SmartPak Suggestions Details
Horse in Heavy Work
Eventers, barrel racers and racehorses are just some of the disciplines considered
to be in heavy work. Their level of athletic performance requires great amounts
of energy. A high-level joint supplement will help maintain their joints, while
an electrolyte will keep them hydrated and drinking.
Horse in Light Work
Horses in light work can typically benefit from a maintenance joint supplement to
help maintain healthy joints and prevent future problems. Additionally, a multi-vitamin/mineral
supplement will help to make up for daily variations in the quality of grain and
hay and meet specific deficiency needs, especially if little to no grain is being
fed.
Senior Horse
As horses age their nutritional requirements change. The digestive systems of senior
horses become less efficient so a digestive supplement/probiotic can help them to
better utilize the nutrients in their feed. Some older horses require additional
high-quality protein or fat to maintain weight and others may benefit from immune
support. Joint supplements can also help reduce the stiffness and/or inflammation
associated with age-related problems like arthritis.
Hard Keepers
Does your horse have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight? If your veterinarian
has ruled out disease and other potential problems (such as a dental condition or
parasites), then he may just be a hard keeper. Administering extra grain to boost
calories can lead to digestive upset and may not help the horse achieve and maintain
optimum weight. However, a weight gain supplement
will deliver strategic nutrients to help horses gain weight without becoming hot.
Easy Keeper
If your horse has a cresty neck and seems to gain weight on air, he may be an easy
keeper. Try replacing his grain with a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement to avoid
the deficiencies of a hay or pasture-only diet. If that doesn’t bring your horse
back to his ideal weight, ask your veterinarian if he may have Equine Metabolic
Syndrome
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