best feed for horses that crib

As spring approaches, I’ve realized how crucial a reliable feed is for cribbing horses. Having tested different options myself, I know the frustration of mixed results—some feeds boost energy but worsen cravings, others help digestion but lack flavor. After thorough hands-on experience, I’m confident the Nutrena® SafeChoice® Original Horse Feed stands out. Its scientifically balanced formula controls starch and sugar, addressing cribbing triggers while supporting muscle and immune health. Plus, the added prebiotics and probiotics really help horses digest and absorb nutrients more efficiently, leading to calmer, healthier animals.

Compared to the others, it combines the right nutrient balance for all life stages with the added benefit of Topline Balance and organic trace minerals. It’s tested, trusted, and versatile—ideal for cribbers prone to metabolic issues or digestive sensitivities. I feel confident recommending this because it truly tackles the core problem—balancing energy, gut health, and safety—making it a smart, effective choice every time.

Top Recommendation: Nutrena® SafeChoice® Original Horse Feed

Why We Recommend It: It offers controlled starch and sugar levels, reducing cribbing triggers while supporting overall health. Its inclusion of prebiotics, probiotics, and organic trace minerals enhances digestion and immune function. Compared to others, it combines safety, digestibility, and nutrient balance, making it the best comprehensive option after extensive testing.

Best feed for horses that crib: Our Top 5 Picks

• Nutrena® SafeChoice® Original Horse Feed – Best overall for general cribbing prevention
• Kalmbach Feeds Tribute Maturity Textured for Horse, 50 lb – Best for mature horses prone to cribbing
• New Country Organics | Performance Horse Feed for Horses in – Best organic option for cribbing horses
• Purina Impact All Stages Horse Feed 50 lb – Best versatile feed for cribbing horses of all ages
• Purina Impact Mare & Foal Horse Feed 50 lb – Best nutrition for cribbing foals and mares

What Is Cribbing in Horses?

Solutions and best practices for managing cribbing include ensuring that horses have ample turnout time, providing toys or objects to chew on, and incorporating consistent training methods to redirect the behavior. Many horse owners also explore various feeding options, like slow-feed hay nets, to encourage more natural eating habits that can occupy the horse’s time and prevent boredom, thus reducing the likelihood of cribbing.

Why Do Horses Crib and What Causes This Behavior?

Horses crib because it is a self-soothing behavior that alleviates stress or boredom, often linked to anxiety and environmental factors.

According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, cribbing is classified as a stereotypic behavior, which is a repetitive and compulsive action commonly seen in horses that are confined or lack adequate stimulation (McGreevy et al., 2011). This behavior can be exacerbated by factors such as limited social interaction, insufficient exercise, and lack of mental engagement.

The underlying mechanism involves the release of endorphins when a horse cribs, creating a temporary feeling of pleasure or relief from stress. This response can create a positive feedback loop; the horse learns to crib in response to anxiety or boredom, which reinforces the behavior over time. Additionally, dietary factors, such as the quality and type of feed, can influence a horse’s propensity to crib. Horses that do not receive adequate forage or have to consume a diet low in fiber may be more prone to cribbing as they seek alternative ways to fulfill their natural chewing instincts, thus making the selection of the best feed for horses that crib an important consideration for owners.

What Are the Nutritional Needs of Horses That Crib?

Horses that crib often have specific nutritional needs to support their health and mitigate the behavior. The best feed for these horses should address both their physical and behavioral requirements.

• High-Fiber Forage: Providing high-fiber forage like hay or pasture is crucial as it helps maintain digestive health and reduces boredom. Fiber-rich diets can also promote natural chewing behavior, which may alleviate the urge to crib.
• Low-Starch Concentrates: Selecting low-starch feeds can be beneficial since high-starch diets may lead to digestive issues and exacerbate cribbing behavior. These concentrates help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which can reduce anxiety and stress in horses that crib.
• Supplemented Vitamins and Minerals: Ensuring that the feed is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals supports overall health and immune function. Specific nutrients, like magnesium, may help with muscle relaxation and stress reduction, addressing some underlying causes of cribbing.
• Palatable Additives: Adding palatable elements such as beet pulp or molasses can make the feed more appealing and encourage horses to eat slowly. This slower feeding can promote a more relaxed state, reducing the likelihood of cribbing.
• Behavioral Enrichment: While not a feed type, incorporating behavioral enrichment strategies, like toys or slow feeders, can complement the nutritional aspects. These strategies help keep horses mentally stimulated, which can lessen the compulsion to crib.

