How to Choose the Best Horse Feed for Optimal Nutrition

With so many types of horse feed in stores, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when looking for the best feed. Factors like your horse’s activity level and dietary restrictions make it more difficult to choose the right feed.

For this reason, the in-house experts at The Trainer’s Loft have provided the information you need to buy the right feed. Find out the types of horse feed available and the factors to consider when buying.

What is the Purpose of Horse Feed?

Primarily, horse feed provides energy for day-to-day activities. Beyond the energy, horse feed provides an adequate supply of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals. These nutrients are necessary for your horse’s overall health, growth, maintenance, and performance.

Without sufficient feed, your horse would suffer from many problems. These include malnutrition, stunted growth, and a compromised immune system.

Types of Horse Feed

Forage is the primary feed for horses. Equestrian nutritionists classify forage into two categories- hay and pasture. Hay is made of dried grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, orchard grass, and Timothy.

Pasture is the fresh grasses and plants horses graze on for nutritional needs. Other common types of horse feed include:

• Grains. This horse feed contains cereals like oats, corn, and barley. The feed is a dense source of energy.
• Supplements. Supplements are special feeds that address a horse’s specific nutritional gaps or health concerns. The supplements can provide vitamins, minerals, or amino acids.
• Complete feed. A complete feed provides a precise mixture of essential nutrients. This feed for horses provides minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, fat, and fiber.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Horse Feed

When seeking the ideal horse feed, always get the highest quality available. Such a feed provides balanced nutrients for optimal health. Assuming you have no specific brand in mind, use the following ideas to narrow down to the best feed for your horse.

Quality of Ingredients

High-quality horse feed is formulated from ingredients that provide proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats. These ingredients should be free from contaminants like mycotoxins.

Horse feed crafted with the highest quality ingredients is easily digestible. It provides enough nutrients for optimal well-being. The feed will support muscle development, growth, coat luster, and the immune system.

Nutritional Content

Horses require a balanced diet to maintain their health. Otherwise, they could suffer health issues like high disease vulnerability and poor muscle development. Ensure your horse’s feed has the following nutrients to avoid these health issues.

• Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for daily activities.
• Proteins. Proteins help fuel muscle development and tissue growth.
• Fats. Fats serve as energy reserves, alongside supporting bodily functions like hormone production.
• Vitamins. Vitamins support vital functions like metabolism and immune function.
• Minerals. Minerals play a pivotal role in maintaining various physiological functions. They support bone health, regulate nerve function, and support immune function.

Special Dietary Needs

Some horses have special dietary needs. For instance, some have sensitivities to certain grains, grasses, or even proteins. As such, before buying horse feed, ensure it meets your horse’s special needs, not just the dietary requirements.

Consult a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to establish your horse’s special needs. Afterward, use the knowledge to shop around for the best feed. For instance, choose feeds with lower carbohydrate content if your horse has metabolic issues.

The Trainer’s Loft: Your Source for Premium Horse Feed

The Trainer’s Loft provides top-tier equestrian products, including horse feed. We stock many types, each formulated from the finest quality ingredients. The feed ensures your equine companion gets the right supply of nutrients.

Since dietary requirements differ from horse to horse, we have in-house specialists in equine nutrition. They will assist you in choosing the perfect feed for your animal. Check out our animal feed store to see the offerings we have. 

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