| Horse Food |
 |
 |
 |
| Horse Articles | |
|
Horse Dietary Needs Horses have varying dietary needs depending upon the energy requirements of the horse, the exercise undertaken by the horse and also the food available where they live. The different classes of nutrients needed by horses are: water; protein; vitamins; minerals and high energy food. Energy is not a nutrient but is a gauge of the feed potential to fuel your horse's body functions and muscle effectiveness during exercise. Energy delays the onset of muscle fatigue which helps your horse in competitions. Think Big Pets has included some tips on horse feeds but recommends if you have special concerns regarding your horse, contact your vet or equine nutritional expert. Horse Feed Tips Horses do not like large meals so feed them small meals often. Consider how much exercise your horse is getting as their energy requirements vary depending on their work level. Ensure they are getting enough fibre. Horses obtain fibre from pastures and hays. Two classes of hays to feed horses are: grasses such as orchard grass, timothy, fescue; legumes such as clover and alfalfa. Be careful not to overfeed. Any extra food will be stored as fat on the horse. If you are changing your horses feed, try to do it gradually. Supplements. Horses are fed supplements for a number of reasons: to prevent health problems; to treat existing problems; or to supply nutrient shortfalls. Some basic supplements for your horse include: Apples and carrots; Salt lick designed for horses; Molasses to mix with dry food or medicines; Cod liver oil (rich in vitamins) to mix with food; Corn oil (rich source of energy). Showing your Horse. There are different requirements depending upon the disciplines that the horse is competing in. If showing the horse, the horse may have to work for a long time and so will need a basis such as fibre which provides a non-heating energy source. Your horse’s skin and coat will also benefit from fats and oils which also promote weight gain. Dressage or Show Jumping. If competing in dressage or show jumping, your horse will require strength and power. Soluble Carbohydrates can be used as they provide an energy source that your horse can draw upon for intense exercise. Your horse will also benefit from quality protein which will assist in muscle development. Trials. As your horse has to work hard, it needs soluble carbohydrates and will also benefit from oat based mixes. Endurance. As your horse is also using a lot of energy in endurance, your horse will again benefit from soluble carbohydrates and feeds containing fats and oils. Add your comment
|
|
| Last Updated on Monday, 29 December 2008 13:11 |