Horses are natural grazers, so their digestive system is happiest with consistent, high-fiber forage.
To balance a horse’s diet, many feed grain but horses are extremely sensitive to the sugar and starch that largely make up these products. These sensitivities can lead to insulin resistance, laminitis, ulcers, Cushing’s disease, and more.
A healthy hind gut is key to a happy and healthy horse. Grain can negatively alter the microbiome since the synthetic vitamins and minerals cannot be digested naturally.
All of this being said, how do you balance your horse’s diet without grain?
Build your horse’s diet around quality fiber, fat, and protein.
Make sure you’re feeding a hay that is appropriate for your horse. A hay analysis can help you make the best decision for your horse’s needs.
Supplement with other forages, like pellets and cubes. Alfalfa and beet pulp pellets are a great and natural way to add more protein without resorting to grain.
We offer a wide variety of quality forages that can help you build a great diet for your horse!