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Feeding Instructions - Kelcie's Treats

What Nutrients does my horse need?

This is a particularly good question because most horses eat a rather standard diet which can include oats, hay alfalfa or a specific veterinarian approved equine feed. Here at Kelcie’s, we advise that any good feeding programme should meet the individual nutrient needs of the animal, whilst maintaining a healthy digestive system. And, it goes without saying that you’ll want it to be of the highest quality possible as well.

So, what are the most important nutrients for your horse’s wellbeing? What nutrients does my horse need? With respect to weight management, a balanced diet for your horse should meet its digestible energy requirements, while ensuring that he is getting enough of the proper nutrients as recommended by your equine specialist. This includes water, protein, vitamins, and minerals. The specific amounts of each of these nutrients largely depends on your horse’s weight and activity level, or physiologic status.

Horses require the following nutrients

Water – the most important nutrient, by far is water. Here at Kelcie’s, we suggest that your horse should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Without water, colic, dehydration, and even death could result. In general, a 500 kg horse will drink approximately 30-45 litres per day. This is dependent on their activity level, type of feed and psychological state.

Protein – another important part of your horse’s diet is protein. Protein provides the building blocks for tissues, muscle, hormones, and enzymes. Most horse owners provide their horses with 500 grams of good quality protein a day. As a horse owner, you should consider the total grams of protein intake per day, not the percentage and focus on providing a good quality protein, rather than just quantity.

Fats And Carbohydrates – a healthy diet for your horse should consist of fats and carbohydrates. These provide more than just a source of energy for your horse. Certain carbohydrates and fats are extremely important for digestive tract health.

Minerals – horses require a wide range of minerals to meet a variety of functional needs, including skeletal integrity and cellular communication. These include calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and sulphur. Trace minerals that horses need include cobalt, copper, zinc, selenium, iron, and iodine.

Vitamins – vitamins are classified as water-soluble or fat-soluble, with fat-soluble vitamins being vitamins A, D, E, and K, and water-soluble vitamins including the B complex (niacin, thiamin, etc.) and vitamin C. Here at Kelcie’s we know that horses require a specific blend of both water and fat-soluble vitamins to stay active and healthy.

Combine exercise with reward – click here to take a look at the health benefits of Kelcie’s Horse Treats

Buy Kelcie’s Horse Treats – the wholesome ingredients, combined with our unique process, make them a nutritious, easily digestible reward for your equine companion.

Visit our shop to buy our selection of safe and healthy, natural horse treats specially made for the needs of your horse. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and stay connected to receive updates and exciting news. Post your own pictures on social media and tell us what you and your horse thinks of Kelcie’s Horse Treats.

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