A foal's protein and mineral needs relative to its energy needs differ significantly from those of a broodmare. Plus, hay or grazing serves as a foundation for broodmare feeding, with concentrates providing the remainder of nutrient requirements. Young foals are unable to consume and utilize large amounts of roughage, so the concentrate should be well fortified and carefully balanced. Horse owners have the flexibility of either formulating a creep ration using various feedstuffs, or purchasing a commercially manufactured concentrate that has been formulated for the young, growing horse. The amount of protein and minerals needed in the concentrate depends on the amount of energy (calories) supplied in the feed. The feed tags on most commercial feeds do not directly list the megacalories of energy provided, but they do list the percentage of crude fiber. As crude fiber levels decrease, energy levels increase, meaning that the concentration of protein and minerals must also increase.

Some commercial feeds may contain supplemental fat. If so, the crude fiber percentage will remain about the same, but the concentrate will contain more energy than a similar mix without any added fat. Please refer to the TAEX publication entitled Feeding Young Horses for Sound Development to read more about such rations. An example creep feed is also available in that publication for horseowners desiring to mix their own creep feed. Creep feeds should always contain at least 16% crude protein, .80% calcium and .50% phosphorus. When lesser amounts are provided, it is almost impossible for foals to eat enough feed to meet the minimum requirements for these nutrients. Protein quality is also very important and creep rations must contain a higher quality source of protein that offers sufficient amounts of the amino acid lysine to support growth.

Creep feed should be provided for foals in the creep feeder at least once every day. Foals prefer many small meals. Therefore, creep feed should be introduced slowly and then usually should be available for foals at all times. Horseowners must avoid letting the creep feeder remain empty for a period of time and then pouring in a large amount of feed, because this situation can lead to overeating by hungry foals. Creep feed should be removed if spoiled by moisture or infested with ants and fresh feed provided in its place.

Some foals tend to be picky eaters and will sort the feed, often eating only the grain and leaving protein, vitamins and minerals in the bottom of the trough. This has prompted some owners to use pelleted feeds so that each bite a foal takes is balanced. The decision of whether to purchase a pelleted or mixed grain ration should be based on availability of quality feeds, foal behavior and other factors. Groups of foals will all behave a little differently and some foals will show more dominance than others. Occasionally, one foal will stand in the creep feeder and try to prevent others from eating. Careful observation will identify such problems and allow owners to make adjustments in the amount of feed provided, trough placement and creep feeder size.

In situations where mare/foal owners cannot utilize creep feeding practices, then certain measures should be taken to limit intake of feed that might contribute to growth problems in foals. Once solution is to feed a well balanced foal concentrate to the broodmare. With this approach, foals eating from the same trough as the mare will be receiving an adequate supply of nutrients without getting too much energy. This practice does result in mares receiving slightly more protein and other nutrients than they normally need, but it ensures that foals will receive a good supply of nutrients for skeletal development.