Nutrition Consultancy

 

Equine nutrition is an important aspect of horse care and management. Horses require a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs for energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins.

The basic components of a horse's diet include forages (hay, pasture), concentrates (grains, pelleted feeds), and supplements (minerals, vitamins). Forages are the foundation of a horse's diet and should be provided in sufficient quantities to meet their daily nutritional needs.

The nutritional requirements of horses vary depending on their age, activity level, and health status. Young horses require higher levels of protein and minerals for growth, while older horses may require special diets to meet their changing nutritional needs.

It's important to work with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian to develop a feeding program that meets the specific nutritional needs of each horse. We can also help to identify any deficiencies or excesses in the horse's diet and make recommendations for adjustments.

 Overfeeding or underfeeding horses can lead to health problems such as obesity, colic, or nutrient deficiencies. It's important to monitor a horse's body condition regularly and adjust their diet accordingly to maintain a healthy weight and prevent health problems.

 Equine nutrition is a complex subject and it's important to provide horses with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.

Onsite Equine Nutrition Consultancy - $170

On-site visit includes, horse health evaluation, history, concerns, current feeding regime, workload and goals, pasture walk. 

  • The current diet will be analysed based on the information gathered and a detailed written report provided with recommendations for a diet specifically balanced for your horse’s requirements for ultimate health and performance.  

  • When practical pasture and hay analysis are recommended and incorporated into the nutritional report. 

  • Pasture and hay can be collected for analysis on the day and sent to a lab for analysis, starting from $80 per test

Remote Nutrition Consultancy - $150

  • Consultation via phone/video call

  • A detailed questionnaire is provided prior and discussed during the phone consult

  • Photos &/or videos of the horse and pasture (if part of diet) are required

  • Current diet will be analysed and a written report provided

  • Follow up call to discuss the recommendations

  • 6 week follow up/check-in to assess new diet

Hay and pasture analysis is ideal if possible and relevant to the horse’s diet to allow for a specific (accurate) nutritional report. Analysis of hay and pasture can provide nutrient levels of digestible energy, minerals, crude protein, sugars and starches*

*It’s understandable that this is not always practical where only small quantities of hay are bought at one time. Where it’s not possible, averaged data from Feed Central for the hay type and quality are used.

Basic feed plan update or review - $75

(Consult via phone and email)

When there has been a change to:

  • Workload (including stallion duties)

  • Weight gain/loss

  • Batch of hay

  • Seasonal changes

  • A new property

 Where the horse’s situation or conditions have significantly changed, a full consultation is required:

  • Pasture turnout <> Yard/stabling

  • Broodmare plan

  • Diet alteration due to Veterinary diagnosed issues such as laminitis, EMS (Equine metabolic syndrome). PPID (Cushings), Gut issues including (EGUS) ulcers, tying-up