FEED ADVICE – DISCIPLINES
Feeding Dressage Horses: The Ultimate Guide
Feeding dressage horses requires a specialised approach that focuses on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. Dressage demands precision, controlled energy, and excellent muscle development to perform the intricate movements required in the arena. In this guide, we will explore the best feeding practices to support your dressage horse’s physical and mental wellbeing, helping them achieve balance, power, and grace in their work.
What is Dressage?
Dressage is a discipline in which horse and rider perform a series of predetermined movements with precision and elegance.
These movements range from basic walk, trot, and canter to more advanced movements like piaffe, passage, and pirouette.
These movements range from basic walk, trot, and canter to more advanced movements like piaffe, passage, and pirouette.
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential to fuel their performance and help them maintain the topline and condition.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Dressage Horses
Dressage horses have unique nutritional requirements driven by the sustained and controlled nature of the sport. Their diet must provide:
Slow-Release Energy:
Dressage requires controlled power and endurance, best supported by a diet rich in slow-release energy sources such as fibre and fats.
Muscle Development and Recovery:
High-quality protein is essential for muscle tone and repair, as dressage horses rely heavily on strength and flexibility.
Joint and Bone Health:
Supporting long-term joint and hoof health is crucial, especially for advanced dressage movements that put additional strain on these areas.
Mental Focus and Calmness:
Dressage demands focus and calmness, so the diet should avoid feeds that create spikes in energy or excitability.
Metabolic Requirements of Dressage Horses
Dressage horses have increased metabolic needs due to the strength and control required in the sport. Their diet should focus on:
Fibre: A high-fibre diet supports slow-release energy, allowing horses to maintain the stamina required for long schooling sessions and competitions.
Fats: Offer a concentrated source of slow-release energy that supports endurance and helps maintain a calm temperament.
Protein: High-quality protein is essential for building and maintaining the muscle mass needed for strength and flexibility in dressage movements.
Key Components of a Dressage Horse’s Diet
Forage
High-Quality Hay: Forage should make up the majority of the dressage horse’s diet. Good-quality hay, such as timothy or meadow hay, provides fibre for slow-release energy and supports digestive health. Alfalfa can also be included for additional protein.
Grass: Access to good-quality grass provides natural fibre and can be a valuable source of nutrients, but the intake must be monitored to avoid weight gain or fluctuations in energy levels.
Hard Feed
Low-Starch, High-Fibre Feeds: Dressage horses perform best on feeds that provide slow-release energy without causing spikes in energy. Choose feeds high in fibre and low in cereals to support steady energy levels and calmness during training and competition. All of our feeds use superfibres to provide your horse slow release energy without fizz!
Balancers: A balancer can help ensure your horse gets the necessary vitamins, minerals, and amino acids without excessive calories. This is especially important for maintaining muscle health, coat condition, and hoof strength.
Key Components of a Dressage Horse’s Diet
Energy Sources
Fats: Vegetable oils such as linseed or soya oil are ideal for providing slow-release energy that supports endurance without making the horse excitable. Fats are also helpful for maintaining a healthy coat and promoting calmness.
Fibre: High-fibre sources such as beet pulp, chaff, and soaked hay are excellent for slow-release energy and maintaining digestive health.
Cereals: While cereals like oats and barley provide quick-release energy, they should be limited in a dressage horse’s diet to prevent excessive energy spikes or excitability.
Protein Sources
Alfalfa: Alfalfa is an excellent source of both protein and fibre, supporting muscle tone, strength, and digestive health.
Soybean Meal: Rich in essential amino acids, soybean meal supports muscle development and recovery, crucial for the physically demanding movements required in dressage.
Linseed: In addition to being a source of healthy fats, linseed provides high-quality protein to support muscle repair and overall conditioning.
Key Components of a Dressage Horse’s Diet
Supplements:
Joint Support: Supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are essential for supporting joint health, particularly as dressage places strain on the joints due to movements like piaffe, passage, and pirouette.
Hoof Supplements: Biotin, zinc, and methionine can help support strong, healthy hooves, which are crucial for maintaining balance and control in dressage movements. Did you know all our complete feeds already contain biotin?
Electrolytes: While dressage horses may not sweat as heavily as those in more intense disciplines, electrolytes can still be useful after long training sessions or competitions, particularly in hot weather.
Digestive Supplements: Probiotics and prebiotics can help maintain gut health, especially
.
Hydration:
Fresh Water: Constant access to fresh, clean water is essential to keep your dressage horse hydrated, especially during long training sessions and warm weather. Soaked feeds or hay can also help promote hydration.
