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Hay Comparison: Alfalfa vs Timothy
Choosing the right hay is one of the most important decisions horse owners make for their animals’ health and nutrition. Alfalfa and timothy hay are two of the most commonly available forage options in the United States, yet they offer distinctly different nutritional profiles and serve different purposes in equine diets. Understanding the differences between…
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Low-NSC Diet for Laminitis
Laminitis ranks among the most serious threats to horse health and performance, causing inflammation of the sensitive tissues beneath the hoof wall and potentially leading to permanent lameness or loss of the horse. One of the most effective management strategies veterinarians and nutritionists recommend is feeding a low-NSC (non-structural carbohydrate) diet. Understanding what NSC means,…
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Feeding a Horse After Colic
Colic is one of the most common and serious health emergencies a horse owner will face, affecting approximately 10% of horses annually. While immediate veterinary treatment is critical during an acute colic episode, the recovery period afterward is equally important for your horse’s long-term health. What and how you feed your horse in the days…
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Electrolytes: When and How to Use
Electrolytes are essential minerals that regulate critical bodily functions in horses, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and hydration status. These charged ions — primarily sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium — are lost through sweat, urine, and feces, especially during exercise, hot weather, or illness. Understanding when and how to supplement electrolytes can prevent performance…
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Best Fly Control Supplements
Flies are more than a nuisance to horses–they can cause significant health problems, from skin irritation and secondary infections to stress and reduced feed intake. While barn management, fly sheets, and insecticides remain important tools, many horse owners overlook a complementary approach: fly control supplements. These dietary products work by altering a horse’s body chemistry,…
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Best Hoof Supplements for Weak Hooves
Weak or brittle hooves are a common concern for horse owners, affecting performance, comfort, and overall health. Whether your horse is recovering from thrush, suffering from persistent hoof cracks, or simply struggling with soft or crumbly hooves, targeted nutritional support can make a significant difference. Hoof quality depends on a complex interplay of vitamins, minerals,…
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Senior Horse Nutrition Guide
As horses age, their nutritional requirements change significantly, and proper senior horse nutrition becomes essential for maintaining health, vitality, and quality of life. Horses are typically considered seniors around age 15 to 20, depending on their individual genetics, breed, and overall condition, though some horses may show age-related changes earlier. Senior horses face unique challenges…
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What to Feed Overweight Horses
Equine obesity is one of the most common nutritional problems in horses today, affecting an estimated 20-40 percent of horses in the United States. Overweight horses face serious health risks including laminitis, insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome, joint stress, and reduced athletic performance. If your horse has become overweight, addressing the problem through proper nutrition…
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What to Feed Underweight Horses
An underweight horse is a common concern for owners and caretakers, whether caused by inadequate nutrition, underlying health issues, age-related metabolic changes, or increased work demands. A horse in poor body condition is more susceptible to illness, has reduced performance capacity, and may experience compromised immune function. Bringing an underweight horse back to optimal condition…
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Balancer Feeds for Horses: What They Are and When to Feed Them
Balancer feeds are specialized equine nutrition products designed to fill nutritional gaps in a horse’s diet without adding excessive calories or bulk. Unlike traditional grains and sweet feeds that provide energy, balancers deliver concentrated vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other essential nutrients in small serving sizes–typically 2-4 pounds per day depending on the horse’s weight…