Equine allergies can significantly impact a horse’s diet, often necessitating careful adjustments to avoid triggering adverse reactions. Managing these allergies involves identifying the specific allergens and modifying the horse’s feed to exclude them, ensuring a balanced and nutritious diet that supports their overall health and well-being.
How Do Equine Allergies Affect a Horse’s Diet?
Identifying Equine Allergies
Dietary Adjustments for Horses with Allergies
Nutritional Needs of Horses with Allergies
Common Allergens in Horse Feed
Practical Tips for Managing Equine Allergies Through Diet
What are the signs of food allergies in horses?
How can I test my horse for allergies?
What alternative feeds can I use for horses with allergies?
Are there supplements that can help manage equine allergies?
How often should I change my horse’s diet if they have allergies?
The horse’s natural food is grass, but for stabled horses, their diet generally consists of hay and grain. To avoid digestive problems, the animal should not be fed immediately before or after work. Oats provide the greatest nutritional value and are especially good for foals. Older horses, whose teeth are worn down, or those with digestive troubles, can be provided with crushed oats. Chaff (minced straw) can be added to the oat ration of animals that eat greedily or do not chew the grain properly. Crushed barley is sometimes substituted in part for oats. Hay provides the bulk of the horse’s ration and may be of varying composition according to locale. Mash is bran mixed with water and with various invigorating additions or medications and may be given to horses with digestive troubles or deficient eating habits. Corn (maize) is used as a fattening cereal, but it makes the horse sweat easily. Salt is needed by the horse at all times and especially when shedding. Bread, carrots, and sugar are tidbits often used by the rider or trainer to reward an animal.
Want to discover more about horse nutrition?