When evaluating a feeding program it is vital to know how to calculate cost per head per day. To find the price per pound of feed, divide the cost of the bag by its weight. Do the same for hay, ideally weighing several bales to get an average. Then weigh the scoops of feed and flakes of hay that are being fed (one way is with an inexpensive fish scale and a plastic bag). Multiply the amount of hay and grain fed to each horse by their respective cost per pound and add the two together, including the cost per day of any supplements fed; the total will be the cost per head per day.

Another important consideration is the digestible energy or calories per pound of a given feed. Often this information can be obtained from the manufacturer or from a local representative and is useful when making comparisons. For example, feeding 5 pounds of a $14 bag of feed that weighs 50 pounds and is 1,550 calories per pound (7,750 calories) yields a cost per day of $1.40, while feeding 6½ pounds (7,800 calories) of a $9.65 bag of feed that weighs 50 pounds and is 1,200 calories per pound yields a cost per day of $1.25. The price difference to feed one horse is $0.15 a day or about $55.00 a year.

The point is that the best way to buy feed is by considering cost per day, not cost per bag. Owners who shop for feed by cost per bag often believe they are saving money by feeding a less expensive feed, when in reality they might be feeding more of that feed to meet their horse’s needs and buying expensive supplements when the horse does not perform the way they think it should