Nutrition

Good feeding practice

Choosing the appropriate feed for your horse is essential for health, growth and development, performance and vitality. Horses are naturally grazing animals. Their digestive system is designed to eat little and often and to process large amounts of fibrous material. They may spend between 16-18 hours each day eating.

For maintaining digestive health the minimum forage should be 1-2% of bodyweight, mainly based on hay, grain and pasture. However, the requirement for nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals is greater with increasing exercise, growth, or pregnancy. In these cases forage needs to be supplemented by cereals, coarse mixes or nuts.

Reasonable cost for optimum health

To find the optimal nutrition the following facts about your horse have to be considered:The current performance level (e.g. breeding, racing, recreation) and body condition.The daily nutrient requirements based on the current performance level, climate factors (temperature, rain, wind), age and breed.The feed composition (protein, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, vitamins).