Loss of weight in winter is a concern with many of our equines, especially those who are older or naturally leaner. The cold weather in winter increases energy demands on our horses, as they must produce more body heat to maintain their body temperature. On top of this, the amount and quality of the grazing…
In the ever-evolving world of equine nutrition, we, as horse owners, are increasingly seeking smarter ways to fuel performance, support condition, and manage health. This new HQ series will feature several key ‘intriguing ingredients’ in equine nutrition to shed light on how they can serve our horses, which horses they are suitable for, and, most…
Text: Hannah Botha, MSc In the realm of equine nutrition and health, every horse owner aims to provide the best care possible for their beloved steeds, and that extends to supplementing their diet according to their needs. Among the various supplements available on the market, psyllium is getting increasing attention as a noteworthy inclusion in equine diets, but…
Q: Is it enough to just give my horse a salt block or lick? A: Many people rely on salt blocks to supply their horse's daily salt requirements. However, while some horses have a craving for sodium, which will cause them to use a block, few horses lick a block enough to consume their daily salt…
Q: I’ve heard that dried dandelions are good for horses, but how about the fresh ones that grow in the field? Are they okay for a horse to eat? A: No part of a dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is toxic to horses. Even for us, eating raw or cooked, dandelion offers a good source of vitamins A, B, C,…
Text: Hannah Botha, MSc Equine Nutrition Equine respiratory diseases are a major concern for many horse owners, as they can significantly affect a horse's performance, quality of life, and longevity. Managing respiratory health in horses is, therefore, a critical aspect of equine care, especially in the case of equine asthma (previously known as inflammatory airway diseases…
Understanding senior nutrition Text: Hannah Botha, MSc Equine Nutrition Just like humans, horses age at different rates according to their lifestyle, diet, exercise and genetics. In today's times, horses are living longer as research improves our understanding, enabling horses to lead active lives late into their twenties and even thirties. Just because a horse has reached a…
Q: Why is beet pulp good for horses? A: Beet pulp is a great feed for horses. It is an energy-rich source of digestible fibre that helps to promote and maintain a healthy microbial hindgut population, keeping the digestive system healthy. Beet pulp is a byproduct from the sugar beet industry. Sugar beets are grown and harvested…
Q: What can I feed to make my horse’s coat shiny? A: Coat condition is a marker of your horse’s health, so before changing the diet, you should evaluate your horse’s overall health. You should check for worms with a faecal egg count, make sure that his teeth are in good shape and assess his general…
As this Nutrition Guide is a bit of a marathon production, we thought it wise to give you the option of diving in and out according to your needs and interests. Here's a breakdown of the contents with the relevant links so that you can rummage around and find the bits that interest you, or…
