Feeding Horses in Drought Conditions

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Text-only version of “Feeding Horses in Drought Conditions”

During drought conditions, pastures may not provide enough fi­ber and energy to meet your horse’s nutrition requirements. Feeding additional hay may be necessary.

If additional calories are still needed, consider a high-fat supplement.

Horses should consume at least 1.5% to 2% of body weight per day in forage.

Supplemental forage in the form of hay or hay cubes may be needed.

Vitamin and Mineral Support

• Drought-stricken pastures and supplemental forage are likely to be defi­cient in vitamins and minerals,
• especially vitamin E.
• The vitamin content of hay declines dramatically in the first few weeks of storage.
• Add a complete vitamin and trace mineral supplement with natural vitamin E to support optimal health.

Hoof and Joint Support

• Exercising on hard ground or stomping flies in the fi­eld can stress hooves and joints.
• If your horse is prone to poor-quality hooves, add a well formulated hoof supplement with at least 20 mg of biotin.
• Support performance horses, senior horses, and recreational horses with a joint supplement that contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid.

Digestive Tract Support

• Make diet changes slowly when introducing a new forage, supplement, or concentrate.
• The addition of supplemental prebiotics and probiotics will support a healthy digestive tract during feed changes.

Electrolyte Support

• Use electrolytes daily to replace the minerals and fluids lost in sweat and to support drinking and maintain hydration.
• As always, be sure that your horses have access to plenty of fresh water, especially during a hot, dry spell.

Support Options

Equi-Jewel® – Adds calories to your horse’s diet without the risk of grain overload.

Micro-Phase™ – Micro-Phase offers the perfect solution by providing the vitamins and trace minerals necessary to support good health in a tasty, low-calorie pellet.

Elevate® Natural Vitamin E – Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, limits the damage caused by everyday oxidative stress. It maintains healthy muscle and nerve function and supports a strong immune system in horses of all ages.

Ker-A-Form™- Say No to cracks, crumbling walls and lost shoes.

Joint Armor™ – Supports soundness and maintains healthy joints.

Neigh-Lox® Advanced – Horses with a healthy GI tract absorb optimal levels of nutrients and maintain a normal weight. They have a healthy immune system and are less prone to digestive health issues.

Summer Games® Electrolyte – Replenishes critical electrolytes in the proper ratios. Supports drinking and maintains hydration.