Performance horse wheat allergy nutrition

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jbudnyjdressage

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I have a HUGE german warmblood who has a wheat allergy. I think he is lacking in something in his diet because he is reluctant to move forward (it genuinely seems to be energy levels) I have worked closely with a top vet and he has had X-rays and scans and he is all clear apart from a small injury earlier in the year which has been treated and he is 100% sound. However he is on a basic race-horse mix because it is the only feed i could find at the time with no wheat. I am sure he would benefit from something with more bulk and protein as he works hard. He is not easy to keep weight on or build muscle either. Any help or suggestions on what i could feed him (with no wheat in!) would be a huge help. Thanks
 
Have you thought about possible EPSM?
I'd suggest removing any commercial mixes and go down pure fibre and oil based rations
 
I originally started on straights as mine had a suspected food allergy at one point. Turned out not to be food related but I never went back to mixes. That way you can be sure what you feed and it's easy to identify and eliminate any problem ingredient.

In addition to Copra and Linseed which are both high oil and high protein, you can look at using Alfalfa in the form of pellets, unmolassed sugarbeet and depending on whether the allergy is wheat specifically or all cereals, oats.

Also look at grass chops or hay chops if you want to add bulk and fibre.
 
Do an as fed analysis, I won't feed concentrats again either it far more effective (and cost effective) to feed straights and a supplement which balances your diet (don't assume cos it says complete it actually balances what you are feeding, you need to work it out). there are internet based programs which do it or use a pen and paper :)

Wheat isn't good for any horse its just cheap so is added to bulk up commercial rations.
 
I would echo going down the feeding straights route. I would also look at feeding pulses, as they are obviously not cereals :) They are high energy feeds, which would help with keeping condition on him.
 
In addition to things like beet you can add fortified rice bran, Equi-Jewel. Plenty of performance vits and mins out there or things like forage plus. But look carefully at all ingredients. Having ones with intolerances is not fun. I have a few with an intolerance to soya. Lot easier to feed wheat free instead of soya free.

Terri
 
My friend has a big Warmblood who is allergic to everything! Barley, wheat and some other grains. She feeds the Badminton High Fibre, they are really chunky pellets but he is gaining weight and feeling fab on them (he is usually quite lazy) I think she also feeds Nupafeed for energy too.
 
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