Is Veteran Vitality suitable for barefoot diet?

[Vodkagirly]

As above, I currently add micronised linseed, tumeric and premierflex. He is a slightly arthritic 20 yo sports horse with daily turnout and a large net of haylage. Keeps weight on well. I am aiming to improve the quality of his feet, shape and strength, not sure if barefoot is possible but would like to see what improvements are possible.

 

[TigerTail]

I believe the combined starch and sugar of VV is 15% if I remember right so a bit on the high side

Protein 12%
Oil 4%
Fibre 16%
Ash 9.5%
Starch 10%
Sugar 5%
Moisture 13.8%
Vitamin A 11000 IU/kg
Vitamin D 1500 IU/kg
Vitamin E 200 IU/kg
Estimated DE 11MJ/kg
Calcium 1%
Phosphorous 0.4%
Copper 10 mg/kg

Constituents
Unmollassed Sugar Beet
Wheatfeed
Cereal Straw
Micronised Beans
Linseed
Grass
Soya
Limestone Flour
Salt
Mint
Soya Oil
FOS/MOS Prebiotics
Di-Calcium Phosphate
Rosehips
Nettle
Dandelion
Garlic
Fenugreek
Pro-biotic

If you need weight Thunderbrooks basemix is fab for weight for oldies/poor doers and all organic low sugar etc. If he doesnt drop too much then fast fibre + micronised linseed + bran +/live oats

 

[Vodkagirly]

thanks, I don't think thnderbrooks i stoced locallyso it may need to be fast fibre.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

My oldies feet were fine on this I'm planning on using it this winter again as it keeps good weight on him and he eats it which is my biggest problem!

 

[Oberon]

Try it. If it works for your horse - then you have an answer

 

[LucyPriory]

It wouldn't be my first choice, but all horses individuals. The hooves will tell you. Bare, sound and rock crunching then obv ok. Footy or otherwise struggling then maybe think again.

I tend to feed a super fibre base (unmolassed beet, FF etc) with micronised linseed on top. For some I may add extra veg/sunflower oil and vit e. I also use probiotics if I suspect hind gut issues relating to gut flora. Generally don't have any weight issues with horses on this regime if they are otherwise healthy.