These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Horses Home

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

What is the recommended amount of formula to give to a 20-pound miniature horse foal whose mother abandoned it?

Last Updated: January 11, 2010

View as web page


You should go to your local feed store or farm store and buy a milk replacer made for foals and follow the directions on the label. Those directions will be based on the weight of your foal so you can make the appropriate calculations. After feeding for a while, you can adjust the amount based on the foals body condition. You can begin introducing a small amount of grain and hay at about one month of age. Most feed companies have feeds formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of young, growing horses that are properly balanced and fortified. Select a feed that has these characteristics: * high in fat and fiber, * crude protein is no less than 14%, * guaranteed lysine, and * properly balanced with vitamins and minerals. The feed you select should be fed according to the foal's body weight and split into two to three meals per day. Always remove uneaten portions of feed between meals. Introduce high-quality hay and pasture free choice. Always have fresh water available.

Browse related Faqs by tag: horses, nutrition, management, foal, milk replacer


Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.