DIET CHECKLIST FOR A HEALTHY HORSE

Gut Fill

-Are you feeding 1-2% of your horse's body weight in feed daily?

-Is more than half of the total made of long-stemmed forage?

-Is less than 1/4 of the total made up of concentrates?

Hydration

-Are you feeding 1-2 ounces of loose white salt daily in addition to the free choice salt offered?

-Does your horse voluntarily take in an adequate amount of water (10-15 gallons for a 1000-lb horse) on a daily basis, summer and winter?

General Health

-Are your major and trace minerals balanced and fortified to an accurate hay analysis?

-Are your amino acid and protein levels adequate?

-Are you fortifying your diet with antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids?

MOST LIKELY CULPRITS IN THE
DIET BALANCING GAME

Forage Analysis

Here at Advant/Edge we realize that without knowing what is exactly in your horses hay its nearly impossible to adequately manage your horse's diet. Our goal is to help you obtain the types as well as amounts of grasses and legumes that exist in your hay. With this knowledge a proper custom diet can begin to be formulated.

Major and Trace Minerals

Imbalance or inadequacies in the mineral profile of a diet are associated with a number of signs. Including skin, coat and hoof problems as well as allergies, arthritis, poor immune response, muscular problems, metabolic problems, and at times inadequate performance. A custom diet will aid in the overall health and well being of your horse, physically and mentally.

Salt and Hydration

On average a horse requires an intake of one to two ounces of salt on a daily basis. If this requirement is not met, a chronic low level dehydration may result, which can lead to weakness, irritability, digestive complications and exercise intolerance. While it's a good start, a salt block it may not always be enough.