I have one easy keeper horse who just recently coliced (vet said probably from stress from drastic weather changes) and one new fella who is a little underweight and needs to gain muscle in his topline. I'm feeding Strategy Healthy Edge (but I'm open to switching). Unfortunately, we've only got average quality grass hay at the moment. So my questions are....
Should I add something like beet pulp or alfalfa (cubes if I can't get bales)? How important is the crude fiber content in the feed? Would I be better off supplementing with beet pulp and/or alfalfa and feeding a feed with a lower crude fiber content?
Most of the time its the lack of fluid due to horses dont drink enough in colder weather and they get slightly impacted . I like to add soaked soupy beet pulp to their diet to get some fluids in them and the gut moving better and add water to my grain.
I didn't think abut decreased water consumption, probably had something to do with it. I love the idea of soaked beet pulp for added water intake. Thank you!
Posted 2014-11-08 5:34 AM Subject: RE: Feed/Fiber Content questions!
Expert
Posts: 1207
I agree with the beet pulp, just make sure you soak it and I also rinse mine and I do it with warm water in the winter. Also you might try adding some Hydration hay as you soak it and it expands, My horses love it. I get it at Tractor Supply.
Feed/Fiber Content questions!
