Dairy cow feed rations are typically formulated using a combination of forage and concentrate feeds. Forage feeds such as hay, silage, and pasture provide cows with fiber, energy, and some protein. Concentrate feeds such as dairy meal, maize germ, and cottonseed cake provide cows with additional energy, protein, and other nutrients.

Feeding management in addition to nutrient content should be considered when formulating rations. The three basic groups for concentrate ingredients are cereal grains, protein sources, and by-product feeds. The feed type and the manner of preparation influence how the dairy cow uses these ingredients.