Mineral Balancers for Horses: The Ultimate Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Every horse owner wants the best for their equine companion, but feeding a horse correctly can be a complex task. This is where a mineral balancer comes in handy. Designed to complement a forage-heavy diet, a balancer provides the essential vitamins and trace minerals that your horse needs. What is a Mineral or Ration Balancer? A balancer, often known as a ration balancer or vitamin and mineral balancer, is a specially formulated feed designed to provide horses with the essential vitamins and minerals they require. Unlik ..read more

Exploring the Benefits of Biotin for Horses: A Supplement for Equine Hoof Health What is Biotin? Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is a crucial nutrient in equine nutrition and health. It is well known for its role in improving the condition of a horse’s hoof, hair, and skin. While horses produce some level of biotin naturally in their hindgut, additional supplementation can offer numerous benefits. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, part of the Vitamin B complex. It's essential for overall health, affecting everything from energy metabolism to the growth rate of the hoof. In the equine world ..read more

Hay Dunking in Equines | Why Does My Horse Dunk His Hay? Hay dunking in horses is a habit that can turn slimy quickly, especially in warm weather. You may wonder why your horse eats a mouthful of hay and then dunks it into the water troughs. While some consider using a slow feeder or a hay net placed away from any area where the horse is dunking to reduce the mess, others ponder if this behavior is a sign of discomfort that warrants further investigation. What is Hay Dunking?  Hay dunking is a behavior exhibited by some horses where they take a mouthful of hay and then submerge it into a ..read more

Herbal Supplements for Equine Health and Wellness: A Comprehensive Guide to Herbs for Horses With the growing interest in natural supplements and holistic health, more and more horse owners are exploring herbal supplements for horses and dogs. While the appeal is undeniable, it's crucial to note that there is a significant lack of scientific research to back many of these claims regarding equine supplements. Horse Health and Herbal Supplements Herbal supplements can address various health conditions, from digestive issues to respiratory problems. Some horse owners consider herbal supplements t ..read more

Feeding High Fat Horse Feed | When To Feed Fats to Equines | Effects of Feeding High-Fat Supplements  The Evolution of Equine Nutrition: The Need for Higher Fat Traditionally, horse diets have focused on forage and grains like oats and barley. However, equine nutritionists and veterinarians are increasingly recognizing the importance of higher fat content in horse feed. Higher fat feeds offer concentrated energy and can provide numerous health and performance benefits for horses, from weight gain to improved coat condition. The Science of Fats: Fatty Acid Composition Fats, particularly fa ..read more

Feeding The Lazy Horse To Make Him More Forward Understanding the Lazy Horse Every horse possesses unique traits, but when your equine companion is often termed a "lazy horse," it can be both physically and mentally challenging for the rider. The lethargic demeanor doesn’t always come from an inherent temperament but can be influenced by several factors, including nutrition. Many horses become more energetic when their diet aligns with their physical demands. Energy Needs of Dressage Horses & Other Performance Horses Disciplines like dressage, with its transitions within gaits like trot an ..read more

Flaxseed and the Risks of Cyanide Poisoning from Flax in Horses Introduction to Flax and Its Benefits Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is often used in equine nutrition due to its high fatty acid content, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids play a crucial role in the cell membrane structure and immune function of horses. Ground flaxseed, whole flaxseed, flaxseed meal, and flax oil are all common forms of flax products used by horse owners to supplement equine diets. Flaxseed provides an excellent source of calories and is a preferred alternative to fish oil due to its ..read more

Equine Blood Glucose Control: Understanding Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia in Horses In the world of equine health, understanding the metabolic systems of horses is crucial. This knowledge enables veterinarians and horse caretakers to monitor and manage conditions like hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in horses, which are centered around blood glucose control. The Role of Glucose in Equine Health  Glucose is the primary energy source for a horse's body. When a horse consumes feed high in starch and sugar, its body breaks it down into glucose which is used as energy. Insulin, released by the ..read more

Navigating Dermatitis in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment  An Overview of Dermatitis in Horses  Dermatitis in horses, often perceived as simple itchiness, is far more than an occasional annoyance. It's a skin condition that represents an inflammation of the skin, and it can create significant discomfort for your equine companion. Dermatitis may lead to constant scratching and biting at the affected area, causing secondary bacterial or fungal infections, hair loss, and even changes in behavior. Recognizing the signs of this skin condition and seeking appropriate treatment is cr ..read more

Geophagia Unearthed: Unveiling the Reasons Horses Eat Dirt  Understanding Geophagia in Equine Behavior: What Does it Mean When Your Horse is Eating Dirt? Geophagia, the act of a horse eating dirt or soil, may seem unusual but it's not entirely uncommon for horses. In both domesticated and wild horses, the desire to eat unusual substances like dirt can be an instinctual behavior that has several explanations. While it's essential to consult with your veterinarian if you catch your horse persistently engaging in this practice, remember that not every instance of dirt consumption signifies a ..read more