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Feeding Foals and Weanlings: Why "Optimal, Not Maximal" Nutrition Matters

Feeding Foals and Weanlings: Why "Optimal, Not Maximal" Nutrition Matters

When it comes to feeding young horses, the golden rule is "optimal, not maximal." Overfeeding, especially with high sugar and starch (NSC) diets can increase the risk of metabolic disorders and other long-term issues. Providing a balanced, steady-growth diet is key to raising strong, healthy horses.

Feeding the Foal: From Birth to Two Months 

 Foals begin sampling solid food between 7 and 10 days of age, but mare’s milk remains the main source of nutrition until about two months. After this, milk production declines and can no longer meet the foal’s growing energy and nutrient demands. To support continued healthy development, young foals should be introduced to: 

  •  Fresh pasture (if available) 
  •  Creep feeds designed specifically for foals

What Is Creep Feeding? 

 Creep feeding is the practice of offering a nutrient-dense, palatable feed to foals starting at 1–3 months of age, while still nursing. It fills the nutritional gap between what the mare’s milk provides and what the foal needs for growth. 

 Benefits of Creep Feeding: 

  •  Supports steady weight gain and bone development 
  •  Prepares the foal for weaning and reduces weaning stress 
  •  Allows targeted nutrition separate from the mare 
  •  Builds familiarity with concentrate feeds early 
 A good creep feed should be high in quality protein, energy, and balanced minerals ,  especially calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and selenium. 

 Understanding Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD) 

DOD is a broad term for skeletal and joint abnormalities in growing horses. 

Conditions include: 

  •  Epiphysitis 
  •  Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) 
  •  Contracted or flexural tendons 
  •  Angular limb deformities 

 Causes of DOD: 

  •  Excess dietary energy, especially from high NSC feeds 
  • Insulin resitance caused by gestational diabetes in the mare
  •  Deficiencies or imbalances in key minerals (Ca, P, Cu, Zn) 
  •  Poor-quality protein or inadequate amino acids
  •  Irregular growth patterns, often triggered by stress or malnutrition followed by compensatory growth 
 To reduce the risk of DOD, feed low-NSC, balanced diets that promote slow, consistent growth rather than rapid weight gain. 

Managing Growth Spikes and Weaning Stress 

Rapid growth, especially after a period of poor appetite or illness can lead to compensatory growth, which increases the risk of DOD. Managing growth rate is critical. Tips for a Smooth Weaning Transition: Use a creep feed similar to the post-weaning ration Provide a low-stress weaning environment Monitor weight and appetite closely If growth slows due to stress or illness, gradually restore body condition over several months, not weeks 

 Feeding the Weanling: 3–6 Months Onward 

 By 3–4 months of age, foals can digest fibre-based feeds, making good pasture a major source of energy and protein. 

Ideally, pasture should be: 

  •  Green and mixed-species 
  •  Not overgrazed or stressed 
  •  Supplemented with lucerne or clover hay if needed

 Ideal Weanling Feed Requirements: 

  •  14–16% protein 
  •  Balanced calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine, selenium, and vitamin E 
  •  NSC content no higher than 15% 
 If pasture is poor, offer a concentrated ration with moderate lucerne chaff or hay, and an appropriate vitamin and mineral supplement. 

Avoid overfeeding or high-NSC grain-based feeds. Offer high energy low NSC oil based feeds such as CoolStance copra meal together with a balanced trace mineral vitamin (VitaStance) 

 Monitoring Growth and Adjusting the Diet 

 Regularly assess your young horse’s: 

  •  Body condition 
  •  Weight gain 
  •  Bone and joint development 
  •  Signs of uneven or rapid growth 
 If the foal is gaining weight too quickly or showing early signs of DOD (joint swelling, limb deformities, stiffness), adjust the diet immediately to promote a more gradual growth curve. 

 Remember: Slow and steady wins the race. The aim is balanced development, not rapid bulk. 

 Research Spotlight: Gestational Diabetes in Mares and Foals 

 Recent research from the University of Queensland has highlighted the potential effects of feeding high-NSC diets to pregnant mares. 

 Key Findings: 

  •  Pregnant mares fed high-starch diets may develop gestational diabetes 
  •  Insulin-resistant mares can pass on metabolic issues to the foal 
  •  Affected foals may be born with insulin resistance, tendon weakness, and limb deformities 
 These findings suggest that managing a mare’s diet during pregnancy is just as important as feeding the foal after birth. 


Stance Supplements for Foals and Weanlings 

 Key Takeaways

  •  “Optimal, not maximal” nutrition is essential when feeding young horses 
  •  Avoid overfeeding or using high-NSC, grain-based diets 
  •  Use creep feeding to ease the weaning transition and prevent growth slumps 
  •  Balance energy, protein, and minerals to support healthy bone and muscle development 
  •  Monitor young horses regularly and adjust the diet to maintain steady growth



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