The Positive Benefits of Adding Supplements to a Horse's Everyday Diet

Posted: Jan 27, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

A horse is much like any other animal dietary wise. It requires different levels of feed and nutrition dependent on its age, weight, physical activity level and general health. As you can see, many of those factors could even be applied to you and me. Its physical well-being is a balance of getting the correct proteins, grains, hay, supplements, and water. With so many different factors to worry about, caring for a horse can be quite the challenge even for experienced horse owners.

Are you wondering what electrolyte supplements are? They are simply important minerals all animals need to stay fit and healthy. They are as sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium and also a small amount of sulfur. You'll want higher concentration amounts of some these minerals and most can be found in supplements.

I've found the best place to begin is implementing a supplement program. Numerous medical and scientific researches have shown the importance of equine supplements and electrolyte supplements. They have proven their efficiency and the addition of supplements to a horse's everyday diet has become an acceptable practice.


Even so, many experienced horse owners are not sure whether or not their horses need supplements and what the best way to introduce them into its daily diet is.  Some owners add it to the feed, while others do the opposite and over-supplement. Both of these tactics are wrong and potentially harmful to the animal. The best results are seen from adding low levels of electrolytes and supplements during time of maximum physical exertion and down times in between, such as the few weeks separating a competition or race. However, it is important to follow the dosage recommendations at all times.

If your horse does not participate in hard physical labor or undergo strenuous exercise, you can possibly get away with a lesser dosage of supplements, provided that its current diet is adequate and balanced. Some owners feel as though salt is all the supplementation the horse will need since it can get the necessary amounts of potassium from hay.

Personally, I prefer to add the electrolyte supplements to the horse feed instead of its water. The reason is because the horse may simply drink enough of the water to make the supplementation useful. Also you may run into the problem of the horse not liking the taste of the supplement added water, which means it simply won't drink the water at all. As you can imagine this has other health related problems associated with it. As you can see, adding the supplements to the feed is much easier in the long run.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/equestrian-articles/the-positive-benefits-of-adding-supplements-to-a-horses-everyday-diet-4119146.html

    Article Tags:

    equine care

    ,

    horse care

    ,

    equine supplements

    ,

    horse supplements

    ,

    horse blankets

    ,

    equine blankets

    There are numerous types of different blankets available and each with its own specific role to play. They are important additions to your tack room while helping your animals remain healthy and comfortable no matter what type of weather conditions Mother Nature throws at them.

    By: tedstinson55l Sports and Fitness> Equestrianl Feb 25, 2011

    Caring for a horse is a difficult job. Add cold weather to the mix and it becomes downright challenging. An acute change in weather can and will affect a horse so it important to be properly prepared. Typically, its natural winter coat and routine care is all a horse needs to remain in good physical shape right through the changing of the seasons

    By: tedstinson55l Sports and Fitness> Horse Racingl Dec 21, 2010

    Western saddles are equipped with a horn and leather skirts to help hold the saddle in place during hard riding. You'll also commonly find Western saddles with a deep seat which is also padded for additional comfort.

    By: tedstinson55l Sports and Fitness> Horse Racingl Dec 21, 2010

    There is nothing more important for a horse's health than having its daily nutritional requirements met. This is more than feeding it a few equine supplements and plenty of water. A horse that doesn't receive its necessary vitamins and minerals everyday can become seriously among other health concerns.

    By: tedstinson55l Sports and Fitness> Equestrianl Feb 25, 2011

    Modern horse owners and trainers provide their horses with vitamins and minerals as part of their daily diet. They are a very important necessity. Vitamins, while essential, are needed in lesser quantities than other nutrients, however.

    By: tedstinson55l Sports and Fitness> Horse Racingl Dec 21, 2010

    Consignment shops such as Equestrian clothing are magnificent places to get cheap maternity garments. The finest places to buy garments for pregnant women are the shops that keep clothing for kids as well.

    By: jessica thomsonl Sports and Fitness> Equestrianl May 17, 2012

    One more important aspect of horse riding is the Riding Boots. If you have by no means been on a horse in your entire life and have no aim of ever doing so also, it does not matter.

    By: jessica thomsonl Sports and Fitness> Equestrianl May 16, 2012

    I had also never never been there on a race day. I thought it quite apt to return to my roots and to also also indulge in my love of horse racing at the same time.

    By: Jerremyl Sports and Fitness> Equestrianl May 12, 2012

    All the biggest horses, jockeys, trainers, and even racing events have sponsors. Ranging from fellow equestrian businesses and betting companies, to independent and local businesses; almost anyone can sponsor you at your next equestrian event. Find out more about how to get a sponsor.

    By: Ruth Williamsl Sports and Fitness> Equestrianl May 10, 2012

    If your target market is the equestrian world then this article about effective marketing strategies for horse related businesses will be of interest to you. Read on to find out more.

    By: Ruth Williamsl Sports and Fitness> Equestrianl May 10, 2012

    Horses are beautiful animals that provide us with fun and exercise every time we go for a ride. They give us so much so it is only right that horse owners give their animals the time and effort needed to make sure they are properly cared for. This means they need plenty of exercise, clean stables and plenty of nutritional feed.

    By: tedstinson55l Home and Family> Petsl May 31, 2011

    You've made a decision to buy a horse, now what? Have you thought about what you are going to feed it? Do you know where you are going to keep it? These are all important questions one must first think about before making such a big decision. Well, I can help you answer one of those questions. When it comes to providing the animal with a place to live, my choice is a clean horse stable.

    By: tedstinson55l Home and Family> Petsl May 31, 2011

    Of all the different types of dog supplies out there, none are more beloved by dogs than a comfy and cozy dog bed. You can find one to suit any breed or size of dog. They are available in all shapes and sizes as well as a wide variety of durable materials. Some owners prefer basket beds while others are simple like a pillow with a blanket laid out on the floor.

    By: tedstinson55l Home and Family> Petsl May 30, 2011

    All new dog owners must attempt to lay down some ground rules for their new dog or puppy. You want it to go potty outside, come when called and behave when told. This is accomplished typically in the form of training. However, training a dog or puppy is a lot more that telling your dog to do something.

    By: tedstinson55l Home and Family> Petsl May 30, 2011

    Some pet owners shudder at the thought of muzzling their dog but sometimes there is no other alternative. It is an absolute must for dogs that demonstrate aggressive behavior towards other dogs or people. There are times, however, that muzzles are useful, such as applying medicine in a dog's ear.

    By: tedstinson55l Home and Family> Petsl May 30, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast