Straw as horse feed – is it even a good idea?

Most people associate straw with something horses sleep in – not something they eat .

But in fact, straw can be an important part of your horse's feed - especially if your horse needs to lose weight, is frugal, or you have difficulty finding good quality roughage.

Benefits of straw in feed

1. Straw contains very few calories and almost no sugar.
→ Your horse can chew and eat for many hours without gaining weight. This is especially a good idea if your horse is a little too round or you want to support a healthy weight and metabolic balance .

2. The horse chews straw for a long time.
→ It's good for both the stomach and the head. Long chewing time produces more saliva, which protects the stomach - and promotes stomach health . At the same time, boredom and restlessness are reduced.

3. Straw can “dilute” other roughage.
→ If you have wrap or hay with a high sugar content, you can mix straw in – so the horse still gets something to chew on, but without getting too much sugar.

Disadvantages (which you can easily fix)

• Straw contains almost no protein.
  → Supplement with alfalfa, green pellets, +Fiber Mash or soy meal – especially important if the horse needs to build muscle or is working.

• Straw requires good chewing function.
  → The horse must have healthy teeth. Start slowly so the digestion gets used to it.

• Straw must be of good quality.
  → Clean, dry, dust-free and free of mold or mildew. Not all straw can be used as feed – ask your supplier.
  
  

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  Which straw is best for horses?

• Barley straw and oat straw are often the most suitable because they are relatively soft and appetizing.

• Wheat straw can be coarser and stiffer, which not all horses like.

• Rye straw and straw from legumes (e.g. peas) are rarely suitable as feed, as they can be too coarse or dusty.

• 📌 Always choose straw that is clean, fresh and free of mold - and that the horse will actually eat.

Can a horse live on straw alone?

Yes – in some cases, straw can actually be the most important roughage , especially if you supplement correctly .

For example, it may be relevant:

• On a diet

• For metabolic problems

• If your wrap contains a lot of sugar

• When grass and hay cannot be used

• In bad harvest years

Remember you must always supplement what the straw lacks :
→ Protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy fibers

Example: What a feeding plan with mostly straw might look like

Feeding plan for a 100 kg horse in light work

(For example, if your horse weighs 350 kg, simply multiply all amounts by 3.5)

🟤 Roughage:

• Straw : 1–1.5 kg

🟢 Crib food: All quantities are in dry weight

➕ Choose one of the following vitamin and mineral supplements:

➕ If you choose Every Day Happy or Supreme Minerals ,

It might be a good idea to supplement with:

💧 Horses must always have access to:

👉 It provides plenty of chewing time, a stable stomach and a good environment in the intestine - and at the same time a low calorie intake, suitable for horses in need of weight regulation .

🌍 Climate change makes straw more relevant

The weather is becoming more unstable, and this is affecting forage production.
Hot, dry weather and new fertilizer regulations mean we are seeing more of:

• Wrap with a lot of sugar

• Wrap with too little protein

That's why straw is becoming more and more relevant – not only as bedding, but as a conscious and active choice in the feeding plan .

💡 Remember this if you want to feed with straw

✔️ Slowly accustom the horse to straw
✔️ Use clean, dust-free, good quality straw
✔️ Ensure protein supplements and vitamins/minerals
✔️ Always provide access to fresh water and salt
✔️ Consider omega-3 (RC O3 Algae Oil) if needed
✔️ If necessary, have a roughage analysis done and get help with a plan

📌 Briefly summarized

Straw can be a good and cheap feed for horses – if you use it correctly.
It fills you up without making you fat – and is perfect for many frugal horses and ponies.

📞 Need help?

Would you like help putting together a good feeding plan with straw?
📲 Book a personal consultation - or ask in our Facebook group, where you can get answers and inspiration from other horse owners.