The most important aspect of a horse’s diet is forage feed. It is essential to the proper functioning of its digestive system. A typical horse will consume about 2% of its body weight in feed on a daily basis. The percentage may be slightly lower or higher in some horses depending on its weight, age and level of activity.

Due to the importance of forage feed in a horse’s diet, careful attention must be made to the quality. Forage feed should make up 50-100% of a horse’s diet. Beets are a great example of an antioxidant-providing element of a horse’s diet.