Feeding for horses: what minerals and vitamins and how to give

The vast majority of animals, in addition to a balanced diet, need additional sources of vitamins and minerals. They are especially necessary for increased physical exertion, for older animals, during the bearing of offspring. Each pet has its own combination of useful substances. Today we will talk about when and what kind of feeding is necessary for horses.

What minerals and vitamins do you need?

The need for supplements depends on the type of work the horse is doing, its he alth status, gender, age, housing conditions and individual characteristics.They are necessary in case of illness of the animal in order to quickly restore strength and avoid complications, during the period of growth, when all body systems are intensively developing, in old age, if all processes are already slowed down.

Complexes have been developed that are used for increased physical exertion, for example, at races. Additives must be included in the diet when the horse is kept in stalls, there is a lack of succulent feed in the diet.

Animals need vitamins: A, groups B, C, D, K, E, H. The complex of essential elements for a horse includes: calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, selenium, copper, iodine. Top dressing should be given as prescribed by a doctor, not exceeding the recommended dose. An excess of vitamins is no less harmful than their lack.

When to give?

Special complexes or ordinary food products (for example, unrefined vegetable oil) are used as top dressings, which become an additional source of vitamins for the animal.

Various signs indicate their scarcity:

• loss of appetite;
• frequent illnesses, weakened immunity;
• hoof injuries, joint problems;
• wool condition;
• birth of weak, sick foals, miscarriages;
• eye diseases;
• cramps, muscle weakness;
• bone deformity in foals.

Vitamin-mineral complexes are selected and prescribed by a veterinarian after examining the animal. There are supplements to strengthen the immune system, stabilize the nervous system, better digestion and respiration. They are prescribed to animals with kidney or liver problems.

To prevent vitamin deficiency in he althy horses, the following are added to the feed: s alt, fodder yeast, bone meal, bran, cake. Include fruits and root vegetables in the diet of pets: carrots, beets, apples, apricots. Premixes are added for a balanced diet.

Important: Use according to the manufacturer's or veterinarian's directions and do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

These feed additives are developed for specific groups of animals. They will be different for young and old horses, for horses and mares, he althy and weakened animals.

How to properly feed horses with supplements?

Top dressing is added to the main feed, for example, mixed with succulent grass or compound feed. If the horse refuses to take them, then you can mix the vitamin complex with apples or add a little sunflower oil.

Powders are usually mixed with water to prevent the animal from blowing away the additive. It is better to choose the drug in granules, pets are more likely to consume this option. You can remove the core from the apple, fill the drug into the hole and feed the horse.

In extreme cases, a medicine or vitamin complex is poured into the animal's mouth using a syringe with the needle removed, or injections of drugs are prescribed.

If a balanced diet is selected for the animal, the horse can go out to pasture, veterinary examinations are systematically carried out, and measures are taken at the first sign of problems, the pets will remain he althy, strong and beautiful for a long time.

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