Forage Only

By Mike Barrett, PAS, ADM Equine Specialist

Nutritionists and veterinarians agree, a horse’s digestive system is designed to process forage. Economists will say forage is the most economical way to feed horses. However, forages alone tend to short the modern horse, that is larger framed and more athletic than the horse of yesterday, in key nutrients, depending on where geographically forages are grown.

While a forage first diet is the best diet for the horse and promotes optimal gut health, forage by itself tends to be deficient in key nutrients. These deficiencies can lead to decreased performance, poor health, poor or uneven growth, decreased fertility, an unthrifty appearance and poor toplines. However, adding a commercial feed to the diet of a horse that does well on forage alone to help offset forage nutrient deficiencies can create other nutritional problems, namely higher levels of starches and sugars in the diet, which can lead to metabolic problems. This leaves the horse owner in a bit of a pickle as they try to overcome the horse’s nutrient deficiencies without increasing unwanted calories from starch/sugar and adding excessive cost.

While many owners fret over how to ensure their horse has the best nutrition possible, the answer can be as simple as adding a ration balancer to the horse’s diet. A ration balancer is a vitamin, mineral and protein (amino acid) dense supplement that is low in calories, starches and sugars and is fed at about a pound or two a day to balance out forage nutrients. Another option is letting the horse seek out the needed nutrients by providing the horse with a free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement like GROSTRONG®* Minerals in either block or meal form, or when additional protein is also needed, the use of PRO-VITA-MIN™ Tubs. This allows the horse to regulate their own need. While forage should be the first ingredient in your horses’ diet it can’t be the only ingredient.

For more information on ADM’s equine products and programs, log on at www.ADMequine.com or call 800-680-8254. *GROSTRONG is a registered trademark of Archer Daniels Midland Company.