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FAQ’s

Does the feeding rate differ with breeds or size of horse?

The feeding rates differs according to work schedule and type or class of horse. (i.e. miniature vs. draft and idle vs. breeding animal)

If I have a good quality feed why should I feed supplements?

I’m feeding my horse a good grain mix, isn’t this enough?? I have good quality hay isn’t this enough too?

Most commercial grain mixes are formulated to be fed at a 1 lb per 100 lbs of body weight.  That means for an average 1000 lb horse, the feeding rate for that grain would be 10 lbs a day.  Most horse owners do not feed close to that amount of grain.  Horses cannot tolerate high amounts of grain and it would be a disaster to feed that much.  By top dressing the vitamins and minerals on the feed you can ensure your horse is receiving the needed levels regardless of the amount of grain being fed.

Dried hay contains only certain vitamins and minerals and if you are not supplementing them in the diet, the individual is not receiving them.

What is the difference between regular Equi-Shine and Equi-Shine Ultimate?

Equi-Shine Ultimate has extra calcium for horses on grassier forage diets.  Ultimate also contains flax seed for omega fatty acids, which produce an overall bloom.  In addition, the Ultimate contains high levels of Thiamin and Lysine, essential amino acids in the equine diet.

What is the shelf life of the Equi-Shine vitamin and mineral products?

We suggest all products to be fed within six months of purchase.  Products can be refrigerated or frozen, but a dry cool location is adequate for storage.

Should supplements be split between feedings or is it okay to feed them all at once?

It is ideal to split the supplements between 2 different feedings, AM and PM, however if that is not an option it is okay to give them all at one feeding.

What is the recommended feeding rate for Super E?

Supplemental Vitamin E is recommended in several disease treatment protocols.  Vitamin E is measured in IU(International Units) per day. The suggested feeding rate for nutritional treatment of EPM/Wobblers disease or other severe deficiencies is 10,000IU per day.  For healthy horses in stressful situations or in high training programs the suggested feeding rate is 5,000-10,000IU per day.  Feeding extra vitamin E is beneficial in any diet as it is a good source of antioxidants.

What does chelated (organic) mean?

Chelated means that the mineral ion has been chemically altered and attached to an amino acid which will improve the absorbability of the mineral or minerals.  This term chelated, is often referred to as an organic mineral now.

What is the difference between metallic and chelated (organic) mineral?

Chelated or organic minerals are a more absorbable form of mineral than metallic.  Just because a product is sold as a chelated (organic) mineral does not mean that all of the minerals in the product are chelated.  If one ingredient in a vitamin and mineral product is chelated the final product can be marketed and labeled as chelated (organic).  As a consumer you need to be aware of exactly what ingredients are indeed chelated or organic.

Do National Research Council guidelines factor in bio-availability?

When one considers today’s ration formulations and animal productivity, bio-availability is not accounted for in the NRC (National Research Council) tables and guidelines.  Neither is animal stress.  So, mineral requirements should be adjusted appropriately.

My horse has Cushing's (metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or EPM) is there anything I can do for it nutritionally?

It is important that these animals be under the care of a licensed veterinarian. There are many approved medications and nutritionally therapies that can treat these diseases.

 

I have an older horse who seems to be having trouble keeping weight on even though they get the same high quality hay and grain they have always gotten. What is wrong?

Older horses begin to absorb less nutrients from their diet as their intestinal tract ages. It is also widely believed that the ability to synthesize some vitamins, such as B & C, decreases with age. It is important to supplement them with highly absorbable organic minerals and vitamins as well as a digestive aid such as yeast and/or probiotics to support feed efficiency. Many older horses also benefit from supplementation with Glucosamine and Chondroitin.  It is also critically important to maintain good dental health via annual exams by a qualified equine dental health professional. If your older horse is missing teeth, or having trouble chewing hay (as evidenced by clumps or wads of chewed hay), you may need to add an alternative forage source such as chopped hay, soaked beet pulp, or wet hay cubes. Continue to offer some hay to encourage the horse to chew, which produces saliva and protects the intestinal tract from ulcers.

<h5>Free Shipping</h5>
<p>On orders $80+</p>
Free Shipping

On orders $80+

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<p>Call 1-608-643-3727</p>
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Call 1-608-643-3727

<h5>Vet Formulated</h5>
<p>Since 1984</p>
Vet Formulated

Since 1984

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