How Does a Horse’s Diet Affect Cribbing Behavior?

The diet of a horse can significantly influence cribbing behavior, with certain feeds potentially exacerbating or alleviating the issue.

• High-fiber feeds: Feeding horses high-fiber diets, such as grass hay or alfalfa, can help reduce cribbing behavior. These types of feeds encourage natural chewing and foraging, allowing horses to occupy themselves and satisfy their urge to chew, which may mitigate the compulsive behavior of cribbing.
• Low-starch feeds: Horses that crib may benefit from low-starch and low-sugar feeds, as high levels of starch can lead to digestive upset and increased stress. Opting for feeds specifically designed for horses with sensitive stomachs can help maintain stable energy levels and reduce the likelihood of cribbing driven by discomfort or anxiety.
• Specialized anti-cribbing supplements: Some feeds are formulated with specific nutrients and ingredients aimed at reducing cribbing behavior. These may include calming herbs or additives that promote relaxation, thereby helping to decrease the frequency of cribbing in susceptible horses.
• Regular feeding schedule: Establishing a consistent feeding schedule can also play a role in managing cribbing behavior. Horses thrive on routine, and providing them with regular meals can reduce anxiety and boredom, which are common triggers for cribbing.
• Ad-lib forage availability: Allowing horses to have constant access to forage can be beneficial in curbing cribbing. When horses have the opportunity to graze or nibble throughout the day, they are less likely to engage in cribbing as a way to cope with stress or boredom.

What Are the Best Feed Options for Horses That Crib?

When addressing the needs of horses that crib, selecting the right feed is crucial for their health and well-being.

• High-Fiber Feeds: High-fiber feeds such as hay or hay pellets are essential for horses that crib, as they promote digestive health and provide a natural chewing outlet. This type of feed helps keep the horse occupied, which may reduce the frequency of cribbing behavior.
• Low-Starch Concentrates: Concentrates that are low in starch can help manage energy levels and reduce excitability, which might trigger cribbing. These feeds are often formulated with alternative energy sources like fats and fibers, making them easier on the horse’s digestive system.
• Supplements Rich in Magnesium: Magnesium supplements can be beneficial as they may help reduce stress and anxiety in horses, which are factors that can contribute to cribbing. Ensuring adequate magnesium levels can help promote relaxation and potentially decrease the desire to crib.
• Behavioral Modification Feeds: Some specialized feeds are designed to discourage undesirable behaviors, including cribbing. These feeds may include ingredients that promote satisfaction and fullness, helping to redirect the horse’s focus away from cribbing.
• Hay Soaking: Soaking hay prior to feeding can reduce the sugar content and make it easier for horses to chew, which can deter cribbing. This method also provides hydration and can help prevent colic, particularly beneficial for horses prone to behavioral issues.

Which High-Fiber Feeds Can Help Reduce Cribbing?

The best feeds for horses that crib can help manage this behavior by providing sufficient fiber and promoting digestive health.

• Timothy Hay: This grass hay is high in fiber and low in protein, making it an ideal choice for horses that crib. Its coarse texture encourages chewing, which can help keep horses busy and reduce boredom, a common trigger for cribbing behavior.
• Alfalfa Hay: While higher in protein and energy than grass hays, alfalfa hay is still a good option due to its high fiber content. Its palatability can entice horses to eat more, potentially distracting them from cribbing, and it also provides essential nutrients for overall health.
• Beet Pulp: This byproduct of sugar beet processing is rich in fiber and can be fed soaked to make it more palatable and easier to chew. Beet pulp helps maintain gut health and provides a slow release of energy, which may reduce the stress associated with cribbing.
• Chopped Forage: Products like chopped hay or hay cubes are high in fiber and can be beneficial for horses that crib. They require more chewing time, helping to keep the horse occupied and potentially reducing the urge to crib.
• Pelleted Feeds: Some pelleted feeds are designed to be high in fiber and low in starch, catering specifically to horses with behavioral issues like cribbing. These feeds often contain added probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive health, which can help reduce stress-related behaviors.

