We’re horse lovers. We know their daily requirements are simple – hay, water, brushing, reassurance of how great they truly are and some horse treats. Seriously though, horses have a unique digestive system with unique dietary needs.
Horses are hindgut fermenters whose nutritional health hinges on a balance of forage, concentrates, vitamins, minerals and clean water. They might “tell” you differently, but our horse dietary requirements are more than hay, horse treats and TLC. Our Vitalize® team is comprised of horse lovers just like you, so we created this quick guide to help ensure your horse gets the best nutrition possible.
Let’s examine the four areas of feed and nutrients that will fulfill your horse dietary requirements:
Forage
Hay or pasture should comprise at least 1.5–2% of a horse’s body weight daily, supplying fiber that promotes healthy gut motility and microbial fermentation. Good-quality grass or legume hay provides bulk, energy and protein. However, hay analysis can guide supplementation when levels of protein or specific nutrients are insufficient.
Hay testing is important to realize the nutritional value of what you are feeding your horses. Just because your hay is pretty, green and lush, doesn’t mean it is nutrient dense. At BioZyme®, makers of Vitalize, we offer complimentary hay testing to our customers. Having a general idea of the quality of your forage enables you to provide the lowest cost ration possible to meet your performance expectations
Concentrates
Concentrates like grains or commercial feeds are energy-dense and often necessary for performance, growth, lactation, or to maintain weight in hard keepers. Oats, barley and commercially mixed feeds supply carbohydrates, fats and protein. Introduce concentrates gradually—no more than 1 pound per meal increases every few days—to avoid colic or laminitis. Typically, meals should not exceed 0.5% of body weight each to minimize digestive upset. One strategy to limit the amount of concentrates in your horse’s diet is to consider a forage-based diet for horses.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins and minerals must meet daily horse dietary requirements. A balanced vitamin and mineral premix can correct common deficiencies. Salt should be offered free choice via a salt block, while trace minerals like zinc, copper and selenium and fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, might require supplementation, particularly if forage tests low.
Water
Finally, water is the most essential nutrient for all animals. Horses require 5–15 gallons of fresh water per day depending on temperature, activity level and diet – dry hay requires more water intake. Dehydration can quickly lead to colic and other complications. Clean, thawed water ensures adequate hydration, aids digestion and supports thermoregulation.
Vitalize Can Help Meet your Horse Dietary Requirements!
Vitalize is a line of supplements for horses, dogs and cats with proven solutions to keep your animal healthy and performing. We are a renowned brand of supplements designed to enhance equine health, provide a good gut feeling and support bone, joint and soft tissue health.
Vitalize Offers Choices of Equine Supplements
We know that you like choices. We also know that every horse owner has a different set of priorities for their beloved horses. With Vitalize, the choice is yours! We have made a line of equine mineral supplements to fit any horse diet and any feeding routine.
All of our equine mineral supplement formulas are:
- Tested for stability
- Offer balanced nutrition for diets lacking in essential nutrients
- Formulated for that perfect bloom & body condition
- Provide key nutrients for strong bone health, healthy immune & reproductive systems
- Contain the research-proven prebiotic AO Biotics® Amaferm® for a high functioning digestive system
All Vitalize vitamin and mineral supplements are good sources of:
- Copper + Zinc
- Vitamins A + D
- Selenium
- Robust Vitamin B Package
Give Your Horses a Good Gut Feeling Today!
It is easy to purchase Vitalize products. You can purchase them online or from a variety of other retail outlets.
Not sure which product best suits your horse and its needs? Check out our Vitalize Product Navigator.
Do you prefer to shop locally? You can find the Vitalize dealer nearest you where to buy tool. If you don’t see your local feed store on our locator, never fear! You can refer a dealer. for free online. We’ll reach out and let them know shoppers in their area are interested.
