Often as owners we want to provide variety in our horse’s diet so they don’t get “bored”. However the reality is, if your horse is performing well, in good body condition and eating there is no need to adjust their feed just for the sake of it.
If you are looking to transition it is important to do so slowly. Horses digest feed in their hind gut and this process is driven by bacteria. With a sudden change (especially of carbohydrates, but also pasture or supplements) the required bacteria for proper digestion has not had time to adjust which can cause a change in pH and a build-up of toxins within your horse. This can lead to conditions like colic, acidosis and founder.
Always mix old and new feed and slowly increasing the percentage of new feed, while decreasing the amount of old feed, over a 10-14 day period. Always have a good supply of feed so you don’t run out and need to buy a different brand, and always slowly introduce horses to new paddocks or pasture types.
If you have any questions about your horses feed, condition or any other issues they might be having please give our helpful team a call on 07 4982 2552 or visit our common conditions page on our website for more information.