Feed additives do we really need them?

Well this could be a long topic but we will just start it here and continue in another article. Here we will look at basic additive groups and what we think they should do (or believe they do). Also which ones are needed in the basic horse’s diet?

First let’s divide Additives in to 2 main groups we will call them the old fashion group this has been around for many years since the days of feeding Straight feeds when there were No mix’s or Compound feeds. Then the second group will be called New additives these are relatively new to the market around the past 10 years or so.

So let’s start with the Oldies then. Generally these would be things that are easy to come by in nature yet improve or help the horse’s way of going or general health. Some are listed below but there are many more that are not as popular now as in days gone by so only the old fashioned groom or horse owner may know about them.

Salt, Cod-liver oil , Vegetable oil , Garlic, Limestone Flour, Apple cider Vinegar, liquid Paraffin, Eggs, Stout, corn oil, Molasses, Linseed oil.

Now for some of the new ones remember this is not a complete list as there are just too many of them to list and new ones are being released all the time.

Codlivine supplements, Cortaflex, Synequin, Steady-up, buteless, Navilam-0, Good as gold, Selenavite
NAF has a big range inc, Respiraze, Thrive, Laminaze, Magic, Oestress, Respirator, Super Flex , Hoof and Hide, tempalax, D-tox.

Other big ranges inc Dodson and horrell, Gold label, NetTex, Turf masters (TRM), Equine America, and many many more
So how do we know which if ANY to give to our precious horse? Well some for hooves and wind are definitely a good idea if your horse has problems in this area. Others can be a bit more tricky is there any point giving a general hack a very expensive additive?

First thing first Always feed a balanced diet Always ensure you feed good quality hay/haylage. Make sure your grass land is well maintained so the horses’ are not living on a diet of thistles and weeds. If you do all this then it is really up to you what additives you feed aim to improve the horse’s welfare but remember some labels can be misleading and additives are not a quick fix. Building muscle and creating supple joints take time and patience and a lot of hard work.
For young stock and elderly horses it is best to consult a vet BEFROE you start adding things to the diet as if you are feeding modern feeds they are all pretty well balanced and adding things in MAY disrupt the balance of vitamins and minerals and prove to be harmful to your horse. Many of the companies have a helpline which you can call for advice on additives and which ones would best suit your horse. Unfortunately none seem to be impartial and will only offer advice on the products they provide. Keep your mind open when stepping in to this market I personally have only used a few products the polo ponies had Good as gold and electrolytes and garlic this was all they needed and they were all very happy on it. The dressage horses had Oil, Corta flex and Garlic as well as herbs for itching in the summer. My own horses have limestone flour, Vegetable oil and garlic as well as cider vinegar this seems to work well to encourage eating and help with coat condition and digestion and NO flies around us in summer which suits me fine.
I hope this has given you all something to think about? Would you like to tuck in to your food and find it is a big plateful of powders and potions?

Next time we will look at what some of these additives do and where they are useful. If you have any questions or comments please email clair@medicanimal.com