Feed & Nutrition

Winter Water for Horses

Updated:

October 1, 2019

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Horses require access to free choice, clean water at all times and in all seasons, and will drink an average of 30 litres of water per day. Many horses’ diets see an increase in dry feed matter, like hay, during the winter months. As a horse requires three litres of water for every kilogram of dry matter they eat, although horses drink less in cold weather, adequate water consumption remains a priority.

Is My Horse Obese and Should I Be Worried About It?

Updated:

August 30, 2019

The ongoing problem of obesity in equines is not a recent one. However, in some industrialized countries, the increase in the number of obese horses and ponies predominantly found in the leisure industry has now become a globally recognized welfare concern.

How to Test Your Horse for Dehydration

Updated:

August 15, 2019

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“Hydration is everything. The correct balance of water and body salts controls everything from the brain to the gut. As dehydration develops we risk our horse’s health and welfare by stressing their hearts, kidneys, and gut function. From the polished show horse to the race horse to the beloved pasture horse, we must ensure access to clean drinking water and CORRECT replacement of electrolytes lost through sweating.”

The Healthy Senior Horse

Updated:

July 4, 2019

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Advances in veterinary medicine and greater attention to equine nutrition have made it possible, even probable, that your horse will live well into his 20s, maybe even the 30s! But, it’s apparent that individuality plays as much a role in the way horses age as it does for us. There are changes, however, that go along with growing old, no matter what age they become noticeable.

Pica: A Peculiar Palate

Updated:

June 2, 2019

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Pica is the desire to eat unusual substances that possess little or no nutritional value, such as dirt, wood, hair, and feces. This phenomenon has been observed in horses of all ages, breeds, and sexes.

How to Choose Horse Feed Supplements

Updated:

March 5, 2019

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For retired horses standing in the field all day, grass may supply all the nutrients needed for energy and tissue maintenance. If a horse does much more than this, however, it might need feed supplements to make up dietary deficiencies related to training, performance, or reproductive state.

Feeding Donkeys

Updated:

February 27, 2019

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Donkeys are highly adaptable feeders. If given the opportunity, they will consume a variety of different grasses and shrubs to obtain sufficient nutrients. It is generally accepted that the donkey can exist with less food than a horse. Their efficient utilization of food makes donkeys easy keepers, but don’t let the term misguide you. It is important to take care in determining when and how much to feed as obesity is a major concern in modern domesticated donkeys.

Feeding Horses When Feed is Short

Updated:

February 7, 2019

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Feeding programs for horses should be based on quality forage. However, when Mother Nature does not cooperate, forage supplies can be limited causing horse owners great concern. Weather conditions such as drought can reduce the hay available and with reduced supplies the price of hay goes up. There are a number of strategies horse owners can consider using to control the feed bill while still meeting the horse’s nutrient requirements.

Timing of Meals for Horse Health and Performance

Updated:

January 23, 2019

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Horse owners know how important good nutrition is to the health and performance of their animals. They spend considerable time and money ensuring that their horses are provided with the nutrition they need to do a job and stay healthy. There is a great deal of debate in the equine industry today about feed and its safety or suitability for our horses.

Key Factors for Feeding Horses in Winter

Updated:

January 6, 2019

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Most horses have some “down time” in winter, when adverse weather will not permit much riding or showing activity. A reduction in your horse’s activity level usually means a reduced need for calories, and requirements for grain or concentrate feeding can be lowered. During the winter season, temperatures typically fall below that necessary for pasture grass to grow. Pastures become rapidly depleted of natural forage and horses must increasingly rely on their owners to provide them with a nutritionally adequate diet. To properly feed a horse during the winter months the key factors of water, fibre, and essential nutrients must be addressed.