Equine Nutrition Tip #16

Posted on May 3, 2017 by EcoEquine_The blog for Horse Hippie

HAY BEFORE GRAIN, OR VICE VERSA?

Many people worry about which they should be feed first – hay or grain?

If you feed starchy cereal grains (oats, corn, barley, etc.) on an empty stomach, the horse will produce more acid than normal potentially leading to ulcers. Plus, the grain will leave the stomach quickly and head to the small intestine where it will not be fully digested.

If this undigested grain ends up in the hindgut where starch would be fermented by the bacterial population, then this can increase the risk of laminitis.

Your horse should have access to forage (hay and/or pasture) at will, therefore, when you feed your grain, the horse’s digestive tract should already have hay flowing through it.

If hay is present in the stomach first, it creates a physical barrier for the grain to move out of the stomach as quickly. When is hay present, the fiber in the hay mixes with the starch from the grain and then this enters the small intestine. Fiber’s presence slows down the process of digestion.

So the answer is to trickle feed forage all day using a slow feeder if necessary to avoid grain on an empty stomach. For more about the digestive tract click here. For more about slow feeders click here.

Peace and good feed,

The Nerd

Horse Feeding Myths & Misconceptions

Posted on August 2, 2016 by EcoEquine_The blog for Horse Hippie

Occasionally I will post an article from one of my friends in the equine nutrition field. One of the best of the best is Dr. Marty Adams. I learn something every time I am with Marty. Here is a great article he wrote about some of the common Myths & Misconceptions in feeding your horse. Hope you learn something too 🙂

By: Dr. Marty Adams (PhD Equine Nutrition)

“Compared to most classes of livestock, there seems to be more myths and misconceptions when it comes to feeding horses. Many of these feeding myths appear to be long-held traditions that have been passed down from horse owner to horse owner. These myths or misconceptions are likely due to the fear of harming the horse, a lack of understanding of the feedstuff or the feeding practice, or thinking that the horse’s digestive system or nutrient requirements are similar to that of the human horseman. The old adage that “It’s always been done this way!” can be a powerful argument in keeping a tradition alive, in spite of scientific fact. We now have some scientific evidence that some of these “horse tales” are not true and may be harmful to the horse, so let’s review some of the most common horse feeding myths and misconceptions. Continue reading →

Nutrition Tip

Posted on January 14, 2015 by EcoEquine_The blog for Horse Hippie

Our new relationship

Posted on November 6, 2014 by EcoEquine_The blog for Horse Hippie

Howdy Nerd Herd!

So excited to announce that we are a supplier for Silver Lining Herbs- Health Products for Horses! I love their herbal blends and have used them with much success with my clients. We carry the full line but here is a preview:

#37 KIDNEY SUPPORT- Kidneys are an area where today’s horses are put under extreme stress with a chemical environment. The kidneys primary function is to cleanse the blood and produce urine, which excrete wastes; due to the critical and body-encompassing nature of this job, improvement in kidney function will help restore and relieve a wide range of systems and symptoms. Contains a proprietary blend of Marshmallow, Uva Ursi, Barberry, Garlic, Kelp, Parsley, Dandelion, Chamomile, Hydrangea and Juniper. BEST SELLER!!!

#20 KEEP COOL- Riding an excitable horse in a competition or trail ride just isn’t as fun or productive as riding one who has his wits about him. #20 Keep Cool contains herbs known as “nervines,” which maintain a normal nerve impulse in the animal. Helpful in maintaining a calm, cool horse that still knows where his feet are…a state enjoyed by the horse as much as the rider. May be beneficial in supporting the overall nervous system in horses. Also may be beneficial for nervousness, stress, worry, spookiness and poor haulers. Contains catnip, chamomile, hawthorne, hops, rosehips, skullcap, valerian, Oregon grape, black cohosh, lobelia, mistletoe, burdock and echinacea.

#30 DIGESTIVE- Gives the digestive system what it needs to function at its highest level. A healthy digestive system is of utmost importance to the overall health of any horse, particularly those prone to colic. An optimally healthy digestive system avoids problems, and offers more effective and efficient nutrition to the cells. #30 Digestive may be beneficial for digestive discomfort and indigestion, abnormal gut sounds, abnormal manure (either too hard or soft), digestive stones, sub-optimal peristalsis, back soreness, horses who won’t put or keep weight on, general digestive issues. Contains psyllium, slippery elm, chamomile, cascara, dandelion

If you would like to receive a catalog just let me know and I will pop one in the mail to you. Or check out our Horse Care Shop at http://www.happyhorsehealthyplanet.com/for-your-horse.html

Peace and Good Feed,

ENN