Horse Feed Options: Grains and Concentrate Understanding Horse Feed: Grains, Pellets, and Supplements By Katherine Blocksdorf Katherine Blocksdorf Kathy Blocksdorf is an equine expert and writer with over three decades of experience in training and riding horses. She was raised caring for horses, rehabilitated rescue horses, shows her own horses, and rides long distance. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 03/10/26 Probiotics added to your horse's feed may help with some health issues. Credit: Spiritartist / Getty Images Key Takeaways Concentrates are blends of grains, cereals, and minerals designed to enhance a horse's weight, growth, energy, or health.Common horse feed options include beet pulp, corn, sweet feed, whole oats, and hay cubes, each with specific benefits.Proper storage and preparation, such as soaking hay cubes or monitoring molasses content, are crucial for horse feed safety. A concentrate is a blend of grains, cereals, and minerals used to improve a horse or pony diet. These blends can vary from a single ingredient to a mixture designed to enhance a horse's weight gain, growth, energy, or overall health. Here's a look at common supplements given to horses. 01 of 07 Beet Pulp Credit: K. Blocksdorf Beet pulp is frequently added to horse diets as a carbohydrate-rich feed and can be served wet or dry. Owners often prefer it wet during winter to provide extra moisture. It's beneficial for horses that are underweight or exerting a lot of energy. Molasses is typically added to pelleted beet pulp for binding and taste, and shredded beet pulp is also an option. Continue to 2 of 7 below 02 of 07 Cracked Corn Credit: K. Blocksdorf Corn is an effective carbohydrate source for horses. Although sometimes considered 'hot food,' this is inaccurate. It is commonly included in pelleted feeds. Corn kernels are hard, so cracked corn is easier to chew for horses with dental issues. Corn is often combined with grains like oats or barley. Continue to 3 of 7 below 03 of 07 Large Pelleted Concentrate Credit: K. Blocksdorf This pelleted concentrate is designed for mature horses. Most pellets combine grains like oats or barley with corn, vitamins, and minerals, using molasses as a binder for improved taste. Continue to 4 of 7 below 04 of 07 Sweet Feed Mix Credit: K. Blocksdorf This custom sweet feed mix allows owners with many horses to specify desired ingredients. It is delivered by bag or bulk truck to fill a large bin. This feed includes oats, corn, molasses, and a mineral supplement. Many companies produce sweet feeds for owners needing smaller quantities. Caution: In hot, humid weather, high molasses content can lead to fermentation or mold if the feed is stored for long periods. Warning Information on the potential fermentation or molding of sweet feed in hot, humid weather and the choking hazard of hay cubes if not properly prepared. These points can be emphasized to warn horse owners about the risks of improper feed handling and preparation. Continue to 5 of 7 below 05 of 07 Whole Oats Credit: K. Blocksdorf Whole oats are a traditional horse feed. They are also available crimped, crushed, rolled, steamed, or triple-cleaned to remove dust and weed seeds. Some believe crimping or rolling increases digestibility. Owners might observe whole oat-like remnants in manure and think horses can't digest the shell, but closer inspection shows only hulls remain. However, crimping or rolling may lead to quicker nutrient loss. Continue to 6 of 7 below 06 of 07 Hay Cubes Credit: K. Blocksdorf These cubes consist of highly compressed timothy hay. The hay is dried, chopped, compressed, and sold by the bag. Some owners replace part of their horse's hay with these cubes, which are beneficial for horses sensitive to hay dust. Despite a horse's strong jaw, these hard cubes pose a choking risk, so soaking and breaking them up can prevent this. Continue to 7 of 7 below 07 of 07 Pelleted Feed Credit: K. Blocksdorf This feed has been formed into nice little pellets especially for foals, although the size of the pellets would be fine for mature horses too. Pellets are usually a mixture of grains, corn, supplements. The grains are often steamed, so they are more digestible. Molasses is often added as a binder and to make the feed taste good. Explore more: Horses Horse Nutrition & Food