When a horse is competing it is important to keep the diet consistent throughout the season to avoid digestive disturbances/feed refusal.
Sudden changes in diet can predispose a horse to digestive disturbances or feed refusal. This applies when changing the diet from one feed to another and/or increasing the quantity of feed being offered and/or when adding other feedstuffs to the existing diet such as, bran, cereals (eg oats), chaff, beet pulp, feed balancers, etc.
During transport and quarantine when the horse is not in work it is equally important that the diet remain consistent during this period and that the horse remain on the same diet. It is hugely important that the quantity of feed offered during transport or quarantine is greatly reduced. Once the horse is back in work the quantity can be increased gradually.
Connolly’s RED MILLS Comfort Mash/ Hi Fibre Bran Mash may be combined with the existing feed but it is advised that new feedstuffs should be introduced gradually and should be fed in small amounts. For a low starch option Connolly’s RED MILLS Horse Care Mash is ideal. When travelling and/or in quarantine, it is important that the horse receives a number of small meals per day rather than 2-3 large meals per day.
Horse Care Mash is a cereal grain free, high fibre conditioning mash. Ideal for horses needing a low starch diet, including those prone to gastric ulcers. Alongside a fully balanced vitamin and mineral package, Horse Care Mash also contains additional beneficial additives including therapeutic levels of biotin, vitamin C to aid immune function, prebiotics and probiotics to support hindgut health, chelated minerals and organic selenium for optimum adsorption, and a natural gastric acid buffer to support stomach health.
For more information on how to introduce a new feed into your horses’ diet click HERE
If you have any questions about your horse’s diet or would like some advice on formulating a feeding plan for your horse please don’t hesitate to contact Connolly’s RED MILLS Nutritional Team.
