Need some advice on what to feed?

[Loren27]

I'm in need of some advice on what to feed my young boy.

He is a 6years Warmblood & has been out all winter due to this he has lost a lot of weight. His previous owner said he was on hay and she fed him 1 scoop of Build up and condition every few days.

( I have owned Max for 2 weeks)

At this time he is out in the field 24/7 lots of grass & rugged with 1 scoop of build up daily, i have been told this will make him hyper? (by someone who doesn't fed the horses hard feed) im wondering if this will be the case? I have never owned a underweight pony or horse so never used a build up feed as such.

My horses are kept in during the winter with hay and very little hard feed, so my question is should i just stick with the one scoop every few days (I dont think this has helped him at all) or try him on something new. I dont mind the cost just want him healthy and a healthy weight even if it takes awhile, but dont want him to go wild either.


Any advice welcome

Thanks
Loren

 

[be positive]

Feeding every few days is not ideal for many reasons and I cannot think anyone feels that is a suitable way to feed any horse let alone one that is losing weight.

I would expect him to pick up weight if he is now on some decent grass and you can cut down on the feed gradually, if you want to make sure he gets his supplements just use a fibre base such as speedibeet or fast fibre.
At the moment while you are getting to know him it may be worth dropping the feed but it is unlikely to make much difference if he has been good so far, they often become more relaxed once they have a full belly and regular routine.

 

[Loren27]

Feeding every few days is not ideal for many reasons and I cannot think anyone feels that is a suitable way to feed any horse let alone one that is losing weight.

Thanks for the reply.

I think max's old owner only fed him when she had time to see him as in every 3-4 days. I didn't feed him any hard feed for 1.5 weeks as is a lot more grass where he is atm. But me feeling bad for him i went and bought the build up and condition and feeding him this once a day. He has been on this for 4 days not seen a change in him but not rode him. Now im worried it will send him through the roof (as in wild) after a week? is the last thing i want.

Im going to stop feeding him this from tomorrow, im really worried now its going to make him loopy! i just want whats best for him and sending him loopy isnt the answear.

Thanks
Loren.

 

[ImmyS]

Thanks for the reply.

I think max's old owner only fed him when she had time to see him as in every 3-4 days. I didn't feed him any hard feed for 1.5 weeks as is a lot more grass where he is atm. But me feeling bad for him i went and bought the build up and condition and feeding him this once a day. He has been on this for 4 days not seen a change in him but not rode him. Now im worried it will send him through the roof (as in wild) after a week? is the last thing i want.

Im going to stop feeding him this from tomorrow, im really worried now its going to make him loopy! i just want whats best for him and sending him loopy isnt the answear.

Thanks
Loren.

I would feed a fibre based feed like speedibeet, with a good all round supplement and linseed until he is at a decent weight then cut back according to weight, amount of exercise etc.. Do you have any recent pictures?

 

[Loren27]

I would feed a fibre based feed like speedibeet, with a good all round supplement and linseed until he is at a decent weight then cut back according to weight, amount of exercise etc.. Do you have any recent pictures?

I don't have any body snaps but have taken his weight as its below average. I have looked into the linseed but seems this can also make them fizzy?

He is a young chap, already has a lot of life someone said try him on calm and condition? but heard this can make then fizzy really don't know what to do for the best

Anyone used the food's before and seen a change i know every horse is it's own but any feed back will be great.

Thanks
Loren

 

[Queenbee]

Take him off the feed, let him get some good grass and hay inside him, if you must feed him feed something like speedie beet or fast fibre with a supplement as already said... What he needs is forage not starch... Unless he looks like a bad welfare case, I'd let nature and the grass do what it does better than any feed.

Oh and if you haven't already get his teeth checked and worm him since he is new to you.

 

[Secret44]

I have an Ottb that I have trouble keeping weight on, and energy off. I give him fat N fiber, he gets a scoop in the morning and a scoop at night with other feed of course. I find it works great, I have not had any problems with it and I know many other people who started using it on thin horses and saw a difference. Good luck

 

[ImmyS]

I don't have any body snaps but have taken his weight as its below average. I have looked into the linseed but seems this can also make them fizzy?

He is a young chap, already has a lot of life someone said try him on calm and condition? but heard this can make then fizzy really don't know what to do for the best

Anyone used the food's before and seen a change i know every horse is it's own but any feed back will be great.

Thanks
Loren

Micronised linseed shouldn't cause any fizziness, I feed it to my ex racer along with speedibeet and a general supp, she never hots up on it and looks great -

 

[mollywestern]

I wanted my gelding to put on a bit of weight so I started him on speedibeet, micronised barley and molly chaff and he's now in perfect condition with a lovely shiny coat! It doesn't make him fizz up either

 

[TrevorMcinsley]

I feed my horses solely on cheese and biscuits.