Feeding Tips for Dressage Horses
Energy for Control and Precision: Focus on providing slow-release energy from fibre and fats to fuel your horse’s work without creating excess energy or excitability.
Monitor Body Condition: Regularly assess your horse’s body condition score (BCS) and adjust their diet accordingly. Dressage horses should maintain a healthy weight to optimise their movement without becoming overweight or undernourished.
Post-Exercise Nutrition: After intense training sessions, provide high-quality protein to support muscle recovery and maintain your horse’s condition.
Consistency in Feeding: Feed your horse at the same times each day to maintain digestive health and ensure steady energy levels. Avoid large meals just before or after exercise.
Tailoring the Diet to Different Stages of Dressage
The dietary needs of a dressage horse will change between training, competition days, and rest periods. Adjusting the diet to these different stages will help ensure optimal performance and recovery:
Training Periods: During intense training phases, provide slow-release energy from fibre and fats, along with high-quality protein to support muscle development. Avoid quick-release energy sources that could make the horse excitable during precision work.
Competition Days: Ensure your horse has access to light, high-fibre feeds before and after the competition to maintain energy levels and promote digestion without causing excitability. Hydration is crucial, so make sure your horse has plenty of fresh water and consider using electrolytes during warm weather.
Rest Days: On rest days, adjust the amount of hard feed to reflect the reduced energy requirements, focusing on high-quality forage to maintain digestive health and prevent weight gain.
Conclusion
Feeding a dressage horse requires a careful balance of energy, muscle support, and recovery. A diet rich in high-quality forage, balanced hard feed, and targeted supplements will help ensure your horse performs at their best, maintaining the strength, flexibility, and focus needed for the intricate movements of dressage. By tailoring the diet to the specific demands of the discipline and the individual needs of your horse, you can help them reach their full potential.
Hear from the Brand Ambassador– Sarah Stewart
Sarah Stewart’s early career saw her working with top event riders and managing prestigious equestrian centres, including Gleneagles Equestrian Centre and Hartpury College. After transitioning from eventing and show jumping to dressage, Sarah achieved her dream of competing at Grand Prix level with her horse Polly, overcoming significant challenges along the way. In her approach to dressage, Sarah understands that the right nutrition is crucial for maintaining her horses’ performance and well-being. Her focus is on providing a balanced diet that supports the specific needs of dressage horses, who require both energy and endurance without excess excitability.
What we Recommend for Dressage Horses
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Why Veteran feeds are different 👴
As horses age, their bodies change, and so do their nutritional needs. That’s why our Veteran range is formulated differently from our standard feeds:
🔬 Fibre: softer chaff in the Mix, and pellets that soak into a mash, making them easier to chew and digest.
🔬 Protein: higher levels to support muscle maintenance, as older horses can lose muscle tone more easily.
🔬 Balancer: extra vitamins and minerals to compensate for reduced digestive efficiency.
Why Veteran feeds are different 👴
As horses age, their bodies change, and so do their nutritional needs. That’s why our Veteran range is formulated differently from our standard feeds:
🔬 Fibre: softer chaff in the Mix, and pellets that soak into a mash, making them easier to chew and digest.
🔬 Protein: higher levels to support muscle maintenance, as older horses can lose muscle tone more easily.
🔬 Balancer: extra vitamins and minerals to compensate for reduced digestive efficiency.
Did you know we make a pelleted feed specifically for older horses? Pure Veteran Pellets make it easy:
🌾 Soft & soakable so easy on worn teeth
⚡ Slow-release energy from fibre & oil
🧪 Built-in vitamin & mineral balancer specifically for older horses
💚 Gut-friendly for maximum nutrient absorption
✅ Complete feed, so no extra supplements needed
Did you know we make a pelleted feed specifically for older horses? Pure Veteran Pellets make it easy:
🌾 Soft & soakable so easy on worn teeth
⚡ Slow-release energy from fibre & oil
🧪 Built-in vitamin & mineral balancer specifically for older horses
💚 Gut-friendly for maximum nutrient absorption
✅ Complete feed, so no extra supplements needed
Ever wondered what the Pure Feed team use with their own horses? Meet Tara, Elise (Head of Nutrition ) Irish Sport Horse.
Since arriving three years ago, Tara has been fed on Pure Balance. She’s a classic good doer with plenty of natural energy, so Pure Balance provides everything she needs without unnecessary calories or any fizz. Elise always jokes that the only part of Tara that’s ID is her ability to gain weight … and the mountain of hair she grows each winter!
