How to Use Our Free Horse Nutrition Calculator for a Healthier Horse

Introduction to the EBS Horse Nutrition Calculator

Feeding your horse correctly can feel overwhelming with so many supplements, feeds, and hay options available. How do you know if your horse is getting exactly what they need? Our free horse nutrition calculator takes the guesswork out of feeding, helping you create a balanced, science-backed diet in just minutes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use the calculator, what to expect from your results, and how to apply the recommendations to improve your horse’s health.

Step 1: Enter Your Horse’s Details

To get started, you’ll provide basic information about your horse, including:

• ✅ Weight & Age – Essential for calculating nutrient needs
• ✅ Activity Level – Light work vs. heavy training affects energy requirements
• ✅ Health Concerns – Metabolic disorders, joint health, or digestive issues
• ✅ Other Considerations – Coat condition, hoof health, or behavioral concerns

👉 Why it matters: Every horse is unique, and their nutritional needs vary based on their age, workload, and health status.

Step 2: Enter Your Forage Details

Forage (hay, pasture) makes up the majority of a horse’s diet. Entering details about your hay and pasture helps the calculator determine whether they provide sufficient nutrition.

✅ No hay test? No problem! The calculator provides estimates based on typical forage types & weight.

💡 How to Weigh Your Hay

• ✔ Using a human body weight scale: Weigh yourself while holding the hay, then weigh yourself alone. Subtract the difference to get the hay’s weight.
• ✔ Using a luggage scale & hay net: Hang a filled hay net on a portable luggage scale for a quick and accurate measurement.
• ✔ Using a small platform scale: Place a container (like a bucket or bin) on a scale, zero it out, and add the hay to measure the weight.

👉 Why it matters: Even the best hay may lack key vitamins and minerals. Understanding your forage quality is the first step to balancing your horse’s diet.

Step 3: Enter Your Current Feed (Optional)

Are you already feeding commercial grain or supplements? Add them to the calculator to see if they are meeting or exceeding your horse’s needs.

• ✅ Compare your current feed to your horse’s actual requirements
• ✅ Identify missing or excessive nutrients

👉 Why it matters: Many horse owners unintentionally overfeed certain nutrients while missing others. This step ensures you’re feeding efficiently and cost-effectively.

Step 4: Review Your Horse’s Nutritional Profile

Once you’ve entered all details, you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of your horse’s nutrition, including:

• ✅ Nutrient levels – Protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to recommended levels
• ✅ Gaps & Imbalances – Areas where your horse may be deficient or getting too much of a nutrient
• ✅ Forage vs. Feed – How well your hay and current feed work together

👉 Why it matters: This data gives you the confidence to make informed decisions about your horse’s diet rather than guessing.

Step 5: Get Science-Backed Feeding Recommendations

Based on your horse’s needs, the calculator will recommend:

• ✅ Targeted Supplements – To fill specific nutrient gaps & add supportive care
• ✅ Balanced Feed Plans – Adjustments to optimize your horse’s health
• ✅ Forage Adjustments – How to complement your hay with the right nutrients

Why Use This Tool?

• ✔ Fast & Easy – Takes just 5-10 minutes to complete
• ✔ Data-Driven – Science-backed recommendations, not marketing hype
• ✔ Custom to Your Horse – No one-size-fits-all approach
• ✔ Saves Money – Prevents over-supplementation and unnecessary feed purchases

Final Thoughts

Feeding your horse doesn’t have to be confusing. With our free equine nutrition calculator, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and control over your horse’s diet.

Would you like personalized support? Contact us today for a nutrition consultation!