American Quarter Horse Diet: Best Feed & Meal Plan

Key Takeaways

• American Quarter Horses are efficient "easy keepers" that require carefully balanced diets to prevent obesity while meeting their nutritional needs.
• A forage-based diet comprising 1.5–2% of body weight daily forms the foundation, with hay and pasture providing essential fiber and nutrients.
• Quarter Horses with genetic conditions like HYPP or PSSM need specialized low-potassium or low-starch diets, respectively.
• Strategic supplementation with vitamins, minerals, and fat sources supports performance horses without overloading on calories.

What Makes Quarter Horse Nutrition Unique

The American Quarter Horse has earned its reputation as America's most popular horse breed for good reason. These compact, muscular animals excel at everything from ranch work to racing. 

But their impressive versatility comes with specific nutritional considerations that every owner should understand. Quarter Horses have remarkably efficient metabolisms and can maintain their weight and energy levels on relatively modest amounts of feed—a trait that makes them economical to keep.

Their digestive system works like other horses, primarily processing fibrous plant material through fermentation in the hindgut. The cecum and colon break down hay and grass into volatile fatty acids that provide energy, while the small intestine handles the digestion of proteins, fats, and simpler carbohydrates.

Essential Nutrients for Your Quarter Horse

Every Quarter Horse needs the right balance of six fundamental nutrients: water, carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Most horses do well consuming forage equivalent to about 1.5% to 2% of their body weight daily on a dry matter basis. For a typical 1,200-pound Quarter Horse, that translates to roughly 18–24 pounds of hay per day.

But forage alone doesn't always cut it. Depending on your horse's workload, age, and individual metabolism, you might need to add concentrated feeds, fat supplements, or vitamin-mineral blends to fill nutritional gaps. The trick is adding what's needed without going overboard on calories.

The Best Feed Options for Quarter Horses

Quality pasture provides essential nutrients and natural grazing for Quarter Horses.

High-Quality Forage

Your feeding program should start with excellent hay or pasture access. Grass hay varieties like timothy, orchard grass, or a mixed grass hay work beautifully for most Quarter Horses. Look for hay that's green, leafy, and free from dust, mold, or weeds.

For easy keepers prone to weight gain, consider using a slow feeder or hay net to extend eating time and prevent them from consuming their daily ration too quickly.

Grains & Concentrates

Quarter Horses in light work often don't need grain at all if they're getting quality forage. However, horses with moderate to heavy workloads, growing youngsters, or those struggling to maintain weight may benefit from concentrated feeds.

When you do add grain, choose formulations designed for easy keepers or low-starch options. Traditional sweet feeds high in molasses and corn can trigger insulin spikes. Instead, look for feeds based on beet pulp, soy hulls, or moderate amounts of oats.

Fat

Fat is incredibly calorie-dense, packing more than twice the energy per pound compared to carbohydrates. This makes it perfect for performance horses that need extra calories without the bulk of additional grain. You can add fat through commercial supplements, rice bran, or vegetable oil. Start with small amounts and gradually increase over a few weeks.

Vitamin & Mineral Supplementation

Even the best hay often falls short in certain nutrients, particularly sodium, zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamin E. A balanced veterinary formulated supplement ensures your Quarter Horse gets everything needed without extra calories. Free-choice salt or a salt block provides sodium for proper nerve and muscle function.

For additional wellness support, consider hemp-based supplements that may help promote joint comfort and a calm demeanor. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding new supplements to your horse's program.

Special Dietary Needs for Genetic Conditions

HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis)

This genetic disorder affects muscle function and can cause episodes of trembling or weakness. Diet plays a major role in managing HYPP by limiting potassium intake. Horses with HYPP should avoid alfalfa hay, molasses, soybean products, and limit pasture time. Stick with grass hay and carefully selected low-potassium grains.

PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy)

This muscle disorder affects how horses store and use glycogen. The dietary management focuses on minimizing starch while providing energy through fat and fiber. PSSM horses thrive on high-quality forage paired with fat supplements and low-starch feeds.

