, chaff or another suitable low-sugar base.
Mix Thoroughly
Blend the balancer evenly through the feed so powders do not settle at the bottom of the bucket.
Add Water Slowly
Use a little water to improve texture, reduce dust and help the balancer cling to the feed.
Keep It Consistent
Feed at the same time each day and avoid constantly changing ingredients or flavours.
Common Challenges
Tips For Feeding Balancers To Fussy Horses
Some horses accept balancers immediately, while others need a slower introduction. These practical strategies can help improve acceptance and consistency.
Use Fast Soak Fibre
Adding soaked fibre such as Speedi-Beet® or another suitable carrier can improve texture and encourage acceptance.
Mix Dry Ingredients First
Combine powders before adding water. This helps distribute minerals more evenly throughout the feed.
Use Warm Water
Warm water can improve smell, texture and help powders bind to feeds more effectively.
Introduce Gradually
Start with smaller amounts and increase over several days to improve acceptance.
Avoid Overcomplicating
Adding too many ingredients at once may make feeds less appealing and harder to manage.
Based on thousands of forage analyses, many horses simply require:
Simple, Consistent Feeding
12,500+ forage analysesWatch The Guide
Watch: How To Feed A Horse Feed Balancer To Fussy Horses
Watch our practical demonstration showing how to feed a horse feed balancer, improve palatability and encourage acceptance in fussy horses.
Find The Right Support
Which Horse Feed Balancer Is Right For Your Horse?
If your horse is fussy, barefoot, prone to metabolic issues or needs extra support, choosing the right balancer can make feeding simpler and more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Feeding Horse Balancers: Common Questions
What if my horse refuses to eat a balancer?
Introduce it slowly, start with a very small amount, and mix it thoroughly into a fast soak fibre such as unmolassed beet-pulp or low-sugar hay pellets. Avoid using chops and chaffs as the minerals can clump quite easily.
Can I feed a balancer without hard feed?
No. You will need to use some form of carrier. We recommend fast soak fibres as there work very well.
Should I add water to my horse’s feed?
Yes. The balancers are in powder form. You should add a good amount of water so the carrier is well-soaked.
How quickly should I introduce a balancer?
Introduce gradually over several days, especially for fussy horses or horses that dislike changes in their bucket feed.
Which balancer should I choose?
The best balancer depends on your horse’s forage, workload, health needs and current diet. Forage analysis or our feed finder quiz can help guide the choice.