| . | September 20, 2017 02:35 PM |
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Edited at March 27, 2022 07:31 AM by BlueMist Farms
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| . | September 20, 2017 04:47 PM |
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Try a senior feed. America doesn't have the brand I use, but any senior or "high fat" food should work. If you can, mix it with soaked beet pulp. That's what worked for my dude! |
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| . | September 21, 2017 11:37 PM |
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I've had lots of luck with BlueBonnet feeds. They have one specifically designed for horses like chief
http://bluebonnetfeeds.com/intensify-omega-force/ |
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| . | September 23, 2017 08:25 PM |
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My old girl has done well on Nutrena SafeChoice Senior. She has Cushing's and this feed (plus meds) keeps her at a proper weight. As a bonus it smells amazing :) |
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| . | September 24, 2017 02:08 PM |
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Purina Ultium has been working pretty well for us. We have a younger Arabian gelding on pasture 24/7 that still doesn't like to keep weight on (no issues - just how he is) so that's what he gets and does well on! Good luck with your older man :D |
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| . | September 30, 2017 11:24 PM |
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I really don't understand why people feed so much grain. Argh I hate the stuff!
Grain is carbohydrate with very low protein levels, most of you will know the risks associated with grain feeding - change in pH in the stomach etc
If you want weight gain, then look at feeding a high fat and protein supplement. Depending on the quality of your grass and hay you are feeding that will depend. I'm not sure about America, here in New Zealand we feed cold pressed rapeseed oil to our horses which is 100% fat and has vitamin E, omegas etc. I also make a rapeseed meal/ chia blend which is high in fibre and contains all the essential amino acids for weight gain and muscle development.
I cannot stress enough the importance of fibre - ad lib! again not sure on what you have available but slow hay feeder nets are wonderful. Yes they can help with weight gain, however in an older horse that might have compromised teeth action it might not work? but for your others it might be an option? If teeth are compromised then mixing feeds with chaff - as dust free as you can find- I never feed dry chaff - always add water
Hope this helps? I've just been interrupted :) |
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| . | October 1, 2017 11:11 AM |
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Brackenfield while I do agree that proper forage should be the majority of their diet - in fact the very mare I mentioned above was strictly pasture and hay for 11 years and thrived on it - grain does have its place with some horses and can be a helpful boost. My horse was an air fern and kept in good weight just by smelling grass but age (she's nearly 30) and Cushing's have caught up with her, and she needs the extra calories now. Nothing about her diet changed...her body changed, and what worked food-wise for 11 years didn't work anymore. She's back to a good weight again with proper dietary adjustments and medication - and for what it's worth she is still mostly on pasture - but I can't deny that she gets super excited for her grain. That little boost of happiness in her old age is pretty special, and I'm glad it helps her feel good. Edited at October 1, 2017 11:13 AM by Coruscant Farm |
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| . | October 11, 2017 12:28 PM |
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For seniors, Nutrena SafeChoice has great feeds. I personally really like Tribute feeds, specifically the Maturity feed. Both feeds have done wonders for older horses in my experience. |
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| . | October 11, 2017 07:13 PM |
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Beltane Eventers said:
I've had lots of luck with BlueBonnet feeds. They have one specifically designed for horses like chief
http://bluebonnetfeeds.com/intensify-omega-force/
I went to a feed seminar the other day for this feed, they pack lots of vitamins and minerals into it so you don't have so much for supplementing. Also every bag you get has the same ingredients. They never change anything, where as lots of other company's do. It's also made in a ionophore free mill so you don't have to worry about contamination. |
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| . | October 13, 2017 03:03 PM |
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Nutrena Senior Feed should be good! I feed my horse Nutrena SafeChoice original and he looks great! (He's 13) |
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