Nutritional Articles — Feeding good doers RSS

As autumn begins, grass growth slows, and the nutritional profile becomes deficient in key vitamins and minerals. Horses tend to spend more time stabled, as a consequence it is an important time to balance their forage ration (grass, hay or haylage) to ensure digestive health is maintained. As a trickle feeder, additional forage provision allows your horse to maintain a healthy gut. Fermentation of forage in the hind gut serves an important role in keeping your horse warm. However, hay and autumn/winter grass is typically low in essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients, so ensure the rest of your horse’s diet is balanced to compensate for this. For those who lose weight more easily in the colder months, calorie content, good quality protein and probiotics are vital....

Equine diet planning for improved health Equine obesity is an ongoing problem within our equine population and should be taken extremely seriously. Ponies and horses carrying excess weight can suffer long term additional health problems such as breathing difficulties, and joint pain, and can be at risk of developing Laminitis. Overweight ponies and horses continue to need a balanced diet (not fibre alone) for their overall improved health, while avoiding any unwanted calories. Native breeds tend to be the most commonly affected, BUT equine obesity is certainly not exclusive to this group. Exercise, where possible is also a hugely important part of management for successful weight loss, which is harder to achieve by low calorie feeding alone. Regular body condition...