Do horses fed on grass nedd supplements?

[learner1]

Hi all me again! My husband read somewhere that grass in the U.k has not got all the nutrients in it and horses need vitamin supplements. Please can someone tell me if this is true and if it is what supplements do i need?

 

[kellyeaton]

that is true there is deffo not enough magneium. i would just put in a bpoad spectrun vitiman and mineral supplement just so he his getting every thing they need. then you know he should not get any defishences.

 

[Scarlett1980]

I reckon you do. grass just like changes in value all the time. unless you had it analysed by the hour i think the problem is you just don't know their missing something until they've got a problem. I'd feed a broad spec supplement like clop or equivite.

 

[kellyeaton]

i use seaweed it is cheaper it has vits mins ammio acids trace elements and anti oxidants!

 

[lachlanandmarcus]

I use a pasture supplement and because our soil (NE Scotland) is quite specific and different in what its deficient in I use a Norvite one which is designed for this soil. But I think the horses just like the molasses in it

)

 

[wendy42]

We just use a broad based multivitamin in a bit of chaff just to make sure they get everything they need.

 

[flyingfeet]

I'm going to buck the trend here

We have all got obsessed about feeding supplements, when in reality most people's horses do not need them!

If your horse is not in heavy competition work, then they are probably getting everything they need and unless they look poor you really shouldn't worry.

I know its difficult when you think you aren't caring for your horse, or looking for that magic answer, but just like human supplements, most people don't need them!!!

 

[Kenzo]

You could have a pasture analysis done, this way you know exactly what is lacking, also the nutritional values change through the seasons, type grass you have and the soil etc.

Also I think the breed of your horse/pony will determine if you need to supplement the diet with extra vitamins/minerals etc and the current condition. Horses should get everything they require from their natural diet if it goes in line with the breed etc.

If you horse appears to be doing well, has a good shiny coat, easly copes with the work load, is on a hard feed that has added vitamin/minerals etc then you may not need to use a supplement as well, as you may be wasting your money.