Horse Feed Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Nutrition Type (High Fibre, Low Starch, High Protein, and High Fats), By Form (Pellets, Cubes, and Powder), By Ingredients (Cereals, Supplements, Cakes/Meals, and Others), By Type (Performance, Senior/Old, Professional, Mare & Foal, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Online Sales, Offline Retail) and Region

Horse feed market was valued at US$ 9,375.4 million in 2023, and is poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period (2024-2030). The market for horse feed is driven by increased demand for premium, specialty feed products catered to various breeds and activity levels, growing interest in equestrian activities, and growing knowledge of equine health and nutrition. Demand is also fueled by the expanding number of horses, particularly in the competitive and leisure domains. 

The exorbitant price of premium horse feed and the volatile raw material prices, which affect manufacturing costs and market pricing, are among the constraints. Product advances including personalized feeding solutions, supplements for certain health concerns, and organic and non-GMO feed present opportunities. The use of natural ingredients, customized feed for enhancing performance, and a rise in the demand for supplements to extend the lifespan and improve the health of horses are some trends.

 Key Players

The horse feed market share is inclusive of several companies such as Dow (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Chr. Hansen Holding A/S (Denmark), DSM (Netherlands), DuPont (U.S.), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), NOVUS INTERNATIONAL (U.S.A), Alltech (U.S.), Associated British Foods plc (U.K.), Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (Thailand), Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.), Nutreco (Netherlands), ForFarmers (Netherlands), De Heus Animal Nutrition (Netherlands), Land O'Lakes (U.S.), Kent Nutrition Group (U.S.), J. D. HEISKELL & CO. (U.S.), Perdue Farms (U.S.), SunOpta (Canada), Scratch and Peck Feeds (U.S.), and Agrofeed (Hungary).

Key Developments

• In June 2021, Excel Equine Feeds, a premium horse feed business located in Louisville, announced a new recycling program in association with TerraCycle, a pioneer in worldwide e-cycling. Customers who participate will get incentives as part of this effort, which will handle feed packing.
• In August 2020, saw the release of StableFeed, a new specialty feed that mimics a horse's normal diet, by Rochester-based equine specialist Mary Hartman, who is well-known for her line of nutritious horse biscuits. Horses can benefit from the nutritious supplement StableFeed, which is derived from chia products.

Horse Feed Market Segmentation

By Nutrition Type: High-fiber feeds are the industry standard in the horse feed industry because of their vital function in preserving digestive health and general wellbeing. High-fiber feeds imitate the natural foraging activity of horses, which are grazers by nature. This promotes gut health and helps avoid problems like colic. These diets frequently consist of pasture, hay, and specially formulated pellets meant to supply an adequate amount of roughage. High-fiber alternatives are still essential for all horses, even while low-starch, high-protein, and high-fat feeds have specialized uses, such as helping performance horses or those with metabolic issues. great-fiber feeds are in great demand due to the focus on natural eating habits and digestive health; as such, they are an essential part of equine nutrition programs for a wide range of horse breeds and disciplines.

By Form: In the horse feed industry, pelleted feeds are the dominating type due to its simplicity, uniformity, and ease of storage. Pellets are designed to offer a well-rounded diet and can include a variety of ingredients, so horses can get all the vitamins and minerals they need in one meal. Additionally, by reducing trash and sorting, this form simplifies feeding for equestrian owners. Furthermore, pelleted meals frequently facilitate improved nutrient absorption due to their ease of digestion. While other forms, like textured or cubed feeds, have specific uses (like promoting chewing or helping horses with dental problems), pelleted feeds are the go-to option for many horse owners looking for dependable nutrition because of their efficiency and versatility. All things considered, their commercial domination is cemented by their nutritional advantages and convenience.

By Ingredients: Cereals are the most popular component category in the horse feed industry because of their high energy content and accessibility. Common cereals, such maize, barley, and oats, are preferred because they are easy to digest and can supply working and performance horses with the necessary calories. They are perfect for meeting energy demands during demanding activities because of their high carbohydrate content. Cereals still serve as the cornerstone of the majority of horse diets, even while supplements and cakes/meals, such as oilseed and protein meals, are crucial for boosting particular nutritional profiles. They are frequently mixed with other components to make balanced meals that satisfy a range of performance and health standards. Cereals' availability and efficiency as an energy source cement their position as a mainstay in horse feed formulas.

By Type: In terms of kind, the market for horse feed is dominated by performance horse feed. The increasing number of horses participating in racing, competitive sports, and other performance-related activities is the cause of this. To satisfy the high-energy demands of strenuous physical activity, such as endurance, strength, and speed, performance horses need a particular diet. These meals are designed to promote muscular growth, recuperation, and general stamina by providing an optimal ratio of carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Performance-focused feeds are in greater demand as equestrian sports expand internationally, which makes this market sector particularly important in areas where competitive equestrian activities are prevalent.

By Distribution Channel: Offline retail is the primary distribution route in the horse feed industry. This is due to the fact that most horse owners prefer to buy feed from actual establishments like feed mills, farm supply stores, and specialty equestrian retailers. Customers may check the freshness of the feed, get professional assistance, and evaluate the quality of the product at these locations. For large animals like horses, offline shopping is especially convenient because it allows for bulk purchasing and instant availability. Because of the product's nature, the requirement for timely feed delivery, and the confidence that comes from face-to-face contacts, offline shopping continues to be favored even in the face of the expanding trend of internet sales.