I would like to know, if feeding crimped oats what vitamin/mineral supplement would be a good choice. My horse is a pleasure AQHA gelding, not worked but 2 to 3 times a week. – Krista W. via AAEP Ask the Vet
If your horse was getting a full serving of a fortified grain I would tell you that a vitamin/mineral supplement isn’t necessary, but since your horse is getting just crimped oats for extra calories, you’re smart for looking into a vitamin/mineral supplement to complement his diet. I’m going to assume that he is also getting an appropriate amount of quality hay.
When looking for a multivitamin, remember that not every horse’s nutrient needs are equal. Your horse’s workload will influence his vitamin and mineral requirements, so look for one that differentiates between different workloads. Also consider looking for a multivitamin designed for his life stage. For example, senior horses may benefit from additional vitamins that also serve as antioxidants such as vitamins E and C. If your horse is older, look for a multivitamin formulated with the senior in mind. Lastly, palatability is important as the supplement won’t do him any good if he doesn’t eat it. Try and find a pelleted option, as most horses prefer them to powdered supplements.
Lydia F. Gray, DVM, MA SmartPak Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director Dr. Lydia Gray has earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), and a Master of Arts focusing on interpersonal and organizational communication. After “retiring” from private practice, she put her experience and education to work as the American Association of Equine Practitioner’s first-ever Director of Owner Education. Dr. Gray continues to provide health and nutrition information to horse owners through her position at SmartPak, through publication in more than a dozen general and trade publications, and through presentations around the country. She is the very proud owner of a Trakehner named Newman that she actively competes with in dressage and combined driving. In addition to memberships in the USDF and USEF, Dr. Gray is also a member of the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association (IDCTA). She is a USDF “L” Program Graduate and is currently working on her Bronze Medal. Find Dr. Gray on Google+
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I have 2 QH and I will put them in to the race track, but i have no idea how to feed a race horse,can you please let me know witch feed should i use.
Hi Robert, thank you for asking! It’s so important to correctly meet a racehorse’s nutritional needs, considering energy, vitamins and minerals, proteins, fats and more that I would really recommend you work closely with your veterinarian and/or equine nutritionist. Every horse is unique, and so you will be best served working with a professional that specializes in nutrition and can help you develop an excellent program for each of your race horses. – Dr. Lydia Gray
I just use a combination of oats, linseed meal and rice bran. Can you suggest a good vitamin/mineral mix that will address deficiencies in that mix?
Hi Keria – We offer several vitamin/mineral supplements to choose from, but since each horse’s age and workload are also important factors to consider when choosing a product to balance out their diet, I would really recommend you work with your veterinarian and/or equine nutritionist to determine which one to use. They will be able to make the best recommendation to address your horse’s individual needs. One resource I find particularly helpful when it comes to evaluating the nutrients in my horse’s diet is FeedXL.com. – Dr. Lydia Gray