A Practical Meal Plan Example

Now let’s look at what a day’s worth of food might include for a 1,200-pound mature Quarter Horse in light work.

Daily ration:

• 20–25 pounds of grass hay (split into 3–4 feedings)
• 2 tablespoons of plain salt (or free-choice salt block)
• 1–2 cups of balanced vitamin-mineral supplement
• Fresh, clean water available at all times

For a horse in moderate work, you might add:

• 2–4 pounds of low-starch concentrate feed (split into 2 meals)
• ¼ to ½ cup of vegetable oil or fat supplement

These are starting points. Every horse is an individual, and you'll need to adjust based on body condition, activity level, and how your horse responds.

Smart Feeding Practices That Make a Difference

Treats like apples should be given in moderation as part of a balanced feeding program.

Feed Little & Often

Horses evolved to graze nearly continuously, so their digestive systems work best with a steady supply of small meals. If you can't provide constant hay access, aim for at least three feedings daily, with no more than six hours between meals.

Water Is Non-Negotiable

Your Quarter Horse should have access to fresh, clean water 24/7. Horses drink anywhere from 5 to 15 gallons daily, depending on weather and workload.

Monitor Body Condition Regularly

Assess your horse's body condition score monthly. You should be able to feel the ribs with light pressure but not see them prominently. The spine shouldn't be overly sharp or sunken, and there shouldn't be obvious fat deposits along the crest, shoulders, or tailhead.

Transition Feeds Gradually

Any time you change hay, grain, or supplements, do it slowly over 7–10 days. This prevents digestive upset and gives the gut microbes time to adjust.

Creating a Lasting Nutrition Plan for Your Quarter Horse

The beauty of the American Quarter Horse lies in its overall soundness and longevity when properly cared for. Nutrition forms the foundation of that care, influencing everything from hoof quality and coat condition to performance capacity and disease resistance.

By focusing on a forage-first approach and adding only what's necessary to meet individual needs, you can keep your Quarter Horse at an ideal weight while supporting its health and vitality.

Pay attention to your horse's needs, stay alert for signs of genetic conditions that might require dietary modifications, and don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist when questions arise. With the right nutritional foundation, your Quarter Horse can thrive for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much hay should I feed my Quarter Horse daily?

Most Quarter Horses need hay equivalent to 1.5–2% of their body weight daily. For a 1,200-pound horse, this means approximately 18–24 pounds of hay per day. 

The exact amount depends on hay quality, your horse's metabolism, activity level, and body condition. Monitor weight and adjust accordingly; easy keepers might do fine on the lower end, while working horses may need the full 2% or slightly more.

Can Quarter Horses live on pasture alone without hay or grain?

Many Quarter Horses can maintain excellent health on quality pasture alone during the growing season, provided the grass is abundant and nutritious. However, monitor body condition carefully since Quarter Horses are prone to weight gain on lush pastures. 

During winter or drought, when pasture quality declines, hay becomes essential. Grain is typically only necessary for horses in moderate to heavy work or those with difficulty maintaining weight.

What are the signs my Quarter Horse is overweight?

Overweight Quarter Horses show several signs. You cannot easily feel the ribs, there's a crease down the back, fat deposits appear along the neck crest, fat pads develop behind the shoulders, and the tailhead shows obvious fat accumulation. 

Excess weight increases the risk of metabolic issues, laminitis, and joint problems, so address it promptly through reduced feed and increased exercise.

Do I need to feed supplements to my Quarter Horse?

Most Quarter Horses benefit from at least basic salt and vitamin-mineral supplementation, since forage alone rarely provides adequate sodium, zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamin E. 

If your horse receives quality hay and maintains good body condition, a simple balanced supplement plus free-choice salt may be all that's needed. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding multiple supplements.

How do I know if my feeding program is working?

A successful feeding program shows through multiple indicators. Your horse maintains a body condition score of 4–6, has consistent energy appropriate for its workload, produces normal manure, displays a shiny coat and healthy hooves, and maintains steady weight. 

Regular veterinary checkups can confirm adequate nutrition. If you notice changes in weight, energy, coat quality, or behavior, reassess your feeding program and consult with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist.