U.S. Horse Feed Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

 Horse Feed Market Size

• The U.S. Horse Feed Market size was valued at USD 3.72 billion  in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5.41 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period
• This growth is driven by factors such as rising horse ownership and equestrian activities and advancements in feed formulations

Horse Feed Market Analysis

• The rising global equine population, coupled with increasing participation in recreational riding, equestrian sports, and racing, is fuelling demand for specialized horse feed. Owners seek nutritional solutions that support performance, immunity, and overall health of their horses.
• Horse owners are increasingly prioritizing scientifically formulated, nutritionally balanced feed. This includes feeds enriched with vitamins, minerals, and digestive aids to prevent common ailments like colic and laminitis, ensuring optimal physical condition and longevity of horses across various use cases
• The Cereal grain segment is expected to dominate the market due to its high energy content, digestibility, and widespread availability. Grains like oats, barley, and corn provide essential nutrients that support performance and endurance in horses.
• The high fiber segment is expected to dominate the market due to its alignment with equine digestive physiology. Horses evolved to consume fiber-rich diets, relying on hindgut fermentation to derive up to 70% of their energy needs from volatile fatty acids produced during this process.

Report Scope and Horse Feed Market Segmentation 

Horse feed market Trends

“Shift Toward Natural and Organic Feed”

• There is a growing preference for organic and chemical-free horse feed, driven by increased awareness of animal welfare, sustainability, and health-conscious consumer behavior among horse owners and breeders.

For instance,

• In October 2024, the BLM and Northern Nevada Correctional Center held a successful saddle-started wild horse adoption event, raising USD 74,550. With rising horse ownership and equestrian activities, demand for trained horses continues to grow, reflecting the increasing involvement in recreational and competitive horseback riding across the U.S.

• Manufacturers are developing breed-specific and performance-specific horse feeds. Customized formulations for senior horses, foals, and sport horses are gaining traction to meet unique nutritional needs and optimize health outcomes.
• Online platforms are becoming a major distribution channel for horse feed. E-commerce allows convenient access to premium products, subscription-based delivery services, and tailored nutrition advice, expanding market accessibility globally.
• Horse ownership is growing in emerging markets like India, China, and Brazil. Increasing income levels, equestrian tourism, and awareness of equine nutrition are driving new demand in these developing regions.

Horse feed market Dynamics

Driver

“RISING HORSE OWNERSHIP AND EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES”

• As more individuals and families engage in horseback riding, breeding, and competitive sports, the demand for specialized and nutritionally balanced horse feed continues to rise. This shift is not only driven by recreational interest but also by the expanding equine industry, including riding schools, stables, and training facilities. Horse owners are increasingly seeking high-quality feed that supports performance, immunity, and overall well-being. Moreover, the emotional bond between owners and their horses is pushing preferences toward premium, customized feeding solutions. The evolving needs of both leisure and professional riders are reshaping the feed market, encouraging innovation and tailored product offerings. This upward trend in equestrian culture directly supports long-term growth and diversification within the horse feed sector across the U.S.

For Instance,

• In 2023, the United States had an estimated 6.65 million horses, with approximately 1.5 million horse owners and 25 million individuals participating in horse-related activities. This substantial engagement underscores the nation's robust equestrian culture and its significant impact on the horse feed market.
• In May 2024, the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse Adoption Incentive Program celebrated over 15,000 successful adoptions. Offering USD 1,000 incentives, the program helps manage wild horse populations but has faced criticism from advocacy groups regarding animal welfare concerns.

Opportunity

“INNOVATION IN FUNCTIONAL FEED INGREDIENTS”

• As equine nutrition shifts toward more holistic and preventive care, there is a rising opportunity to develop functional feed ingredients that address specific health challenges in horses. Modern horse owners and trainers are increasingly aware of how diet influences performance, recovery, and long-term well-being. As a result, they are actively seeking feeds enriched with targeted ingredients that provide measurable benefits—such as enhanced gut health, improved joint flexibility, reduced inflammation, and stronger immunity.
• Functional ingredients like probiotics and prebiotics are widely used to support digestive health and nutrient absorption, while omega-3 fatty acids (from flaxseed and fish oil) are being included to manage inflammation and promote healthy coats. Antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium are also gaining ground for their role in reducing oxidative stress, particularly in performance horses.
• In addition, herbal additives like turmeric, devil’s claw, and yucca are being explored for their anti-inflammatory properties. These trends are not only reflective of growing veterinary recommendations but also mirror developments in the human health and wellness market, where clean-label and functional benefits are prioritized.

For instance,

• In April 2023, Purina Animal Nutrition launched its "SuperSport Amino Acid Supplement" for horses, a scientifically formulated product designed to enhance muscle recovery, performance, and overall fitness in equine athletes. Developed by Purina's PhD equine nutritionists, this supplement features a proprietary blend of essential amino acids, high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals tailored to support muscle development and repair
• In January 2024, PMC published a study demonstrating the positive effects of adding yeast-derived beta-glucans to senior horse diets. The findings suggested improved immune response and reduced markers of inflammation in older horses—encouraging feed manufacturers to explore immune-supporting additives

Restraint/Challenge

“AGE-SPECIFIC NUTRITION FEED REQUIREMENT”

• Horses require different nutritional profiles at various stages of life—foals need feeds rich in protein and calcium for growth, adult horses require balanced energy sources for maintenance or performance, and senior horses often need easily digestible feed with added joint and digestive support. This variation creates challenges for feed manufacturers in terms of product diversification, inventory management, and marketing.
• Moreover, it complicates purchasing decisions for horse owners, especially those managing multi-age groups. Selecting the right formulation can be overwhelming without proper guidance, and incorrect choices may lead to nutritional imbalances or health issues. Smaller stables and casual horse owners may also find it financially burdensome to purchase separate feeds for each age group, leading to compromises in nutrition. Manufacturers must invest heavily in R&D to produce highly targeted feeds, which increases production costs.
• Additionally, retailers must allocate more shelf space and logistical planning to manage a wider range of SKUs. These factors can hinder scalability, limit product availability in smaller markets, and pose entry barriers for new players, ultimately restraining the overall growth of the horse feed market.

Horse Feed Market Scope

The U.S. horse feed market is segmented into seven segments based on product type, nutrition type, form, age, function, packaging size, and end user.

In 2025, the Cereal grain segment is projected to dominate the market with a largest share in product type segment

In 2025, the Cereal grain segment is expected to dominate the market due to its high energy content, digestibility, and widespread availability. Grains like oats, barley, and corn provide essential nutrients that support performance and endurance in horses.

In 2025, the high fiber segment is expected to account for the largest share during the forecast period in nutrition type segment

In 2025, the high fiber segment is expected to dominate the market due to its alignment with equine digestive physiology. Horses evolved to consume fiber-rich diets, relying on hindgut fermentation to derive up to 70% of their energy needs from volatile fatty acids produced during this process.

U.S. Horse Feed Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

The Major Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.)
• ADM
• Compana Pet Brands
• Alltech
• Purina Animal Nutrition
• Kent Nutrition Group
• Triple Crown Feed
• Tribute Equine Nutrition
• Bluebonnet
• Hallway Feeds
• Medalist Feed
• Total Feeds, Inc.
• Blue Chip Feed
• Cavalor
• Modesto Milling Inc.
• HYGAIN
• Red Mills
• Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates
• TIRLÁN

Latest Developments in U.S. Horse Feed Market

• In April 2025, Alltech has been awarded four new EcoVadis sustainability medals, including two Platinum honors, recognizing its commitment to implementing environmentally and economically sustainable solutions, fostering ethical business conduct, and prioritizing the efficient production of nutritious food.
• In October 2024, Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates announced new partnerships across North America to promote regenerative agriculture within its pet food supply chain. Through collaborations with ADM, The Andersons, Inc., Riceland Foods, and others, Mars aims to transition 150,000 acres to regenerative practices in 2024, contributing to its goal of reaching over one million acres globally by 2030 as part of its Net Zero Roadmap.
• In July 2024, Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates completed the acquisition of Cerba HealthCare’s stake in Cerba Vet and ANTAGENE, expanding their veterinary diagnostics capabilities in France. The move strengthens Mars Petcare’s Science & Diagnostics division, supporting its mission to enhance diagnostic access and better serve pets and veterinary professionals.
• In February 2025, Dengie was awarded the Royal Warrant as a supplier of horse feed to His Majesty King Charles III, a prestigious recognition following the warrant granted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2007. The Royal Warrant is given to companies that have continuously supplied goods or services to the Royal Household, reflecting their high standards and commitment. Dengie’s focus on sustainability, local farming, and traceability in their feed production was central to the award.
• In September 2024, Allen & Page’s dedicated nutrition team was honoured with the prestigious BETA Award for Nutritional Helpline of the Year, sponsored by Stubbs England. This award recognises the team’s exceptional customer service, expertise, and commitment to providing tailored nutritional advice to equine owners across the country. The award highlights the team’s thorough knowledge and their dedication to helping horse owners make informed feeding decisions. Sarah Kearney, Head of Equine & Smallholder Nutrition, expressed that the recognition from BETA motivates the team to continue enhancing their services, ensuring they provide the highest standard of guidance to both novice and experienced horse owners. 

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