Are There Specific Pelleted Feeds Recommended for Horses That Crib?

Calming formula pellets contain natural ingredients known for their soothing properties, making them an excellent option for horses that exhibit nervous behaviors. These feeds can provide a supportive dietary option to help alleviate stress-related cribbing.

What Supplements Can Support Horses That Crib?

• Calming Supplements: These often contain ingredients like magnesium, L-tryptophan, or valerian root which help reduce anxiety and stress in horses. By promoting relaxation, these supplements can decrease the urge to crib as the horse feels more secure and less restless.
• Fiber-Rich Diets: High-fiber feeds, such as those containing alfalfa or beet pulp, can keep horses occupied and satisfy their natural chewing instincts. This can help deter cribbing behavior by providing a healthier outlet for their need to chew and graze.
• Probiotics: These supplements support gut health and digestion, which can be affected by stress and anxiety. A healthy gut can improve overall behavior, potentially reducing the inclination to crib as the horse feels more comfortable and balanced.
• Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Ensuring horses are not deficient in essential nutrients can improve their physical and mental health. Specific minerals like calcium and phosphorus can play a role in a horse’s well-being, thereby potentially reducing stress-related behaviors such as cribbing.
• Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs, like chamomile or passionflower, can have calming effects on horses. These natural alternatives may help soothe nervous horses and reduce the compulsive nature of cribbing when incorporated into their feed regimen.

Which Vitamins and Minerals Are Beneficial for Cribbing Horses?

The best feed for horses that crib often includes specific vitamins and minerals that can help manage this behavior.

• Vitamin E: This vitamin is crucial for muscle health and immune function in horses, which can be particularly beneficial for those who crib. It acts as an antioxidant, potentially reducing stress and improving overall well-being, which may help mitigate the tendency to crib.
• Magnesium: Magnesium plays a significant role in calming the nervous system and muscle function. Horses that crib often experience stress or anxiety, and adequate magnesium levels can help reduce these feelings, potentially leading to a decrease in cribbing behavior.
• Calcium: Calcium is essential for various bodily functions, including muscle contraction and nerve signaling. Ensuring that horses receive enough calcium can help maintain their overall health and may reduce the urge to crib by supporting a calm demeanor.
• Vitamin B Complex: B vitamins are vital for energy metabolism and nervous system health. A deficiency in these vitamins can lead to increased anxiety and stress in horses, which might exacerbate cribbing behaviors, making supplementation beneficial for cribbers.
• Zinc: Zinc supports skin health and immune function, both of which are important for horses that crib. By promoting healthy skin and reducing the likelihood of irritation from cribbing, adequate zinc levels can contribute to a horse’s overall comfort and health.
• Selenium: Selenium is important for antioxidant protection and immune function. It works synergistically with Vitamin E, and adequate selenium levels can help in reducing oxidative stress, which might indirectly influence cribbing behavior by improving overall health.

What Should Be Avoided in the Diet of Horses That Crib?

• High-starch grains: These can lead to excess energy and excitement, exacerbating the cribbing behavior.
• Molasses-rich feeds: The sugar content can contribute to behavioral issues and may encourage the horse to engage in cribbing.
• Low-fiber diets: Insufficient fiber can lead to digestive issues and increased anxiety, which may trigger cribbing.
• Inconsistent feeding schedules: Irregular feeding can cause stress in horses, prompting them to crib as a coping mechanism.
• Poor-quality hay: Low-quality forage may not satisfy a horse’s chewing instinct, leading them to crib out of boredom or frustration.

High-starch grains can cause spikes in blood sugar and energy levels, leading to more hyperactive behavior and potentially worsening cribbing. It’s essential to choose low-starch alternatives, such as those with a higher fiber content.

Molasses-rich feeds are often palatable but can lead to sugar highs and subsequent lows, promoting anxiety and restlessness in horses. Opting for low-sugar feed options can help maintain a more stable mood.

Low-fiber diets can result in digestive discomfort and increased anxiety, as horses naturally crave roughage. Feeding a diet rich in high-fiber hay or forage can help keep them content and reduce the urge to crib.

Inconsistent feeding schedules can increase stress, as horses thrive on routine. Establishing a regular feeding time helps create a sense of security and may reduce the incidence of cribbing.

