The content of nutrients in grain really depends on the rest of the diet; that is, the hay or pasture that makes up the majority of the diet. If the horses are on a poor-quality grass hay, they will need higher levels of nutrients in the grain. However, if they are on a good-quality grass alfalfa/mixed-hay diet, they probably don't require much grain at all and don't require very high levels. So you can think about it this way: Horses require about 10% protein, they do not have a fat requirement, and the hay will provide all the fiber they need. So if you have a poor-quality hay, you will probably need a feed with more protein (maybe 14%) and higher fat content to provide more energy (6-10%); but if there is alfalfa in the hay, depending on their body condition, they may not need any grain at all or maybe only one with 10% protein.

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