In general, the feed can be categorised into two kinds, the traditional diet of hay and oatmeal or a substance diet. And, in turn, these rely on whether the horse undertakes low, average or heavy work.
The food which we feed to horse needs to meet seven fundamental specifications. Five of these are:
- Energy. It needs to offer sufficient power (calories) to meet the requirements of the horse. If the weather becomes chillier or the horse is used more definitely, the quantity of food will need to be increased accordingly. Likewise, as winter changes into summer or if the horse is less active, the Complete Horse Feed should be reduced.
- Minerals and Natural vitamins. Aside from power, horse feed needs to offer a variety of essential vitamin supplements, in the needed amounts.
- Bulk and High Fibre. The horse intestinal tract has developed to process lawn, which has elevated levels of fibre and large. Food which is focused (e.g. grain) may deliver the needed energy and nutritional value but does not have the large which the intestinal tract needs, which greatly improves the risk of stomach problems and other illnesses. Studies on a horse along with a diet rich in feed or other focused food show that 50% to 90% of these horses have ulcers.
- Digestibility. Complete Horse Feed which is badly consumed provides limited food value and can cause serious illnesses (e.g. impaction colic). This is a particular problem for the older horse, where oral wear decreases his capability to eat food and aging has reduced his capability to process certain food. In addition, the horse may eat inappropriate items (e.g. straw) which do offer food value but due to difficulty in digestive function can also outcome in problems.
- Safety. Almost any Complete Horse Feed, given in a wrong quantity or fashion, can result in health issues.
You should remain reliable in what you feed your horse. If you travel with your horse and are uncertain that you will be unable to get the same type of food on your trip, try to take enough of his food to feed him until you return, or arrange to obtain his normal food during the time away.
Determining the Complete Horse Feed for your horse is an important and serious matter, particularly if it is poor (old, very young, fed up, dental issues) or has a weight issue (over or under) or has a food related health background (colic, laminitis, allergy, insulin resistance, etc.). You should develop a suitable diet with a veterinarian or comparative professional, based on knowledge of your individual horse’s particular specifications and intended use.
Conclusion:
A Complete Horse Feed which is as natural as possible (e.g. grass) is generally the best for the horse unless it has particular specifications for other kinds of food.
Source:Complete Horse Feed: Know What is Best For Your Horse