How To Read a Feed Tag

The label, or feed tag, on each bag of commercial horse feed can supply you with a wealth of information. Learning to interpret the information isn’t all that difficult, and it can tell you whether the feed you’re buying is the right product for your horse.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials develops standards for feed products and their labels. Because each state has different label requirements, the information on a feed tag might vary depending on where you live. Certain information, however, is considered mandatory and should provide enough information for any horse owner to make an informed choice.

Labels on horse feeds should include product and brand name, purpose statement, guaranteed analysis, ingredients list, directions for use, net weight, contacting information, and a lot number and/or date code.
Example of a guaranteed analysis of a concentrate formulated for maintenance, performance, and senior horse
The ingredients list tells you what the feed contains, generally in the order of ingredient inclusion.
Although the feed tag doesn’t tell you everything, it can be a valuable reference guide, particularly when combined with a forage analysis. If you have questions about the information on (or not on) the label, contact your feed salesperson, equine nutritionist, or feed company’s equine representative.