Despite being in full work and competing up to BE Novice and BS Foxhunter, Pure Balance supplies all the vitamins and minerals Tara needs. It’s a great reminder that the label on a feed bag is a guide, not a rulebook - the right choice depends on the horse in front of you!
Wondering which Pure Feed is the right choice for your horse? Our free diet plan tool can help! Click the link in our bio to start 🌱
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove #dietplan
Ever wondered what the Pure Feed team use with their own horses? Meet Tara, Elise (Head of Nutrition ) Irish Sport Horse.
Since arriving three years ago, Tara has been fed on Pure Balance. She’s a classic good doer with plenty of natural energy, so Pure Balance provides everything she needs without unnecessary calories or any fizz. Elise always jokes that the only part of Tara that’s ID is her ability to gain weight … and the mountain of hair she grows each winter!
Despite being in full work and competing up to BE Novice and BS Foxhunter, Pure Balance supplies all the vitamins and minerals Tara needs. It’s a great reminder that the label on a feed bag is a guide, not a rulebook - the right choice depends on the horse in front of you!
Wondering which Pure Feed is the right choice for your horse? Our free diet plan tool can help! Click the link in our bio to start 🌱
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove #dietplan
Do you know how much your horse actually weighs?
There are a few different ways to find out:
• Weighbridge – the most accurate method.
• Weigh tape – handy and affordable, but results can vary.
• Measurements & calculations – a useful estimate if no other tools are available.
👉 Knowing your horse’s weight can help you:
• Feed the correct daily ration
• Dose wormers accurately
• Track changes in condition over time, for example, spotting weight loss before it’s obvious.
However, weight isn’t the whole picture. A horse’s health and performance are better reflected by a combination of weight, body condition scoring, and muscle tone. A fit eventer and a good doer native might weigh the same but look very different!
📏 Do you regularly weigh your horse or use a weigh tape?
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Do you know how much your horse actually weighs?
There are a few different ways to find out:
• Weighbridge – the most accurate method.
• Weigh tape – handy and affordable, but results can vary.
• Measurements & calculations – a useful estimate if no other tools are available.
👉 Knowing your horse’s weight can help you:
• Feed the correct daily ration
• Dose wormers accurately
• Track changes in condition over time, for example, spotting weight loss before it’s obvious.
However, weight isn’t the whole picture. A horse’s health and performance are better reflected by a combination of weight, body condition scoring, and muscle tone. A fit eventer and a good doer native might weigh the same but look very different!
📏 Do you regularly weigh your horse or use a weigh tape?
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your horse isn’t sweating!
Recovery mashes aren`t just a summer gimmick; winter training pushes muscles, burns energy, and makes your horse lose vital nutrients, just like in summer. Your horse still loses essential electrolytes in sweat, muscles still burn, and the whole body is working hard.
Pure Refuel is formulated to give your horse the support they need after training hard:
Electrolytes to replace what sweat takes out and keep hydration balanced.
Antioxidants to combat exercise-induced stress and speed recovery.
Key amino acids to maintain muscle, support strength, and keep your horse in peak condition.
Plus Refuel tastes irresitble, soaks in 5 minutes, and is suitable for horses with EMS, ulcers and Cushings! 🍒
#allyoufeedislove #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your horse isn’t sweating!
Recovery mashes aren`t just a summer gimmick; winter training pushes muscles, burns energy, and makes your horse lose vital nutrients, just like in summer. Your horse still loses essential electrolytes in sweat, muscles still burn, and the whole body is working hard.
Pure Refuel is formulated to give your horse the support they need after training hard:
Electrolytes to replace what sweat takes out and keep hydration balanced.
Antioxidants to combat exercise-induced stress and speed recovery.
Key amino acids to maintain muscle, support strength, and keep your horse in peak condition.
Plus Refuel tastes irresitble, soaks in 5 minutes, and is suitable for horses with EMS, ulcers and Cushings! 🍒
#allyoufeedislove #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
As horses get older, their digestion slows down. This can mean:
⚠️ Harder to get nutrients from forage
⚠️ Weight loss & reduced topline
⚠️ Deficiencies in key vitamins & minerals
Teeth wear and reduced gut efficiency make it even trickier.
👉 That’s where Pure Veteran Mix comes in:
✅ Highly digestible fibre & oil for slow-release energy
✅ Built-in balancer with essential vitamins & minerals
✅ Gut balancer to optimise digestion
✅ Soft, easy-to-chew pellets for worn teeth
💡 It’s a complete feed, no extra supplements needed. Just feed alongside forage and help your older horse stay strong, shiny, and comfortable into their senior years.
