Hifi or alfalfa?

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showjumpingfilly

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Would you feed hifi to a horse who showed ulcer/acid related symptoms or only pure alfalfa?

Obviously all avenues are being explored but dont want to worsen things by giving her the wrong thing to eat!
 
I feed alfalfa to my ulcer prone mare, hi fi is half alfafla and half bulk so I prefer the alfa a range. But if your horse is on box rest, a good dooer or is likely to hot up then I'd stick with the hi fi.
 
Thanks hobgoblin - only the molSses free wouldnt recommend the original at all?

Ellie - she can be hot headed - she was having alfa a oil because she isnt particularly good with weight but ive just put her on linseed so was wondering whether to switch the alfa a oil to something else?
 
showjumpingfilly said:
Thanks hobgoblin - only the molSses free wouldnt recommend the original at all?

Ellie - she can be hot headed - she was having alfa a oil because she isnt particularly good with weight but ive just put her on linseed so was wondering whether to switch the alfa a oil to something else?
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I feed the alfa a molasses free but i'm switching to the alfa a oil for weight, she should be fine on the oil but if she is a bit hot headed on it then switch. If she's poor for weight then I'd carry on with the alfa a oil and linseed until your happy with her weight. What else is she on?
 
Alfalfa is excellent for horses prone to ulcers, and if she needs to put weight on I would stick to the Alfa-A Oil as well as linseed.
 
showjumpingfilly said:
High fibre cubes. She was on conditioning cubes but didnt feel they were doing anything for her.

Was thinking of feeding fast fibre though?
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Probably not enough calories in ff. My choice would be the alfa a oil, speedibeet and linseed. I've also heard good things about the ready mash extra or solutions mash for weight. Saracen re-leve is supposed to be good for ulcers but might give a bit more 'oomph' that you'd like. Saracen are v.good for advice, they will try to sell you their products but I was in a similar situation and they recommend alfa a, re-leve and equijewel (but I'd use linseed).
 
I've had a good look at her tonight and her weight isn't bad , just on some angles you can see a rib or two. She is a lot rounder than she was previously. I upped her feed recently and that did make a difference so perhaps i have just been too stingy with the amount.

She won't touch speedibeet unfortunately and alfa beet sent her bonkers after about 4 days.

The rowen and barbary stuff i can only order online which works out about £20 a bag with delivery so if i can buy something just as good from my local feed shop i would prefer it.

The fast fibre was more for extra fibre - and she can possibly have a bucket of that to add to her haylage.

Have tried her one the healthy tummy but she was no better than on the alfa oil. The healthy tummy didnt last half as long though so id be tempted to stick to the alfa a oil if anything.
 
I'd agree with the fast fibre then if she's not really underweight, the alfa a oil and linseed should maintain her condition
 
Agree with Ellie. My boy had ulcers (ex racer); he's just finished over 3 mths of box rest after surgery on his feet and everyone has commented on how well he looks. He's a big TB (6'9 in rugs) and fed on Alfa A Oil, Linseed, Speedibeet (also used FF) and 365 Equine Answers supplement along with joint supp. He has adlib hay when in and turnout has been gradually introduced so he's now out as normal.

My point is that it's more than possible to feed an ulcer friendly diet while putting / keeping condition on.

I was feeding an ulcer supp ( Feedmark Ulcercalm) but TBH 365 is doing a good job and I didn't notice any differences when I stopped it. I do feed a double handful of Alfalfa before any work to protect against splash ulcers.

P.S. Either the oil or molasses free versions of chaff.
 
Thanks very much TPO will stick to the alfa oil.

How long before riding do you give the alfa?

was planning to order the ulcercalm on monday but will have a look at the 365.
 
I give it just as I'm grooming before tacking up.

365 contains pre and pro biotics and works out really cost effective.

I completed a 4wk course of GastroGuard then approx 3mths adding Ulcercalm to his dinner just before it was fed. Gradually reduced the quantities but like I said no differences on his behaviour.

TBH ulcers weren't really an issue for him but vet couldn't find anything else so grasping at straws sent him for scoping. I've had him on fibre/no cereals/no molasses etc diet for over 2 yrs and it was only June this year that he was scoped. As an ex racer I was pretty sure he'd have them; scope showed grade 1 ulcers but scars from healed grade 2 ones so the diet and lifestyle changes were working pre GG
 
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