Do Horses Need Sweet Feeds for Energy? The Facts Behind Equine Nutrition

Do Horses Need Sweet Feeds for Energy? The Facts Behind Equine Nutrition

It’s a common sight: brightly coloured bags of sweet, molassed horse feeds promising extra energy and sparkle. Many owners believe that horses need sugary mixes for stamina, performance, or simply to keep weight on—especially in winter. But is it really true?

The Sweet Feed Myth

The idea that horses need sugar for energy has been around for decades. It’s easy to see why: horses love sweet feeds, and the instant burst of energy after eating them can be appealing. However, the truth is more nuanced—and for most horses, sweet feeds are unnecessary and can even be harmful.

How Horses Really Use Energy

Horses are designed to graze on high-fibre forage—grass, hay, and chaff. Their digestive systems are built for slow, steady energy release from fibre, not sugar. While sugar and starch do provide quick energy, they’re only needed in large amounts by horses in intense work (racehorses, eventers, or those with very high calorie needs).

For the vast majority—leisure horses, ponies, veterans, and native breeds—excess sugar can cause problems:

• Weight gain and obesity

• Laminitis risk (especially in ponies and cobs)

• Fizzy, unpredictable behaviour

• Upset digestive balance

Expert Guidance

Organisations like the British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare recommend basing the diet on forage, with hard feeds only added if needed for condition or workload. If extra calories are required, look for high-fibre, low-sugar options or oil-based feeds, which provide slow-release energy without the risks.

Better Choices for Equine Health

• Always start with ad-lib forage (hay, haylage, grass)

• Choose high-fibre cubes, chaffs, or beet pulp for extra calories

• Use supplements (including oil) like linseed for safe, sustained energy

• Reserve sweet feeds for horses with genuine high energy demands—and only under expert advice

Chestnut Mill’s Equine Nutrition Range

We stock a carefully selected range of horse feeds and balancers to suit every type of horse—from good doers to those needing a little extra support. Explore our Horse Cubes, Mixes & Mash, Horse Feed Balancers, High-Fibre Feeds, and Supplements for healthier, practical alternatives.

Not sure what’s right for your horse? Just ask—we’re here to help with honest, expert advice.📧 info@chestnutmill.co.uk | ☎️ 01256 578011

The Bottom Line

Sweet feeds aren’t a magic bullet for energy—in fact, for most horses, they’re best avoided. Stick to forage, supplement with fibre, and choose feeds that match your horse’s real needs. Your horse (and their waistline) will thank you!