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What is the best way to transfer my horse from all-pasture diet to hay-only diet?

Last Updated: January 24, 2012

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When transitioning a horse to a different feed source, the key is to do it slowly.

Start by giving your horse a small amount of hay (a pound or a small flake) while in the pasture. It would be ideal if you have access to a dry lot or stall for feeding hay. Add small amounts (i.e. a small flake) of hay to the horse’s diet each day over a 10 to 14 day period until you have reached your desired amount of hay (usually about 2% of the horse’s body weight).

If you do not have access to a dry lot or stall for hay feeding, this transition will likely be difficult as most horses will prefer grazing over eating hay.

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