Honest opinion...from the talks I’ve gone to, (but keep in mind they were from Purina reps) adding supplements without knowing for sure they are needed is not a good idea. Just from learning about human nutrition over the last few years, it’s amazing how one thing out of balance can throw the whole shebang off.
IMO, instead of adding supplements, I would get a high quality complete (not speaking of the complete like I use, just one that has everything added at the right ratio), feed. But I agree to stay away from the sweet stuff.
If you are going to feed hay, then I’d feed Strategy...
Your situation is very similar to mine as far as pasture etc goes. In a situation like that, I still feel the best approach is a complete pellet that has the fiber in it, and either don’t feed hay at all, or feed/payfor a lesser quality hay. Hay for me is just something to keep them mentally happy, not nutritionally. Lesser quality hay, they don’t eat it as fast, so it lasts longer, but it does satisfy their gazing instinct which is all hay for me would be given for.
The guy at my feed store said that most of the supplements that are made for horses, the minerals particles are not small enough for their systems to absorb, so they are a waste of money.
I don’t mean to rain on your parade, just giving my opinion.
The proof will be in the pudding, won’t it:)
Becky
Well, I don’t know what proof to look for in the pudding ;~)
They look fine now, I expect they’ll continue to look fine even on the vitamin. Like the vet says... “Might help, might just be expensive pee”. It was mostly the iron and Calcium I got to thinking about for Bay.
Maybe I should switch to Strategy... It’s not sweet like some of them?
This is wrong. Horses are grazing animals and NEED good quality hay. Good hay and pasture are all a backyard horse needs. Unless a horse is a high performance athletic, lactating mare, or has a condition that requires a special diet, they do not need grain and all those supplements.
Have your soil in the pasture tested and take a core sample of the hay to the County Extension Agent, Farm Bureau or whomever does those things in your area. Then you will have a idea if there is anything lacking, that you should supplement with.
HERE is a link to a very informative site. I have known this girl for a very long time and she is very knowledgeable. Read the article "This and that about mixing feeds"