As horses get older, their digestion slows down. This can mean:
⚠️ Harder to get nutrients from forage
⚠️ Weight loss & reduced topline
⚠️ Deficiencies in key vitamins & minerals
Teeth wear and reduced gut efficiency make it even trickier.
👉 That’s where Pure Veteran Mix comes in:
✅ Highly digestible fibre & oil for slow-release energy
✅ Built-in balancer with essential vitamins & minerals
✅ Gut balancer to optimise digestion
✅ Soft, easy-to-chew pellets for worn teeth
💡 It’s a complete feed, no extra supplements needed. Just feed alongside forage and help your older horse stay strong, shiny, and comfortable into their senior years.
Worried about fireworks this autumn? Here are our top tips:
1. Plan Ahead
Check local fireworks schedules and speak with neighbours or your council to know when displays are expected. Planning turnout, stabling, and feeding around these dates can reduce stress.
2. Create a Safe Environment
If possible, move your horse away from fireworks. Check fencing and your fields for hazards. For stabled horses, ensure the stable is secure, ventilated, and free from sharp objects. Leaving boots on overnight can help protect legs.
3. Distraction is Key
Keep horses occupied with ample forage, toys, or treat balls. Pure Meadow Mash or Pure Treats in a treat ball can be fed in larger portions to distract and comfort horses. Soft background sounds, like classical music or nature tracks, can help mask fireworks.
4. Use Calming Products Wisely
Discuss with your vet about calming supplements such as magnesium or herbal remedies. Pheromone sprays can also reduce stress by mimicking natural calming signals.
5. Maintain Consistent Routines
Stick to normal feeding, turnout, and exercise schedules. Familiarity is reassuring. Leaving a light on in the stable can help reduce the impact of flashing fireworks.
6. Stay Calm and Reassuring
Horses pick up on handler emotions. Stay relaxed, use gentle strokes, and avoid loud voices or sudden movements. Remember that frightened horses can act unpredictably.
7. Observe and Adapt
Each horse reacts differently. Some may benefit from early feeding, others from larger soaked fibre portions before fireworks start. Adjust based on behaviour and stress levels.
8. Consult a Professional if Needed
If your horse shows severe anxiety, speak to your vet as they can offer alternative solutions to help keep your horse calm.
Worried about fireworks this autumn? Here are our top tips:
1. Plan Ahead
Check local fireworks schedules and speak with neighbours or your council to know when displays are expected. Planning turnout, stabling, and feeding around these dates can reduce stress.
2. Create a Safe Environment
If possible, move your horse away from fireworks. Check fencing and your fields for hazards. For stabled horses, ensure the stable is secure, ventilated, and free from sharp objects. Leaving boots on overnight can help protect legs.
3. Distraction is Key
Keep horses occupied with ample forage, toys, or treat balls. Pure Meadow Mash or Pure Treats in a treat ball can be fed in larger portions to distract and comfort horses. Soft background sounds, like classical music or nature tracks, can help mask fireworks.
4. Use Calming Products Wisely
Discuss with your vet about calming supplements such as magnesium or herbal remedies. Pheromone sprays can also reduce stress by mimicking natural calming signals.
5. Maintain Consistent Routines
Stick to normal feeding, turnout, and exercise schedules. Familiarity is reassuring. Leaving a light on in the stable can help reduce the impact of flashing fireworks.
6. Stay Calm and Reassuring
Horses pick up on handler emotions. Stay relaxed, use gentle strokes, and avoid loud voices or sudden movements. Remember that frightened horses can act unpredictably.
7. Observe and Adapt
Each horse reacts differently. Some may benefit from early feeding, others from larger soaked fibre portions before fireworks start. Adjust based on behaviour and stress levels.
8. Consult a Professional if Needed
If your horse shows severe anxiety, speak to your vet as they can offer alternative solutions to help keep your horse calm.
Wishing you and your horses a spook-tacular Halloween from all of us here at The Pure Feed Company!
Let us know what you`re doing to celebrate in the comments below ⬇️
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #happyhalloween
Wishing you and your horses a spook-tacular Halloween from all of us here at The Pure Feed Company!
Let us know what you`re doing to celebrate in the comments below ⬇️
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #happyhalloween
With Halloween coming up, may horse owners want to know "Can Horses Eat Pumpkins?" 🎃
Want your horse to join in the Halloween fun? Or perhaps you have a few pumpkins going spare after carving. But yes, your horse can eat pumpkin! Pumpkins are mostly water and fibre, low in starch, and packed with beta-carotene (a pro-vitamin A). ✅ That makes them a crunchy, gut-friendly snack!
