sweet feed?

[Pam]

I would be more concerned that someone was feeding my horse goat food, than the protein level. Goats are ruminants, horses are not. There are big differences in the way they digest their food and even though the feed might look the same, I definitely wouldn't continue to feed your horse goat food. I would let whoever is in charge of feeding your horse in your absence, that it better not happen again. Being that your horse appears to be ok, I wouldn't worry about it not, but I wouldn't continue doing it.

That said, as far as the protein level goes, a 16% horse feed is for animals that are used for breeding, are growing or have extreme physical needs, such as racehorses, etc. Feeding too much protein will not hurt your horse, but you're wasting your money if you pay extra for a higher % because horses don't store protein. Any excess is excreted in their urine. You horse is quite literally pissing your money away.

The average pleasure horse, which is what most of our horses here fall into, needs only 9-10% total protein in his diet. Most grass hays are around 7-8%, alfalfa can be much higher (which is why horses shouldn't eat straight alfalfa). You should get your hay tested, then pick a concentrate that will compliment the protein level of your hay.

[fancyhorse]

That high of protein can hurt your horse if he isn't getting enough exercise! You could easily founder one!

[Big Tee©]

High protein doesn't cause founder, nor any of the myriad problems laid at the door of protein.

[Pam]

Tee is right. Protein gets a really bad rap for no good reason. Excess protein won't generally hurt a horse unless it's extremely high (25% or more in studies), it's simply excreted in the urine. It's not stored or used as extra energy. It has the same use in horses that it does in people, it primarily builds and rebuilds muscle and bone. This is why it's very important for extreme athletes such as racers, high level jumpers, etc. and also for young, growing horses. For the average riding horse, 16% protein is not necessary nor is it recommended by equine nutrition experts.