Is your horse obese? According to Sciencedaily.com, horses suffer from
obesity just as humans do, and a significant percentage are overweight.
Obesity in horses can cause some of the same problems as found in overweight
people: endocrine problems, heart disease and insulin issues similar to human
diabetes. And of course, overweight horses are at risk of founder and laminitis.
To put your horse on his New Year’s diet, keep the following items in
mind:
—Check with your veterinarians to develop a proper nutritional plan for
your fat horse. —Weight loss takes time. Patience is important.
—Horses
have delicate digestive systems. Make any changes in feed slowly over a ten to
14-day period. If you are changing his grain, mix in a little of the new food
each day, gradually increasing the new and reducing the old over a long period
of time.
—Increase your horse’s exercise regime (again, take it
slow).
—Make sure he’s getting enough nutrition. A reduction in feed might
also mean a reduction in nutrients. Supplement as necessary.
—Keep track of
his weight with a weight tape and keep a diary of his rations, exercise and
weight over a long period.
—Once he’s reached an ideal weight, stabilize his
feeding routine for several months. Make sure he’s maintaining his healthy
weight and not losing any more.
Stumble It!
