Feeling overwhelmed in the feed store? You're not alone. As a holistic veterinarian, I want to share a secret: great nutrition is simpler than you think. It’s not about the fanciest bag; it’s about building from a foundation of what your horse’s body was designed for.

Attention: Always consult your veterinarian for nutritional advice tailored to your animal. What follows are general recommendations for healthy horses. Some animals will have special and/or different requirements.

Step 1: Forage, The Undisputed Champion

Before any supplement, focus on forage. Horses are designed to graze continuously. Providing free-choice, quality hay (aiming for 1.5-2% of their body weight daily) is your best defense against colic and ulcers. The simple act of chewing produces saliva that buffers stomach acid, and foraging provides crucial mental stimulation. Your first and most important investment is always excellent hay.

Step 2: Balance the Basics

Once forage is covered, assess what’s missing. For most horses on a hay-only diet, a ration balancer is a great choice. It provides essential vitamins and minerals without excess calories.

If your horse need more calories, choose a low-sugar, high-fiber fortified feed. If you feed any grain at less than the recommended serving, add a simple vitamin/mineral supplement to fill the nutritional gaps.

Step 3: Add Targeted Support (As Needed)

This is to target specific concerns, after the foundational nutritional needs are met.

Joints: Look for plant-based glucosamine, MSM, or herbs like Boswellia.

Coat & Hooves: Power up with plant-based Omega-3s from ground flax or chia seeds, plus biotin.

Gut: Support their microbiome with simple probiotics, especially during times of stress.

​By building from a forage-first foundation, you can spend where it matters most and provide exactly what their bodies need to thrive. 

Reach out if you have any questions. (contact info below)

Have a great day!​

Visit us at:

Call: 303-838-3771

Email: help@AspenParkVet.com  / info@ResqRanch.org

https://www.resqranch.org/

https://www.aspenparkvethospital.com/

https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Resqranch