How much food should a horse receive based on its body weight?

A horse should generally receive about 2 pounds of feed for every 100 pounds of body weight daily. This guideline ensures that horses receive the appropriate amount of nutrients to maintain their health and energy levels, particularly when they are in moderate work or maintenance needs.

The base amount of 2 pounds accounts for the horse's overall size and metabolic requirements. If a horse weighs 1,000 pounds, that calculation would equate to about 20 pounds of food per day, which falls within the commonly accepted range for a horse’s dietary needs.

Understanding this information is crucial for horse owners and caregivers, as proper nutrition directly impacts a horse's performance, health, and well-being. Adjustments may be made for factors such as age, workload, and health conditions, but the foundational principle remains anchored on this 2 pounds for every 100 pounds of body weight.