So, what\u2019s the best option when substituting forage to maintain your horse\u2019s body condition? The answer is not to substitute it at all. Providing sufficient forage in the form of free choice hay is best to maintain a horse\u2019s natural diet through the winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lifedatalabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/CloseUpHay.jpg?resize=500%2C334&ssl=1\")
Unfortunately, not all hay is created equally, and one type of hay may work better for your horse than another. Below are a few tips to consider when choosing the best hay for your horse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alfalfa Hay for Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAlfalfa hay, due to its imbalanced mineral and low-quality protein\ncontent, can create several issues in horses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Calcium and Phosphorus Imbalances <\/li>
- Excessive Urine Production<\/li>
- Joint Inflammation<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Many of these problems can create other issues as well. For\nexample, the increased urine produces excess ammonia that can eat away at the\nbottom of the hoof or create respiratory problems in the horse. This is\nespecially true for horses who remain stalled for long periods of time or in\nbarns that are not well ventilated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, alfalfa hay is the easiest type of hay to\nobtain in many regions around the world. It is also the only option of hay for\ncertain areas. If alfalfa hay is your only option, be mindful of the amount you\nare feeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hay and Nutrient Requirements for Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHorses in different stages of life and disciplines will have distinctive nutrient requirements. For example, growing horses and performance horses<\/a> will have a higher protein and nutrient demand than a retired horse. As you are choosing hay for horses, be mindful of the horse you are feeding and try to find a hay that meets its requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEarly-season hays usually yield more protein and nutrients\nand will be more desirable to horses that need the additional protein and\nnutrient requirements. Mid-to-late maturity hay tends to be a better fit for\nhorses with lower nutrient demands. The only way to know if your horse is\nreceiving the optimal hay is to have your hay tested. Once you know the nutritional\nvalue of the hay, you can make an informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Utilize Hay Balancers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEven the highest quality hay for horses will not contain every nutrient that your horse requires. Utilizing a high-quality hay and pasture balancer<\/a>, such as Barn Bag\u00ae, will help ensure your horse\u2019s daily nutrient requirements are being met. It also eliminates the necessity to feed compound feeds<\/a>, which can deliver a surplus of both nutrients and calories to your horse\u2019s diet. Utilizing a pasture balancer is highly recommended for elderly horses and hard keepers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lifedatalabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/HorsesEatingHay.jpg?resize=525%2C277&ssl=1\")
Horses are grazers, so keep feeding troughs low to the ground <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdding Calories<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSome horses, such as hard keepers or performance horses,\nwill require additional calories during the winter months to maintain body\ncondition. Although compound feeds can provide the necessary calories, they\nalso put your horse at risk for over supplementation. Below are a few feeding recommendations\nif your horse needs additional calories in addition to the hay being fed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Oats<\/a><\/li>
- Sugar Beet Pulp<\/li>
- Copra<\/li>
- Vegetable Oil<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other Winter-Feeding Tips<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdditional winter-feeding tips to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Feed Chopped Hay to elderly horses that are\nunable to chew properly<\/li>
- Build body condition in the summer\/fall to\nmaintain through winter<\/li>
- Horses are grazers, so keep feeding troughs low\nto the ground<\/li>
- Hay should be made available to the horse 24\/7 <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions on maintaining your horse\u2019s body condition score through the winter. Feel free to contact us<\/a> at 256-370-7555 if you have any questions on Barn Bag\u00ae or feeding a natural diet to your horse. Visit our website for further information on equine nutrition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of these problems can create other issues as well. For\nexample, the increased urine produces excess ammonia that can eat away at the\nbottom of the hoof or create respiratory problems in the horse. This is\nespecially true for horses who remain stalled for long periods of time or in\nbarns that are not well ventilated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, alfalfa hay is the easiest type of hay to\nobtain in many regions around the world. It is also the only option of hay for\ncertain areas. If alfalfa hay is your only option, be mindful of the amount you\nare feeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hay and Nutrient Requirements for Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHorses in different stages of life and disciplines will have distinctive nutrient requirements. For example, growing horses and performance horses<\/a> will have a higher protein and nutrient demand than a retired horse. As you are choosing hay for horses, be mindful of the horse you are feeding and try to find a hay that meets its requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEarly-season hays usually yield more protein and nutrients\nand will be more desirable to horses that need the additional protein and\nnutrient requirements. Mid-to-late maturity hay tends to be a better fit for\nhorses with lower nutrient demands. The only way to know if your horse is\nreceiving the optimal hay is to have your hay tested. Once you know the nutritional\nvalue of the hay, you can make an informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Utilize Hay Balancers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEven the highest quality hay for horses will not contain every nutrient that your horse requires. Utilizing a high-quality hay and pasture balancer<\/a>, such as Barn Bag\u00ae, will help ensure your horse\u2019s daily nutrient requirements are being met. It also eliminates the necessity to feed compound feeds<\/a>, which can deliver a surplus of both nutrients and calories to your horse\u2019s diet. Utilizing a pasture balancer is highly recommended for elderly horses and hard keepers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Horses are grazers, so keep feeding troughs low to the ground <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdding Calories<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSome horses, such as hard keepers or performance horses,\nwill require additional calories during the winter months to maintain body\ncondition. Although compound feeds can provide the necessary calories, they\nalso put your horse at risk for over supplementation. Below are a few feeding recommendations\nif your horse needs additional calories in addition to the hay being fed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Oats<\/a><\/li>
