Just like us, our horses need to get their daily dose of vitamins and minerals. We are all familiar with the idea of feeding a balancer, but ensuring that you choose the most appropriate one for your horse is important.
So, what are the biggest mistakes that we make when feeding balancers?
1. Feeding excess sugar
Excess sugar can be very detrimental to our horses, so it is important to choose a balancer that is low in sugar and starch regardless of what level of work your horse is in, or their current weight. Many balancers contain high levels of simple sugars, which can increase glucose levels and lead to issues such as laminitis, weight gain, and metabolic disorders.
If your horse needs to gain condition or energy, the safest way to do this is by providing energy in the form of oil, such as linseed. Linseed oil provides healthy fats such as omega 3, and a safe, slow-release form of energy.
2. Feeding excess iron
Iron is generally obtained through forage, so deficiency in horses is very rare. As it can’t be excreted from the body, iron can be detrimental if fed in excess. As it is a highly reactive element, it can contribute to cell damage by forming free radicals within the body. Excess iron has also been linked to metabolic syndromes and Cushing’s disease.
Iron affects how other minerals are absorbed, so it could have a bigger impact on the diet than you realise. High levels can decrease zinc and copper absorption, leading to secondary deficiencies.
Ultimately, a balancer does not need to contain any iron at all.
3. Only feeding a balancer during winter
One of the most common mistakes that we make is removing hard feed, including balancer, in spring and summer. It is tempting to stop feeding when the rich grass comes through and we are worried about our horses gaining weight, but there are several things to consider if we do this. All soils and grasses are different, even between fields on the same land. Your grass could be high in one nutrient, but deficient in another, and this can all affect our horses.
Feeding a balancer all year round ensures that the correct vitamins and minerals are received, no matter the season. A balancer low in sugar and starch will not contribute to weight gain unless fed in excessive amounts.
4. Removing a balancer to aid weight loss
Similar to the previous point, it can be easy to remove all hard feed when horses are on weight loss diets. Restricted grazing and correctly weighed out or soaked forage are great tools for weight loss, but both of these methods mean that even less nutrients are gained from forage.
Feeding a balancer whilst your horse is on a weight management regime can ensure that they remain healthy, even whilst their calorie intake is restricted.
5. Feeding your horse an unsuitable balancer
With a wide range of balancers on the market, choosing the right one for your horse can feel quite daunting. Ensuring that you feed your horse a suitable balancer for their situation is important, as all horses have different requirements. For example, if your horse is in hard work, they will have different nutrient requirements to a yearling, who again will have different requirements to a retired veteran. Horses on restricted diets also have an increased need for a balancer.
If you are unsure of which type is right for your horse, then speaking to a nutritionist is always a good option.
6. Overcomplicating your feeding
Do you ever feel like you are mixing a potion when feeding your horse? Vitamins and minerals are the cornerstone of a good diet, and a healthy intake of these, alongside plenty of forage is the most effective way of providing your horse with what they need. Of course, there are many horses that benefit from specialized supplements, such as those for the joints or hindgut, but as a general rule, every horse at the very least requires the appropriate vitamins and minerals.
Whilst complete feeds may feel like an easy way to simplify your feeding, it is important to remember that these may not always be the most appropriate for your horse, or provide them with the highest nutrient levels. Often, they have lower levels of nutrients than are recommended. Adding a vitamin and mineral supplement to your base feed, such as chaff, is the best way to simplify your feeding and ensure that your horse is receiving the correct nutrients.
7. Feeding a balancer that doesn’t meet the nutritional requirements for vitamins and minerals
Did you know that not every balancer is sufficient for your horse? The National Research Council (NRC) has outlined recommendations for vitamin and mineral levels in horse feed, according to the most up to date research. There are many balancers on the market that do not reach these requirements, meaning that even if you are feeding one, your horse may not be getting everything that they need. We wouldn’t eat one vegetable and say we’ve had our five a day, and it’s no different for our horses!
Why not take a look at our WellHorse range?
Our WellHorse range for the Leisure, Performance and Veteran horse are comprehensive, professionally formulated, and the only balancers to meet the NRC guidelines for vitamins and minerals. To find out more about the range, [click here].
If you would like any more information or advice about our products, you can call our Nutritional Advice Line on 01604 263002 or email us at info@sciencesupplements.co.uk.