When it comes to selecting the best feed for your mare and foal, there are several crucial factors to consider. From nutrient composition to feeding rate flexibility and adaptiveness towards different circumstances, choosing the right feed can significantly impact the health and development of your horses. Ensuring that the feed provides the necessary nutrients for proper gestation, mare and foal development is essential for their overall well-being.
Nutrient composition plays a vital role in promoting healthy growth and development in mares and foals. From required calories to protein content and essential vitamins like omega-3 and Vitamin E, the right balance of nutrients is key to supporting their specific needs during different stages of pregnancy and early foal development. Additionally, feeding rate flexibility is crucial to prevent digestive issues and ensure that your horses receive the right amount of nutrients without overloading their systems. Lastly, the adaptiveness of the feed to various circumstances, such as travel or seasonal changes, can make a significant difference in maintaining the health and vitality of your mare and foal.
Purina Ultium Growth Horse Formula: Best Nutritional Support for Foals & Lactating Mares
Purina Ultium Growth Horse Formula, 50 lbs -- $33.99(Berend Bros.)
Why We Picked It
Purina Ultium Growth Horse Formula is chosen for its specialized formulation that caters to the unique dietary requirements of both foals in their rapid growth phase and lactating mares. The product ensures that the essential nutrients are delivered in the right balance to promote healthy development and support the increased nutritional demands during these critical life stages.
Who It's For
This formula is best suited for horse owners or breeders who are looking to provide their foals with a strong nutritional foundation for optimal growth and development, as well as for those with lactating mares that require additional nutrition to maintain their health and milk production. It may not be the best fit for those on a tight budget or with adult horses that do not have special dietary needs.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Specially formulated for foals and lactating mares | ❌ Higher price point compared to standard feeds |
| ✅ Balanced blend of protein, fat, and fiber | ❌ May not be necessary for adult horses without special dietary needs |
| ✅ Supports optimal growth and development | ❌ 50 lbs bag may be bulky for some storage situations |
Nutrena SafeChoice Mare & Foal Horse Feed: Best Nutritional Support for Mare and Foal
Nutrena - Safechoice Mare & Foal - 50 lb -- $29.27(Steve Regan Company)
Nutrena SafeChoice Mare & Foal Feed, 50 lb. -- $27.99(Chewy.com)
Nutrena SafeChoice Special Care Horse Feed, 50 lbs. -- $27.99(North 40 Outfitters)
Omolene #300® Mare & Foal Horse Feed | 50 pounds (50 lb) Bag -- $66.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
Nutrena SafeChoice Mare & Foal Horse Feed is selected for its specialized formula that caters to the unique nutritional needs of both broodmares and their foals. It provides a controlled starch diet that is essential for the proper development of foals and supports the health of mares during and after pregnancy. The feed is enriched with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that are crucial for muscle growth and bone development, making it an excellent choice for ensuring the well-being of mare and foal pairs.
Who It's For
This product is best suited for horse owners who are looking for a high-quality feed to support the growth and health of their foals, as well as to maintain the condition of their broodmares during gestation and lactation. It is especially beneficial for those who prioritize controlled starch intake and comprehensive nutritional support for their equine family. However, it may not be the best option for horses that are particularly finicky eaters, as some may not find the taste as appealing.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Controlled starch formula for safe digestion | ❌ Some horses may not find it palatable |
| ✅ Fortified with essential nutrients for growth and development | ❌ May be costlier than some other feeds on the market |
| ✅ Supports the overall health of broodmares and their foals | ❌ Specifically formulated for mares and foals, not as suitable for other horses |
Triple Crown Growth Formula: Best Nutritional Support for Growth & Reproduction
Triple Crown Growth - 50 lbs -- $32.49(BigR)
Triple Crown, Perform Gold, 50lb -- $34.99(D&L Farm and Home)
Triple Crown 30% Equine Supplement, 50 Lb. -- $36.99(CountryMax)
Why We Picked It
The Triple Crown Growth Formula is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of young, growing horses as well as pregnant or lactating mares. Its high-fat and high-fiber content is formulated to support the increased energy demands during these critical life stages. The inclusion of probiotics and prebiotics further aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system, which is essential for optimal growth and development.