- Sugar Beet Pulp<\/li>
- Copra<\/li>
- Vegetable Oil<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other Winter-Feeding Tips<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdditional winter-feeding tips to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Feed Chopped Hay to elderly horses that are\nunable to chew properly<\/li>
- Build body condition in the summer\/fall to\nmaintain through winter<\/li>
- Horses are grazers, so keep feeding troughs low\nto the ground<\/li>
- Hay should be made available to the horse 24\/7 <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions on maintaining your horse\u2019s body condition score through the winter. Feel free to contact us<\/a> at 256-370-7555 if you have any questions on Barn Bag\u00ae or feeding a natural diet to your horse. Visit our website for further information on equine nutrition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early-season hays usually yield more protein and nutrients\nand will be more desirable to horses that need the additional protein and\nnutrient requirements. Mid-to-late maturity hay tends to be a better fit for\nhorses with lower nutrient demands. The only way to know if your horse is\nreceiving the optimal hay is to have your hay tested. Once you know the nutritional\nvalue of the hay, you can make an informed decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Utilize Hay Balancers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEven the highest quality hay for horses will not contain every nutrient that your horse requires. Utilizing a high-quality hay and pasture balancer<\/a>, such as Barn Bag\u00ae, will help ensure your horse\u2019s daily nutrient requirements are being met. It also eliminates the necessity to feed compound feeds<\/a>, which can deliver a surplus of both nutrients and calories to your horse\u2019s diet. Utilizing a pasture balancer is highly recommended for elderly horses and hard keepers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Horses are grazers, so keep feeding troughs low to the ground <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdding Calories<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSome horses, such as hard keepers or performance horses,\nwill require additional calories during the winter months to maintain body\ncondition. Although compound feeds can provide the necessary calories, they\nalso put your horse at risk for over supplementation. Below are a few feeding recommendations\nif your horse needs additional calories in addition to the hay being fed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Oats<\/a><\/li>
- Sugar Beet Pulp<\/li>
- Copra<\/li>
- Vegetable Oil<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other Winter-Feeding Tips<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdditional winter-feeding tips to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Feed Chopped Hay to elderly horses that are\nunable to chew properly<\/li>
- Build body condition in the summer\/fall to\nmaintain through winter<\/li>
- Horses are grazers, so keep feeding troughs low\nto the ground<\/li>
- Hay should be made available to the horse 24\/7 <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions on maintaining your horse\u2019s body condition score through the winter. Feel free to contact us<\/a> at 256-370-7555 if you have any questions on Barn Bag\u00ae or feeding a natural diet to your horse. Visit our website for further information on equine nutrition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adding Calories<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSome horses, such as hard keepers or performance horses,\nwill require additional calories during the winter months to maintain body\ncondition. Although compound feeds can provide the necessary calories, they\nalso put your horse at risk for over supplementation. Below are a few feeding recommendations\nif your horse needs additional calories in addition to the hay being fed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Oats<\/a><\/li>
- Sugar Beet Pulp<\/li>
- Copra<\/li>
- Vegetable Oil<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other Winter-Feeding Tips<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdditional winter-feeding tips to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Feed Chopped Hay to elderly horses that are\nunable to chew properly<\/li>
- Build body condition in the summer\/fall to\nmaintain through winter<\/li>
- Horses are grazers, so keep feeding troughs low\nto the ground<\/li>
- Hay should be made available to the horse 24\/7 <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions on maintaining your horse\u2019s body condition score through the winter. Feel free to contact us<\/a> at 256-370-7555 if you have any questions on Barn Bag\u00ae or feeding a natural diet to your horse. Visit our website for further information on equine nutrition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other Winter-Feeding Tips<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAdditional winter-feeding tips to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Feed Chopped Hay to elderly horses that are\nunable to chew properly<\/li>
- Build body condition in the summer\/fall to\nmaintain through winter<\/li>
- Horses are grazers, so keep feeding troughs low\nto the ground<\/li>
- Hay should be made available to the horse 24\/7 <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions on maintaining your horse\u2019s body condition score through the winter. Feel free to contact us<\/a> at 256-370-7555 if you have any questions on Barn Bag\u00ae or feeding a natural diet to your horse. Visit our website for further information on equine nutrition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions on maintaining your horse\u2019s body condition score through the winter. Feel free to contact us<\/a> at 256-370-7555 if you have any questions on Barn Bag\u00ae or feeding a natural diet to your horse. Visit our website for further information on equine nutrition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Barn](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lifedatalabs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/BarnBagButtonCTA.png?resize=325%2C68&ssl=1\")
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