Bran is a byproduct from processing cereal grains. It is the outer layer of the grain kernel. The two most common brans fed to horses are wheat bran and rice bran. This article discusses the use of these two feed stuffs in horses.

Bran, until recently, has usually not been fed to horses as a main feed ingredient. Wheat bran has been used for centuries for laxative purposes or as a treat. With the recent interest in increasing the fat in a horse's diet, rice bran has become increasingly popular as a regular feed stuff for horses. Rice bran that is not extracted will be a rich source of fat derived energy, having a place in feeding those horses that can benefit from this type diet. Care must be taken however as the fats in the rice bran are prone to rancidity and therefore should be stabilized. For more information on high fat diets. Bran is a safe and palatable feed for horses as long as it is fed at weightsless than 0.02 % of the horse's bodyweight (2 lbs per 1000 lbs of horse) daily and when the phosphorous content is balanced with adequate calcium. It is an expensive source of energy however.

Bran has long been advocated as a laxative and an anti-colic feed supplement. Research has shown it does not have a laxative effect. It neither increases fecal water content nor softens stools. The anti-colic properties have neither been proved or disproved. Feeding hot bran mashes probably makes the care taker feel good and the horse may enjoy the treat, but it probably does neither harm nor much good for the horse.