Who It's For
This formula is best suited for foals, weanlings, yearlings, and pregnant or lactating mares that require a higher caloric intake for growth and milk production. It may not be the best choice for adult horses that are not as active or those that are prone to obesity due to its high fat content.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High in fat and fiber to meet energy demands | ❌ High fat content may not be suitable for all horses |
| ✅ Includes probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health | ❌ Could contribute to obesity in less active horses |
| ✅ Formulated for foals and pregnant or lactating mares | ❌ May require careful management of feeding portions |
Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win Mare & Foal: Best Nutritional Support for Mares & Foals
Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'n Win Horse Feed -- $39.99(The Mill)
Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win Pelleted Feed + Ultimate Finish 25 High-Fat... -- $70.99(Chewy.com)
Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win Pelleted Horse Feed, 30-lb bag, bundle of 2 -- $49.98(Chewy.com)
Why We Picked It
Buckeye Nutrition Gro 'N Win Mare & Foal is selected for its specialized formulation that caters to the unique nutritional needs of mares and foals. It's designed to provide a balanced diet that supports optimal growth and development without the risk of excessive calorie intake, which is crucial during these critical life stages.
Who It's For
This product is ideal for horse owners who are looking to ensure their mares and foals receive all the necessary nutrients for healthy development. It's especially beneficial for those who are conscious about preventing overfeeding and the associated health risks. However, it's important for users to manage feeding amounts carefully to avoid underfeeding or overfeeding.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Formulated specifically for mares and foals | ❌ Requires careful management of feeding amounts |
| ✅ Promotes optimal growth without excess calories | ❌ May be more expensive than standard feeds |
| ✅ Helps prevent overfeeding and associated health issues | ❌ Not suitable for horses with certain dietary restrictions |
Manna Pro Mare & Foal: Optimal Nutrition for Mares & Foals
Manna Pro 1000105 Horse Performance Supplement, 20 lb. -- $26.99(Tractor Supply Company)
Why We Picked It
Manna Pro Mare & Foal is selected for its comprehensive nutritional profile, designed specifically to meet the unique needs of gestating and lactating mares as well as growing foals. Its formulation is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, and it includes antioxidants to support a robust immune system, making it an excellent choice for horse owners seeking to ensure the health and development of their horses from pregnancy through the early stages of life.
Who It's For
This product is ideal for horse owners and breeders who are focused on providing optimal nutrition to support the health and growth of mares and their foals. It's especially beneficial for those looking to enhance the diet of pregnant or lactating mares and young foals with a scientifically formulated feed that supports overall health and development.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals to meet the specific nutritional needs of gestating and lactating mares and growing foals | ❌ May not be as widely available in all regions, potentially making it harder to find for some consumers |
| ✅ Includes antioxidants to support a healthy immune system, promoting overall health and well-being | ❌ Limited size option with a 20 lb. bag, which may not be sufficient for larger stables or long-term use without frequent repurchasing |
| ✅ Formulated to support the development and maintenance of strong bones and healthy growth in foals | ❌ Price point of $26.99 may be higher than some alternative feeds, although the specialized formulation can justify the cost |
Kent Dynasty Pro Mare and Foal Feed: Best Equine Nutrition for Mare and Foal
Kent Dynasty Senior Horse Feed -- $20.99(Chewy.com)
Why We Picked It
The Kent Dynasty Pro Mare and Foal Feed is a specialized nutritional solution designed to cater to the unique dietary needs of both mares and their foals. It ensures that both mother and offspring receive the essential nutrients for optimal health, growth, and development. The inclusion of biotin and omega-3 fatty acids specifically addresses hoof health and coat condition, which are critical aspects of equine care.
