How Much Grain Should I Feed My Colic-Prone Horse?

An owner with a colicky horse is worried that grain could be the culprit and wants to know how much to feed.
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How Much Grain Should I Feed my Colic-Prone Horse?
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

Q. My horse is 19 years old and is sometimes colicky. I think I’m giving her too much grain—I use a measuring cupful, and she weighs 800 pounds. Can you please help me? I’m worried!

—via email


A. Colic is a potentially life-threatening condition, and I applaud you for wanting to get to the bottom of what may be causing these episodes. I would encourage you to discuss with your veterinarian what the potential causes might be because, depending on the type of colic your horse is suffering, the two might not be related. Colic should always be brought to your veterinarian’s attention especially when it is repetitive

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Written by:

Clair Thunes, PhD, is an equine nutritionist who owns Clarity Equine Nutrition, based in Gilbert, Arizona. She works as a consultant with owners/trainers and veterinarians across the United States and globally to take the guesswork out of feeding horses and provides services to select companies. As a nutritionist she works with all equids, from WEG competitors to Miniature donkeys and everything in between. Born in England, she earned her undergraduate degree at Edinburgh University, in Scotland, and her master’s and doctorate in nutrition at the University of California, Davis. Growing up, she competed in a wide array of disciplines and was an active member of the U.K. Pony Club. Today, she serves as the district commissioner for the Salt River Pony Club.

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