diet Archives

Ration Balancers for Horses Explained

Understanding how to balance a horse’s diet can be challenging when forage, feed, and supplements all play a role. Ration balancers for horses offer a concentrated source of essential nutrients that can help support healthy coats, hooves, muscles, and overall wellness without adding unnecessary calories. Knowing when and why to use a ration balancer can help horse owners make more informed feeding decisions throughout the year.

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herd of horses standing in muddy pasture that is brown and overgrazed

Brown Grass for Horses

Health and Well Being / By Liv G.

Brown pastures are often assumed to be safer for grazing horses, but dormant forage can still contain significant sugar levels. Seasonal stress from drought, frost, or overgrazing changes how grass stores carbohydrates, which directly affects equine health. Metabolic horses, including those with EMS or PPID, face greater risks when grazing stressed fields. Careful management, slow feeding strategies, and thoughtful dietary adjustments help protect horses during periods of pasture dormancy.

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chestnut horse with a furry winter coat grazing through the snow

Avoid Winter Colic in Horses

Health and Well Being / By Liv G.

Cold weather creates several challenges for equine digestion that make it harder to avoid winter colic, especially when routines change. Reduced water intake, limited movement, and shifts in feeding patterns can all contribute to colic in winter if they are not managed carefully.

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bay horse standing in a snowy and icy paddock

Winter Horse Care Mistakes to Avoid

Health and Well Being / By Liv G.

Winter brings a long list of changes for horses, and many problems start when owners assume their warm-weather routine still works. Cold conditions impact hydration, forage needs, hoof care, grooming habits, turnout choices, and shelter management. Prepare early, adjust daily habits, and keep your horses healthy throughout the season.

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horse eating hay flakes while in a small paddock with a thin layer of snow

Feeding Horses in Winter

Health and Well Being / By Liv G.

Cold weather creates new challenges for equine nutrition, from extra calories for warmth to hydration and vitamin support. Feeding horses in winter means making smart adjustments to hay, supplements, and feeding routines to prevent health risks like colic or weight loss.

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Antacids for Horses – Are They Worth It?

Health and Well Being / By Liv G.

Horses commonly suffer from gastric ulcers, and managing stomach acid is a frequent concern for horse owners. Antacids for horses may provide temporary relief by neutralizing acid, but they do not address the underlying causes of ulcers, such as an empty stomach or high-stress feeding schedules. Effective prevention and treatment often rely on diet changes, small frequent meals, forage, and veterinary-guided medications rather than human antacids like TUMS.

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Feeding Alfalfa to Horses

Health and Well Being / By Liv G.

Alfalfa hay is a great option for some horses that need extra protein, energy, calcium, and calories. But, the higher calcium must be balanced with additional phosphorus in the diet. Also, watch out for blister beetles when feeding alfalfa to horses, as they are toxic for horses.

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a fat horse and a cow standing in a field grazing

Monensin Toxicity in Horses from Contaminated Feed

Barn Management, Health and Well Being / By Liv G.

Monensin is an ionophore antibiotic for cattle, other ruminants, and chickens. In horses, it can quickly cause severe neurological and cardiac problems and often results in death. Avoid contamination by using horse specific feeds from trusted mills that are ionophore-free.

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gray horse with furry winter coat and long mane and forelock

Improve Your Horse’s Winter Coat – 6 Easy Tips

Grooming, Health and Well Being / By Liv G.

Spend a little more time grooming your horse’s long winter coat, add a dollop of product, and feed for healthy skin to keep your horse shiny in their winter coat.

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First Cut vs. Second Cut of Hay – Equine Nutrition Basics

Health and Well Being / By Liv G.

Hay cuts differ primarily in protein, fiber, and energy content. Many horses benefit from second-cut hay for higher protein and easier chewing, while others may need first-cut hay for its higher fiber content.

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