Who It's For
This feed is ideal for horse owners who are looking for a comprehensive diet that supports the well-being of both mares and their foals. It is especially beneficial for those who prioritize hoof and coat health in their equine companions. However, it may not be suitable for horses that prefer smaller pellet sizes or have difficulty consuming larger pellets.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Formulated for both mare and foal, ensuring a balanced diet | ❌ Some horses may not prefer the larger pellet size |
| ✅ Added biotin for improved hoof health | ❌ May require adaptation for horses used to smaller pellets |
| ✅ Omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny and healthy coat | ❌ Specific to mare and foal dietary needs, not suitable for all horses |
ADM Animal Nutrition PrimeGlo: Versatile Nutrition for All Life Stages
ADM Alliance Nutrition 81578AAA24 PrimeGlo Mature Horse Feed, 50-Lbs. - ... -- $82.42(Amazon)
Adm 81578aaa24 Primeglo Mature Horse Feed, 50-lbs. -- $2273.15(eBay - ronshomeandhardware)
ADM Alliance Nutrition AD576311 81578AAA24 50 lbs. PrimeGlo Mature Hor -- $52.25(Walmart - UnbeatableSale)
Why We Picked It
ADM Animal Nutrition PrimeGlo is selected for its comprehensive formulation designed to support horses at all stages of life, from foals to mature horses. Its inclusion of direct-fed microbials aids in digestion, making it a versatile and beneficial option for a wide range of dietary needs. The high-quality ingredients ensure that your horse is getting a nutritious feed, tailored to support overall health without the need for a senior-specific feed.
Who It's For
This feed is best suited for farm owners or horse caretakers who manage a diverse group of horses, including mares and foals, and are looking for a versatile feed option. It's particularly beneficial for those who prefer a single feed solution that can cater to various nutritional needs, simplifying the feeding process. However, for those with lactating mares or rapidly growing foals, additional supplementation may be necessary to meet their higher nutrient demands.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Formulated for horses at all life stages, offering a versatile feeding solution. | ❌ May not fully meet the higher nutrient demands of lactating mares or rapidly growing foals without additional supplementation. |
| ✅ Includes direct-fed microbials to support digestive health. | ❌ Its all-purpose nature might not cater to specific dietary requirements for certain health conditions. |
| ✅ Made with high-quality ingredients for optimal nutrition. | ❌ Price may vary, potentially making it a more expensive option depending on purchase quantity and location. |
Standlee Premium Western Forage Certified Alfalfa Pellets: Nutritious Protein & Calcium Boost
Standlee Premium Alfalfa Pellets -- $19.99(Horstmeyer Farm and Garden)
Standlee Premium Western Forage Premium Alfalfa Hay Pellet Horse Feed, 4... -- $37.18(Walmart - Well Done Trading LLC)
Why We Picked It
The Standlee Premium Western Forage Certified Alfalfa Pellets are selected for their high-quality protein and calcium content, making them an excellent supplement for mares and foals. These pellets are crafted from premium alfalfa, ensuring that your equine receives a nutritious addition to their diet. The careful processing of these pellets preserves the natural nutrients, making them a beneficial choice for supporting the health and well-being of your horses.
Who It's For
This product is best suited for horse owners looking to enhance the nutritional intake of their mares and foals. It's particularly beneficial for those seeking to supplement a balanced diet with high-quality protein and calcium. However, it requires knowledgeable integration into the diet to ensure overall nutritional balance is maintained.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-quality protein source for muscle development | ❌ Not a complete feed; requires careful diet planning |
| ✅ Rich in calcium for strong bones and teeth | ❌ May require adjustment in feeding ratios for optimal benefits |
| ✅ Carefully processed to preserve natural nutrients | ❌ Integration with other feed components is essential for a balanced diet |
Thanks for checking out the best mare and foal feed options for 2024! If you need more help or have any questions, feel free to reach out. Happy shopping!