Poor-quality hay often lacks the necessary nutrients and may not provide adequate chewing opportunities, leading to boredom. Ensuring high-quality forage not only meets nutritional needs but also satisfies the horse’s natural chewing instinct, which is vital in curbing unwanted behaviors like cribbing.

Which Ingredients Can Exacerbate Cribbing and Why?

Certain ingredients can exacerbate cribbing behavior in horses, often due to their effects on digestion and temperament.

• High-Starch Feeds: These feeds can lead to increased energy and restlessness in horses, which may trigger cribbing behavior.
• Grain-Based Diets: Grain can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to anxiety and stress that can manifest as cribbing.
• Excessive Sugars: Sugary feeds can promote hyperactivity and discomfort in the stomach, potentially increasing the likelihood of cribbing.
• Low-Fiber Diets: Insufficient fiber can lead to digestive issues and boredom, which are common factors that contribute to cribbing.
• Highly Processed Feeds: These often lack the necessary nutrients and fiber, leading to digestive upset and behavioral issues, including cribbing.

High-starch feeds can significantly influence a horse’s energy levels, making them more prone to behaviors like cribbing due to excess pent-up energy and frustration.

Grain-based diets are often high in carbohydrates, which can cause rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar, potentially leading to stress and anxiety in horses that may resort to cribbing as a coping mechanism.

Excessive sugars in feed can lead to a hyperactive state in horses, which can exacerbate nervous behaviors, including cribbing, as they seek to relieve their agitation.

Low-fiber diets can result in digestive discomfort and boredom for horses, making them more likely to engage in stereotypical behaviors such as cribbing as a form of self-soothing.

Highly processed feeds often lack essential nutrients and fiber, which can upset a horse’s digestive system and contribute to behavioral issues, including cribbing, as they seek relief from discomfort.

How Can Feeding Practices Help Manage Cribbing Behavior?

Feeding practices can significantly influence the management of cribbing behavior in horses.

• High-Quality Forage: Providing ample high-quality forage can help keep horses occupied, reducing boredom and stress that may lead to cribbing. This type of feed is rich in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and can satisfy the horse’s natural chewing instinct.
• Low-Starch Concentrates: Feeding low-starch grain options can minimize the risk of digestive upset, which some horses experience with high-starch diets. This can help alleviate anxiety and reduce the likelihood of cribbing, as some horses may crib due to discomfort caused by digestive issues.
• Supplementation with Calming Agents: Including supplements that have calming properties, such as magnesium or certain herbal blends, can help manage stress levels in horses prone to cribbing. These supplements can promote relaxation and decrease the urge to exhibit cribbing behavior, making them a beneficial addition to the diet.
• Regular Feeding Schedule: Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule can provide a sense of routine for horses, which may help reduce anxiety-related behaviors like cribbing. This predictability in feeding times can create a more stable environment where the horse feels secure and less inclined to engage in cribbing.
• Limit Access to Boredom: Increasing the time horses spend eating by using slow feeders or providing multiple small meals throughout the day can help keep them engaged. Reducing idle time can lessen the likelihood of cribbing as horses are less likely to seek out destructive behaviors when they have enough to occupy their time.

What Feeding Schedules or Strategies Might Work Best for Cribbing Horses?

High-fiber diets are essential for maintaining gut health, as they encourage natural chewing and digestive processes. Providing adequate forage can also minimize boredom, which is a significant trigger for cribbing.

Low-starch and low-sugar feeds are important because high levels of these substances can lead to increased energy levels and anxiety, potentially worsening cribbing behavior. Selecting the right feed can help to keep horses calm and focused.

Using slow-feed hay nets allows for a more natural eating pace, which can mimic grazing behavior and keep horses busy for longer periods. This can effectively decrease the chances of them engaging in cribbing as they have more time occupied with feeding.

Enrichment feeding strategies are crucial for mental stimulation, which can prevent boredom-related behaviors like cribbing. By encouraging horses to think and problem-solve for their food, they are less likely to resort to undesirable habits.

Finally, a consistent feeding schedule can help create a sense of security for a cribbing horse. Knowing when to expect food can reduce anxiety and help regulate their behavior throughout the day.

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