But seeds in huge quantities can be difficult for your horse to digest! We recommend cutting up a few chunks of the Pumpkin and feeding it seed free.
Got a question regarding equine nutrition? Leave it in the comments, we would be more than happy to help 😊
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #halloween #faq
With Halloween coming up, may horse owners want to know "Can Horses Eat Pumpkins?" 🎃
Want your horse to join in the Halloween fun? Or perhaps you have a few pumpkins going spare after carving. But yes, your horse can eat pumpkin! Pumpkins are mostly water and fibre, low in starch, and packed with beta-carotene (a pro-vitamin A). ✅ That makes them a crunchy, gut-friendly snack!
But seeds in huge quantities can be difficult for your horse to digest! We recommend cutting up a few chunks of the Pumpkin and feeding it seed free.
Got a question regarding equine nutrition? Leave it in the comments, we would be more than happy to help 😊
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #halloween #faq
Not sure if your horse is getting exactly what they need from their feed? 🩵
Every horse is different - from workload and temperament to medical history and grazing - so there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all diet. That’s why a personalised feeding plan can make all the difference.
📋 Whether your goal is to build top line, maintain weight, support performance, or manage a condition - we can help you get there.
💬 Comment “DIET PLAN” below or click the link in our bio to start your free, tailored feeding plan today.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
Not sure if your horse is getting exactly what they need from their feed? 🩵
Every horse is different - from workload and temperament to medical history and grazing - so there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all diet. That’s why a personalised feeding plan can make all the difference.
📋 Whether your goal is to build top line, maintain weight, support performance, or manage a condition - we can help you get there.
💬 Comment “DIET PLAN” below or click the link in our bio to start your free, tailored feeding plan today.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
🎃 Trick or Treat… But Watch Out for Hidden Sugars!
Halloween is here, and your horse might be expecting a few treats. But beware… not all treats are as innocent as they look. Some hide sinister sugars under friendly names like molasses, glucose syrup or cane sugar!
Why care? These sneaky sugars are non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which can spike blood glucose and insulin. For sugar-sensitive horses, ponies prone to laminitis, or those with EMS or Cushing’s, that’s a recipe for a very scary vet bill. 💀
Molasses is especially sneaky: sweet, sticky, and rapidly fermentable in the hindgut. Too much, and it can disrupt digestion, alter gut microbes, and even cause colic.
Pure Feed treats, on the other hand, are all treat and no trick. Low-starch, fibre-rich, and free from hidden sugars, they support the hindgut function while still being delicious!
You can find out more about Pure Treats on our website!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition
🎃 Trick or Treat… But Watch Out for Hidden Sugars!
Halloween is here, and your horse might be expecting a few treats. But beware… not all treats are as innocent as they look. Some hide sinister sugars under friendly names like molasses, glucose syrup or cane sugar!
Why care? These sneaky sugars are non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which can spike blood glucose and insulin. For sugar-sensitive horses, ponies prone to laminitis, or those with EMS or Cushing’s, that’s a recipe for a very scary vet bill. 💀
Molasses is especially sneaky: sweet, sticky, and rapidly fermentable in the hindgut. Too much, and it can disrupt digestion, alter gut microbes, and even cause colic.
Pure Feed treats, on the other hand, are all treat and no trick. Low-starch, fibre-rich, and free from hidden sugars, they support the hindgut function while still being delicious!
You can find out more about Pure Treats on our website!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition
How do I choose the right calorie level for my horse? 🤷
To get this right, it helps to look at the numbers.
Baseline energy needs ⚡️
An average 500 kg horse at rest needs around 65–70 MJ (megajoules) of digestible energy (DE) per day just to maintain bodyweight.
Add light work (e.g. hacking 3–4 times a week), and this rises to 75–85 MJ/day.
Moderate work (e.g. regular schooling, low-level eventing) pushes it to 90–100 MJ/day.
Harder workloads (e.g. advanced eventing, racing) can exceed 120 MJ/day.
Winter factor ❄️
Once temperatures dip below the horse’s lower critical temperature (around 0–5°C for a horse with a winter coat), requirements increase by ~2–2.5% for every degree drop. That means on a frosty night at –5°C, a horse may need an extra 15–20 MJ/day simply for staying warm.
What does that look like in feed?🐎
Grass (summer grazing): Good grass provides ~10 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. A horse can easily meet 80–100 MJ/day on grass alone.
Hay: Average meadow hay sits around 7–9 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. To meet 80 MJ, a horse would need 9–11 kg of hay (dry weight) daily, which is achievable but often limited by hay quality or feeding practices.
