Horse owners know how difficult it can be to find the right diet for their animals. There are so many different opinions, and everyone seems to have a different idea of what constitutes a good diet. This article will provide you with the best tips to improve your horse’s diet for optimal performance. However, as with any changes you make when caring for your horse, it’s vital that you speak to your vet first to ensure that the choices you’re making will provide the best care while improving their performance.
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Speaking To Your Vet
The first thing you should do is speak to your vet about your horse’s diet. Your vet will be able to help you come up with a plan that includes the perfect mix of food, vitamins, and supplements for your horse’s needs. Depending on their age, activity level, and gender, your vet may recommend a specific type of feed or a supplement that would provide them with the best care. You should always consult a professional before making any changes to your horse’s diet. Rapid changes in diet might cause horse diarrhea so you have to be careful.
Horses need a balanced diet to stay healthy and perform optimally. While hay is a key part of a horse’s diet, it doesn’t provide all of the nutrients they need. That’s where the best CBD pellets for horses come in. CBD pellets are a great way to supplement your horse’s diet and provide them with the nutrients they need. They’re also GMO-free, making them a safe choice for your horse.
Understanding What Your Horse Needs For The Work They’re Doing
You also need to understand what your horse needs are for the work they’re doing. Will you be taking your horse to high-level competitions? or are you looking for a happy hacker for an older horse? The work and level of exercise your horse will be doing will dictate what they will need in their diets to perform at their best and remain healthy.
Keeping Their Digestive System Healthy
The digestive system is one of the most important parts of your horse’s body. So, it’s vital to make sure that you’re feeding them a diet that will keep their digestive system healthy and functioning properly. One way to do this is by adding probiotics and prebiotic foods into their diet.
Probiotics are live cultures of bacteria, while prebiotics are substances that feed the good bacteria in the gut, like soluble fibre from fruits and vegetables. Adding these two supplements into your horse’s diet will help promote a healthy digestive system, leading to better performance on the track or in competitions. Additionally, you can find plenty of supplements to help keep your horse’s digestive system healthy at the online equestrian store, Equi Supermarket.
Taking Care Of Your Horse’s Joints
One of the most important things you need to do when it comes to your horse’s diet is to take care of their joints. This includes making sure they are getting enough Vitamin C, magnesium, and phosphorus. Whether your horse will be performing at the highest level, attending weekly classes to keep them sharp, or hacking, work puts strain on their joints, leading to problems over time. When these are taken care of, your horse will have easier movement and less pain as they age. Using turnout boots for horses is also recommended since they shield the horse’s legs from potential injuries during activities like riding, lunging, or turnout. These boots also help absorb some of the impact shock when a horse’s hoof makes contact with the ground.
Avoid Excess Fat In Feeds
One of the easiest ways to improve your horse’s diet for optimal performance is to avoid excess fat in feeds. Horses are prone to obesity, which can cause a number of health problems and disrupt mitochondrial health. Avoiding high-fat foods is an easy way to keep your horse healthy while improving performance. However, you should be aware that there are some fats that are essential for horse health, such as omega-3. You should be getting your horse’s vet’s input on which fats are best for your animal before making any changes in their diet.
Ensure They Get Plenty Of Electrolytes
One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a diet that will improve your horse’s performance is electrolytes. Horses need an adequate amount of electrolytes in their diet, and it is vital that they get plenty of them, especially after an intense working session. One of the best ways to provide electrolytes to your horse is by adding a salt lick in their stables, as this will also help keep their electrolytes balanced even when they are not in work. Additionally, there are also supplements that can be used if you and your horse’s vet feel that your horse needs more in their diet.
Provide Plenty Of Forage
A horse’s diet should always include plenty of forage. This is a great way to ensure that they’re getting the right nutrients. Forage is essential for the horse because it helps their body maintain the right weight and also helps with digestion.
Boost Your Horses Amino Acid Intake After Work
After a hard exercise session, many horse owners turn to a protein supplement. These supplements are a great way to give your horse an extra boost of amino acids, which can also come from a good diet.
Besides the benefits that these supplements provide, it’s important to note that after a hard workout, your horse needs an increase in fat and carbohydrates as well. Simply feeding your horse hay after their workout will provide them with their necessary sugar intake for recovery.
