Every bag of horse feed includes a feed tag. The information it contains allows horse owners and managers to choose a feed with the proper nutrition at the best price for their individual horse. But with so much information on such a small tag, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Here are four key things to look at on a feed tag and understand about the feed a horse consumes.

National and state regulations control the information printed on feed tags. Some of the most important information to fully understand is the purpose statement, guaranteed analysis, list of ingredients, and directions for use.

The purpose statement is simply a description of what class or classes of horses the feed is intended for (e.g., broodmares, growing horses, performance horses, or mature horses). Since horses often have nutritional needs dependant on their intended uses, many manufacturers design feeds specifically for different classes of horses. Choosing appropriate feed can help ensure your horse’s nutritional needs are met. It is imperative that horse owners use feeds designed specifically for horses (additives, such as rumensin, are often included in livestock feeds and are lethal to horses).

The guaranteed analysis provides the specific level of certain nutrients provided by the feed. Crude protein, fat, and fiber are commonly listed as a percentage. Certain minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, are listed as percentages as well. Some feeds also include the amount of sugar, starch, and specific amino acids guaranteed in that feed. The feed’s nutrient levels are guaranteed when fed at the amounts directed on the tag (more on feeding directions in a moment). If you’re unsure exactly what your horse should be consuming, consult a veterinarian or equine nutritionist; he or she will be able to suggest what percentage of the different components to select for each horse