Why does this matter? 🤔
If the diet falls short, the horse mobilises fat (and eventually muscle) to make up the difference, which is why condition loss is so common in winter. On the other hand, oversupplying calories can lead to unwanted weight gain and metabolic strain in good doers.
How Pure Feed helps 🩵
Because our complete feeds combine fibre, oil, and a full balancer in every bag, they deliver calories in the same slow-release form the horse’s gut evolved to use. That means:
You can top up forage rations with controlled calories.
You know vitamins and minerals are always covered.
You can choose the right calorie level across our range, from Pure Easy for good doers to Pure Condition Mix for horses needing more support. With no hidden ingredients, preservatives or molasses, there`s a Pure Feed for your horse.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
How do I choose the right calorie level for my horse? 🤷
To get this right, it helps to look at the numbers.
Baseline energy needs ⚡️
An average 500 kg horse at rest needs around 65–70 MJ (megajoules) of digestible energy (DE) per day just to maintain bodyweight.
Add light work (e.g. hacking 3–4 times a week), and this rises to 75–85 MJ/day.
Moderate work (e.g. regular schooling, low-level eventing) pushes it to 90–100 MJ/day.
Harder workloads (e.g. advanced eventing, racing) can exceed 120 MJ/day.
Winter factor ❄️
Once temperatures dip below the horse’s lower critical temperature (around 0–5°C for a horse with a winter coat), requirements increase by ~2–2.5% for every degree drop. That means on a frosty night at –5°C, a horse may need an extra 15–20 MJ/day simply for staying warm.
What does that look like in feed?🐎
Grass (summer grazing): Good grass provides ~10 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. A horse can easily meet 80–100 MJ/day on grass alone.
Hay: Average meadow hay sits around 7–9 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. To meet 80 MJ, a horse would need 9–11 kg of hay (dry weight) daily, which is achievable but often limited by hay quality or feeding practices.
Why does this matter? 🤔
If the diet falls short, the horse mobilises fat (and eventually muscle) to make up the difference, which is why condition loss is so common in winter. On the other hand, oversupplying calories can lead to unwanted weight gain and metabolic strain in good doers.
How Pure Feed helps 🩵
Because our complete feeds combine fibre, oil, and a full balancer in every bag, they deliver calories in the same slow-release form the horse’s gut evolved to use. That means:
You can top up forage rations with controlled calories.
You know vitamins and minerals are always covered.
You can choose the right calorie level across our range, from Pure Easy for good doers to Pure Condition Mix for horses needing more support. With no hidden ingredients, preservatives or molasses, there`s a Pure Feed for your horse.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Why do so many horses drop weight in winter? ❄️ Let us tell you why ...
🔥 Colder temps = more calories needed
Once it’s below 0–5°C, your horse needs extra energy just to stay warm. If their diet doesn’t cover it, they’ll burn fat reserves instead.
🌾 Forage isn’t as rich as summer grass
Hay and haylage have less energy & fewer vitamins than fresh grass, even if the net looks full.
🦠 Gut microbes have to adapt
Switching from grass to hay changes the gut bacteria, meaning they might get less usable energy from the same amount of forage.
💨 Energy goes to heat, not weight
More calories are spent on staying warm, especially if they’re still in work.
🏠 Routine changes matter
Less turnout, more stabling, and longer gaps between meals can all affect digestion & condition.
What helps?
✔️ Ad-lib forage to keep the gut working & generating heat
✔️ Slow-release calories from unmolassed beet, grass fibres or oil
✔️ Vitamin & mineral balance to make up for forage shortfalls
✔️ Check body condition every 2–3 weeks
Our complete feeds are designed to tackle exactly these winter challenges. Each one provides:
✅ Fibre for gut support and heat generation
✅ Oil for steady, slow-release energy
✅ A full balancer with vitamins and minerals (no extra bucket needed!)
So even when winter forage is variable, you know your horse’s diet is still balanced — and their condition is supported right through to spring.
To find the right feed for your horse, head on over to www.purefeed.com to claim your FREE personalised diet plan, created by our nutrition team 🩵
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
Why do so many horses drop weight in winter? ❄️ Let us tell you why ...
🔥 Colder temps = more calories needed
Once it’s below 0–5°C, your horse needs extra energy just to stay warm. If their diet doesn’t cover it, they’ll burn fat reserves instead.
🌾 Forage isn’t as rich as summer grass
Hay and haylage have less energy & fewer vitamins than fresh grass, even if the net looks full.
🦠 Gut microbes have to adapt
Switching from grass to hay changes the gut bacteria, meaning they might get less usable energy from the same amount of forage.
