Horse breeds can make a big difference in how you care for and feed a horse. Different breeds of horses are susceptible to different genetic problems and knowing these problems will give you the inside scoop on what foods and supplements they need to stay healthy.
Factors to take into consideration are horse breeds, body type, age, and usage of your horse. Just as in humans, older horses can’t always keep up with the younger ones, and pain and ailments are more common.
This important information will dictate the amount of energy your horse requires to help them perform physical activities or even life-giving functions like blood circulation. This energy comes from their diet and supplements they eat every day.
While grazing areas may be plentiful, they aren’t always full of the right nutrients that different horse breeds need over a long period of time.
Many times the genetic problems can be helped with the right diet and supplements. This could be something as simple as grain, or something more complex like vitamins and other healing supplements.
Understanding Supplements for Horse Breeds
Different supplements are made for different purposes and you need to know how they work and what they are to be used for. Supplements are meant to complement an already good feeding program. Below are eight dietary categories that may benefit from supplements.
- Behavioural issues
- Vitamins and minerals
- Joint and bone issues
- Metabolic disorders
- Weight gain/loss
- Performance enhancement
- Hoof and coat health
- Enhanced immune treatment
Horse Breeds with Possible Genetic Problems
Quarter Horses – They have possible PSSM Type 1which includes muscle weakness and atrophy.
Miniature Horses – These small horses are prone to obesity and dislocated hips
Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds – They can, while rare, produce foals with OLWS as well as a genetic component called tying-up.
Draft Horses – They have two genetic problems. They are PSSM and junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB)
All Other Horse Breeds – They may have genetic problems not discovered yet but all horse breeds experience illnesses that can be helped with supplements.
In cold weather, all horse breeds get coughs and colds so it’s important to treat with supplements for that as well.
Horses can get nervous or have trouble staying engaged. There are so many things to know about taking care of different horse breeds. Below are a few supplements that can help some of these problems and illnesses.
As most equine owners know, a horse needs digestive support, joint and bone health maintenance. There coats and hooves need frequent care as well.
If any of your horses are showing symptomatic signs like the ones above be sure and talk to your vet to see if supplements are the right treatment course.
What Supplements Can Help These Horse Breeds?
There are many more supplements available, depending on what your horse’s needs are. You know your horse and in what areas they may be experiencing difficulties. Horses are like part of the family, so give them the best!
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