The digestive system of horses is particularly sensitive. Therefore, if you wish to change the diet of a horse, it is advisable to do so gradually and by respecting certain rules. This will allow your horse to get used to its new diet without causing digestive problems.
Why change the horse’s diet ?
The horse’s main diet is forage (especially hay), which must be supplemented by a ration of concentrated feed served in several meals, generally 2 to 3 times a day to avoid deficiencies. If your horse’s energy requirements change, the composition and/or frequency of its feed must be adapted. There are many reasons to change your horse’s diet: if your horse is overweight, or on the contrary lacks condition, if it lacks energy, if you change the regularity of its physical activity, if you fear a loss of condition following a change of season, etc…
What food for horses to choose ?
The dietary needs of horses are very different depending on their activity. For example, a retired horse or one that is not physically active will need a specific diet to maintain its muscle mass and sufficient energy to help its thermoregulation in winter. The diet of the racehorse is very rich in trace elements, vitamins, minerals and high energy potential. It is preferable to use feed with a limited amount of starch to complement the forage. Cereal-based feed favors the development of ulcers, and for horses subjected to intense and repeated efforts, cereal-based feed favors the production of toxins that limit performance and slow down recovery.
In addition to the feed, we can find feed supplements which are proposed according to specific needs, as the regrowth of the horn or the hair, the relief of the joints or the repair of the digestive system for example. For each need, Royal Horse will be able to answer it with a range of feeds and supplements for horses.
How to ensure the transition of your horse’s diet ?
If you wish to change your horse’s diet, plan an adaptation period of about ten days. Start by introducing the new feed in small doses, replacing, for example, 20% of the old feed with the new one for the first 2 days. Then increase the dose of the new feed to about 40% for 2 days, then 60% for another 2 days, 80% for the next two days, and finally the entire ration after 8 days. Observe your horse and its droppings carefully to make sure it can tolerate the new feed. If in doubt, consult a veterinarian. Also make sure that the energy values between the 2 feeds remain the same. For example, flaked feeds for horses are often more energetic than conventional concentrates, so you will have to reduce the size of the ration so that your horse does not become overweight or have too much energy intake.
Choosing the right feed for your horse has a direct impact on his health, so it is important to choose horse feeds developed by nutritionists that will cover all his vital needs.
Customize your horse’s ration from the Royal Horse application