💨 Energy goes to heat, not weight
More calories are spent on staying warm, especially if they’re still in work.
🏠 Routine changes matter
Less turnout, more stabling, and longer gaps between meals can all affect digestion & condition.
What helps?
✔️ Ad-lib forage to keep the gut working & generating heat
✔️ Slow-release calories from unmolassed beet, grass fibres or oil
✔️ Vitamin & mineral balance to make up for forage shortfalls
✔️ Check body condition every 2–3 weeks
Our complete feeds are designed to tackle exactly these winter challenges. Each one provides:
✅ Fibre for gut support and heat generation
✅ Oil for steady, slow-release energy
✅ A full balancer with vitamins and minerals (no extra bucket needed!)
So even when winter forage is variable, you know your horse’s diet is still balanced — and their condition is supported right through to spring.
To find the right feed for your horse, head on over to www.purefeed.com to claim your FREE personalised diet plan, created by our nutrition team 🩵
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
🚫 STOP FEEDING SUPERMARKET OILS ‼️
Adding vegetable oil for extra condition or coat shine might seem harmless — but the fatty acid balance is all wrong for horses.
🔸 Horses need both omega-3 (ALA) and omega-6 (LA) — but the ratio is what matters.
Here’s how common oils stack up against grass 👇
🌿 Grass ≈ 3–4:1 (omega-3:omega-6)
🌱 Linseed ≈ 4:1
🥥 Coconut ≈ 1:2
🌰 Soya ≈ 1:7
🌽 Corn ≈ 1:50
🌻 Sunflower ≈ 1:200
An excess of omega-6 can:
❌ Increase pro-inflammatory compounds
❌ Slow recovery after exercise
❌ Exacerbate gut sensitivity
❌ Add strain to joints
✨ Linseed is naturally rich in omega-3, helping restore balance in hay- and cereal-based diets. It supports anti-inflammatory pathways, a glossy coat, healthy skin, and cell function.
💜 Pure Linseed is 100% micronised linseed — highly digestible, naturally high in oil for slow-release energy, a great fibre source, and close to the horse’s natural omega ratio.
👉 Head to our website to learn more about Pure Linseed.
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #purelinseed
🚫 STOP FEEDING SUPERMARKET OILS ‼️
Adding vegetable oil for extra condition or coat shine might seem harmless — but the fatty acid balance is all wrong for horses.
🔸 Horses need both omega-3 (ALA) and omega-6 (LA) — but the ratio is what matters.
Here’s how common oils stack up against grass 👇
🌿 Grass ≈ 3–4:1 (omega-3:omega-6)
🌱 Linseed ≈ 4:1
🥥 Coconut ≈ 1:2
🌰 Soya ≈ 1:7
🌽 Corn ≈ 1:50
🌻 Sunflower ≈ 1:200
An excess of omega-6 can:
❌ Increase pro-inflammatory compounds
❌ Slow recovery after exercise
❌ Exacerbate gut sensitivity
❌ Add strain to joints
✨ Linseed is naturally rich in omega-3, helping restore balance in hay- and cereal-based diets. It supports anti-inflammatory pathways, a glossy coat, healthy skin, and cell function.
💜 Pure Linseed is 100% micronised linseed — highly digestible, naturally high in oil for slow-release energy, a great fibre source, and close to the horse’s natural omega ratio.
👉 Head to our website to learn more about Pure Linseed.
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #purelinseed
Feeding Rates of Pure Sud explained ... Swipe to see how much Stud your horse should be eating ➡️
Why Pure Stud:
🩷 Supports sound bone development.🩷 Low starch content encourages positive behaviour.
🩷 Great value way of giving young and breeding horses everything they need nutritionally.
🩷 High in fibre for excellent digestive health.
🩷 A tasty choice – horses love it
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
You can also request a personalised diet plan for free. Our team of expert nutritionists will carefully evaluate your horse, assess their unique nutritional needs, and provide the best feeding recommendations to help them look and feel their best. Available on our website!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #purestud #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
Feeding Rates of Pure Sud explained ... Swipe to see how much Stud your horse should be eating ➡️
Why Pure Stud:
🩷 Supports sound bone development.🩷 Low starch content encourages positive behaviour.
🩷 Great value way of giving young and breeding horses everything they need nutritionally.
🩷 High in fibre for excellent digestive health.
