We get many question about feeding horses at McDowells and there's a lot of confusion. Most people now have an understanding that herbs aren't vitamin or mineral supplements and that they are actually considered part of the horse's forage...
The two main equine diets we recommend for clients are a 'Performance diet' and the 'Emergency Laminitis Diet'.
Performance diet
This diet can be used as a basic with any of the McDowells formulas and products. There are some adjustments for high oxalate pastures.
Start with 500 grams dry weight of Speedi-beet (British Horse Feeds brand). This is the basic forage and can be increased if required. Soak as per the instructions and add the following:
White chaff (wheaten chaff) and green chaff
Oats or barley
Equihemp pellets or Copra to add extra protein and build muscle
Rice Bran – for horse to that need to gain weight
1 cup crushed millet and linseed* - to assist in prostaglandin balance and act as supplement of omega 3.6.9 and silica.
Rosehip - 2T in speedi-beet to soak. This is a kidney and adrenal tonic.
Magnesium - Mag-GG
Kelp - 5 grams per feed.
Equigesta-pre - 50grams. Ulcer protection per feed – contains liquorice as a cortisol balancer, as well as parasympathetic nervous system support, and acts as a prebiotic.
Salt (pink rock)
Hay (low GI) or unimproved pasture 24/7
(*= McDowells can supply)
Emergency Laminitis Diet
This diet is to be used with Metabolic-S, Cushing-S, Alleviate, (all found in the acute laminitis program) to be given until horse is sound, then review to ensure nutrition is meeting the horses' needs.
Start with 500 grams dry weight Speedi-beet (British Horse feeds brand), which is the basic forage. This quantity can be increased if required.
Soak and then add the following:
White (wheaten) chaff
Equihemp pellets or Copra meal to add extra protein
1 cup crushed millet and linseed* - to assist in prostaglandin balance and act as supplement of omega 3.6.9 and silica.
Rosehip - 2 tablesoons in speedi-beet to soak. Riosehips is a kidney and adrenal tonic.
Magnesium (Mag-GG)
Kelp - 5 grams per feed.
Equigesta-Pre 50 grams - Ulcer protection per feed – contains liquorice as a cortisol balancer , as well as parasympathetic nervous system support, and acts as a pre biotic
Salt (pink rock)
Bedding straw
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