Every horse owner wants the best for their equine companion, but feeding a horse correctly can be a complex task. This is where a mineral balancer comes in handy. Designed to complement a forage-heavy diet, a balancer provides the essential vitamins and trace minerals that your horse needs.
What is a Mineral or Ration Balancer?
A balancer, often known as a ration balancer or vitamin and mineral balancer, is a specially formulated feed designed to provide horses with the essential vitamins and minerals they require. Unlike commercial feeds, which may contain higher levels of nutrients than a horse needs, a ration balancer is designed to provide just the right amount.
A ration balancer is not just another supplement; it's a critical part of equine nutrition. Designed to balance the horse’s diet, it is usually fed in small amounts—often less than a pound per day—to ensure the horse receives the correct amount of vitamins and minerals. Ration balancing pellets contain all of the vitamin and mineral requirements for most horses, which allows owners to reduce the amount of grain fed to horses that need a lighter calorie diet. In essence, balancers provide vitamins, minerals, and sometimes essential amino acids in a condensed form to ensure the horse consumes the necessary vitamin-mineral he needs on a daily basis.
The Importance of a Forage-Heavy Diet in Equine Health
Forage plays a critical role in equine health and nutrition. Horses are natural grazers, designed to consume small, frequent meals that predominantly consist of grass or hay. A forage-heavy diet not only meets the horse's natural feeding behavior but also provides essential nutrients, including some amino acids. For an "easy keeper" or a horse prone to metabolic concerns like Equine Metabolic Syndrome, forage quality is especially important. When horses graze in pasture, they also have the opportunity to ingest alfalfa and oats, enhancing their nutrition further. Proper forage intake can also positively affect hoof care.
Other Types of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Many horse owners consider additional vitamin and mineral supplements to meet their horse's needs. These can range from powdered supplements to commercial feeds specially formulated to be fed in accordance with feeding directions on the label. While ration balancers typically contain the correct amount of vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health, horse and rider might opt for targeted supplements to meet specific concerns. For example, some horses may need an extra boost might benefit from B-vitamins, in which case adding a supplemental B vitamin to the horse's daily feed may be more beneficial.
Key Vitamins and Minerals Essential for Horses
Vitamins and minerals are essential for a wide array of physiological processes, ranging from metabolic activities and bone formation to muscle function and immune system support. Here is a closer look at some of the most important ones that are vital for maintaining a horse's health.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that is crucial for muscle and nerve function. It also plays a pivotal role in supporting the immune system. Deficiency in Vitamin E can lead to severe muscular and neural issues, which could affect performance and overall health. The National Research Council recommends specific levels of Vitamin E in a horse's diet, which can often be met through proper forage and supplementation.
Selenium
Another trace mineral that deserves attention is selenium. In partnership with Vitamin E, selenium serves as an antioxidant and plays a critical role in muscle health. However, this mineral should be administered with care, as both deficiency and excess can lead to health problems such as muscle wasting or even toxicity. Selenium needs often vary by geographic location, as the soil in some areas lacks sufficient selenium.
Zinc and Copper
Zinc is vital for skin health, hoof condition, and coat quality. It also plays a role in cell division and protein synthesis. Copper, often given in conjunction with zinc, supports iron metabolism and is integral to the formation of connective tissues. The copper-to-zinc ratio is essential in a horse's diet, and both should be given in balanced amounts as recommended by an equine nutritionist.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Bone health is paramount, particularly for growing and performance horses. Calcium and phosphorus are the two primary minerals that contribute to strong bones and teeth. They also play roles in muscle contractions and cellular communication. An imbalance in these minerals can lead to skeletal issues and reduced performance.
Read more on our blog!
#equinenutrition #horsefeed #feedinghorses #mineralbalancer #rationbalancer #foragebalancer #hay
