An unhealthy diet predisposes our horses to diseases , including laminitis, tying up, colic, diarroea and abnormal behaviours (which used to be called vices). Just like us, unhealthy diets for horses tend to contain too many foods not natural to them- ie, starchy grain and lush pasture grass. A list of healthy guidelines for your horse might look like this:
Your horse should eat plenty of fibrous foods, and preferably mostly unprocessed - at least 1% of bodyweight per day and preferably ad lib.
Have access to food for most of the day and no fasting periods greater than a few hours. Maintain bodyweight within recommended limits.
Control starch intake and replace grain feeds with digestible fibre and quick-dried forages.
Avoid lush pasture and strip-graze with supplementary fibrous forage if necessary.
Try to spend as much time as possible roaming to eat - ie, turn out for as much and as long as possible.
If stabled, simulate normal eating behaviour with several nets of different forages.
Ensure regular de-worming and dental treament. (Don't forget - Your horses skeleton should be felt but not seen).
Water works!
A big part of your horse's body weight is about 70% water, so keeping an eye on his fluid levels mean you maximise his health and performance!
You can also try horse feed and equine supplements. NAF sell a 5 star range of horse supplements to keep your horse in optimum health.
