Oats contain more protein, minerals and fat than most other commonly fed grains. Because of the low energy content in oats, changes to its quantity bear little nutritional consequenses, therefore making oats safer to feed than many other grains. When a less E dense grain such as oats is fed, as the primary grain in a horse's diet, the horse is less likely to colic or become obese. Oats may be fed whole or processed. Processed oats may be crimped, steam-rolled or crushed.
Whole oats are the natural forms of the nutritious easily digestible grain.
Whole oats are stored easily and keep well in their natural state. Processing oats breaks the outer shell and makes the kernel and nutrients more accessible to the digestive juices. This reduces chewing requirements slightly and may also increase digestibility. Processed oats may be a better choice for young foals, horses recovering from surgery, or older horses with poor teeth. However, by processing the oats, the nutrients are exposed to the air, causing them to age more quickly.