🩷 A tasty choice – horses love it
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
You can also request a personalised diet plan for free. Our team of expert nutritionists will carefully evaluate your horse, assess their unique nutritional needs, and provide the best feeding recommendations to help them look and feel their best. Available on our website!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #purestud #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
All-in-one feed = less clutter, fewer feed bins and less time in the feed room 🩵
We were delighted to hear from Bronnen about her love for Pure Easy 💚
"I have used your feed for about the last 10 years with all the horses and ponies I’ve had. I have an event mare that we have been struggling with soundness issues for the last 2 years so has barely been in work. We never made it out of walk in the last 2 years, yet this is her this morning, fed on pure easy, looking absolutely incredible, like she hasn’t seen a day out of work in her life! Love your feeds so much, thank you! I always recommend you to anyone who asks. I have a young Connie too who is just starting her ridden career and they are both on pure easy. So simple and easy to use and I trust it to support muscle development without any extra energy than they need. Big fan!"
Have you had a Pure Feed success story of your own? We’d love to hear it! Share your experience with us in the comments or tag us in your posts - your horse could be featured next!
Thank you Bronnen for taking the time to get in touch 🙌 @bronnen_equestrian
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #poweredbypurefeed
We were delighted to hear from Bronnen about her love for Pure Easy 💚
"I have used your feed for about the last 10 years with all the horses and ponies I’ve had. I have an event mare that we have been struggling with soundness issues for the last 2 years so has barely been in work. We never made it out of walk in the last 2 years, yet this is her this morning, fed on pure easy, looking absolutely incredible, like she hasn’t seen a day out of work in her life! Love your feeds so much, thank you! I always recommend you to anyone who asks. I have a young Connie too who is just starting her ridden career and they are both on pure easy. So simple and easy to use and I trust it to support muscle development without any extra energy than they need. Big fan!"
Have you had a Pure Feed success story of your own? We’d love to hear it! Share your experience with us in the comments or tag us in your posts - your horse could be featured next!
Thank you Bronnen for taking the time to get in touch 🙌 @bronnen_equestrian
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #poweredbypurefeed
Worried about Winter fizz, but your horse needs to gain weight?
It’s a situation we hear all the time, especially in winter when horses need more calories to maintain condition, but no one wants a fizzy, unrideable horse.
Fast-release energy mainly comes from starch and sugars (found in cereals like oats, barley, maize). These are broken down in the small intestine into glucose, which causes a rapid rise in blood sugar. Result? A quick burst of energy, often linked with sharper behaviour or “fizz”.
Slow-release energy comes from fibre and oil. Fibre is fermented in the hindgut by microbes into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), while oil is broken down into fatty acids in the small intestine. Both provide a steady, sustained fuel source without the glucose spikes. Result? More stamina, better weight maintenance, and a calmer, more consistent way of providing calories.
Why does this matter in winter?
Many horses lose condition as the cold increases calorie demand. Owners worry about upping feed in case it makes their horse hot, but if the calories come from slow-release sources, they can safely support condition without unwanted fizz.
Our Condition Mix is built on fibre, oil, and unmolassed beet, not high-starch cereals. That means it delivers the extra calories your horse needs for condition in a controlled, slow-release form. Energy for weight maintenance and work, without the behaviour spike.
💬 Want us to create a tailored winter feeding plan for your horse? Comment “DIET PLAN” below and we’ll be in touch!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
📸 @joelsebhart @ruthpotterpr
Worried about Winter fizz, but your horse needs to gain weight?
It’s a situation we hear all the time, especially in winter when horses need more calories to maintain condition, but no one wants a fizzy, unrideable horse.
Fast-release energy mainly comes from starch and sugars (found in cereals like oats, barley, maize). These are broken down in the small intestine into glucose, which causes a rapid rise in blood sugar. Result? A quick burst of energy, often linked with sharper behaviour or “fizz”.
Slow-release energy comes from fibre and oil. Fibre is fermented in the hindgut by microbes into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), while oil is broken down into fatty acids in the small intestine. Both provide a steady, sustained fuel source without the glucose spikes. Result? More stamina, better weight maintenance, and a calmer, more consistent way of providing calories.
Why does this matter in winter?
Many horses lose condition as the cold increases calorie demand. Owners worry about upping feed in case it makes their horse hot, but if the calories come from slow-release sources, they can safely support condition without unwanted fizz.
Our Condition Mix is built on fibre, oil, and unmolassed beet, not high-starch cereals. That means it delivers the extra calories your horse needs for condition in a controlled, slow-release form. Energy for weight maintenance and work, without the behaviour spike.
💬 Want us to create a tailored winter feeding plan for your horse? Comment “DIET PLAN” below and we’ll be in touch!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
📸 @joelsebhart @ruthpotterpr
What people say about Pure Feed
