How bad is it to change horses feed for only a short period of time?

[Quartz]

I have the option of being DIY livery for the rest of summer, up to October/November. During this time I can either :

a. Pay for just the field and buy my own feed.
2. Pay full livery and not change feed

I would like to go for a. as will save quite a bit of money but not a huge amount. However, am worried that changing his feed just for a few months could be detremental to his health, higher risk of colic.

What are your opinions on this?

 

[aimsymc]

can u not just buy same or similar feed? x

 

[Quartz]

If I buy the same feed then I would buy it from the stables and that would just add up to the full livery price.

 

[appylass]

I think it would be fine! Most of mine have different feeding regimes in summer as opposed to winter anyway - some get none at all in summer Could you buy some of the old feed from the yard just so you can change over more gradually?

 

[Quartz]

I think it would be fine! Most of mine have different feeding regimes in summer as opposed to winter anyway - some get none at all in summer Could you buy some of the old feed from the yard just so you can change over more gradually?

Yes, I could start it tomorrow, mixing it gradually into his current feed. That would give him just over a week to adjust. I did do it last year without a problem, but when talking to the YO this year she seemed worried it would make him ill. I wanted to see other peoples views, as not entirely sure shes not just worried about loosing money as she has lost a couple of clients recently.

 

[much-jittering]

I did do it last year without a problem, but when talking to the YO this year she seemed worried it would make him ill......not entirely sure shes not just worried about loosing money as she has lost a couple of clients recently.

I think you've answered your own question there

 

[Snowysadude]

Just be careful you dont go from low - high energy feeds (would be a bit odd to do in summer I know) as thats what a friend did and her horse tied up. It never has since she put him back on the low energy feed! But I change feeds a lot with my boys depending on the weather/how much work they are in etc and never had a problem, just mix the old and new stuff at first to work onto just new stuff.

 

[NOISYGIRL]

What feed is it ? can't you buy it cheaper from elsewhere ? is it special feed or something ?

 

[Quartz]

Just be careful you dont go from low - high energy feeds (would be a bit odd to do in summer I know) as thats what a friend did and her horse tied up. It never has since she put him back on the low energy feed! But I change feeds a lot with my boys depending on the weather/how much work they are in etc and never had a problem, just mix the old and new stuff at first to work onto just new stuff.

The food I would change to should be about the same in energy, possible slightly less.