THE FUSSY ONE

Most horses adapt to a whole plain feed diet with our concentrated mineral formulations without fuss. However horses can be horses and especially if they are used to eating sweetened premix feeds and supplements, it can be a more challenging journey to make the change.

Horses may need time to adjust to new tastes, just like the human version of reducing or removing salty and sugary food can take time and perseverance. Let’s face it, minerals don’t taste nice! Why fillers, flavours and sweeteners are used in the first instance. Our formulations are packed into the smallest dose and are very concentrated with as little filler/flavours, if any, which means a little goes a long way. It allows the opportunity to supplement macros minerals calcium & phosphorus and sodium more economically separately than us adding it to the formula and you paying more. If you crack open a vitamin/mineral capsule spread it on some dry toast and try to eat that, you will have a new found appreciation of what you are trying to get your horse to eat!

If you are blessed with a fussier equine - take the time it may need by switching to clean feeding & a minerally balanced diet - your horse will thank you for it!

The most common pitfalls found that a horse won’t eat a formulation is:

-Feeding with only a handful of chaff (this is the top reason)

-Not feeding to the recommended base feed outlined in the feed protocol. These suggested levels are recommended based off hundreds of positive results for typical palatability acceptance. (You don't buy half the cake ingredients and expect to have the same outcome as if you used all the ingredients recommended in the recipe)

-Introduced too fast and too much

-Chopping and changing too often - lack of consistency

-Not fed with enough base carrier feed to taste tolerance (i.e. the dilution is too strong)

-Too much of a change in hard feed too fast

-Too much grass/other feed available at the time of hard feeding

Top tips for introducing to fussy/picky horses

Patience!! Don’t Stress!! Remove all expectations!!

Of course we want the best for our horses, but in the big scheme our horses won’t be harmed if it takes a few weeks to get the minerals up to full dose.

Gradually change over the old feeds to the new feeds, especially if using premixed feeds and have feed left to use up. It will be okay if horse is getting some premixed feed alongside the HHIO minerals for a temporary short duration. A good plan is over the course of 1-3 weeks depending on horse and addiction to old feed taste to introduce as follows:

Old Feed vs New Feed/Supplement

75 vs 25

50 vs 50

25 vs 75

100

If you aren’t gradually changing over and wish to change feed straight away usually because people have run out of the old feed - introduce the minerals over a period of a week – for the fussier it may take 2-3 weeks. Start with a teaspoon, and gradually increase every couple of days. If resistance is met, go back to the measure that was acceptable or increase dilution rate and so forth.

If your horse accepts it straight away go right ahead and feed at recommended rates.

Feed with a base carrier – Copra, Chaff & omega 3 source is a good starting point. ½ -1 cup Copra max per day. Copra & Lucerne in particular is a great mix, if your horse is tolerant of Lucerne.

Adding of one of the recommended "extra calories/protein" HHIO recommendations are usually a great tempter. A handful for the horses that don’t really need, and more for those that do. You can eventually wean the horse off these once eating readily.

Making sure the feed is damp enough and the powder is well mixed into the feed and sticking to the feed and not sitting in the bottom of the feed bucket.

Feeding a B vitamin supplement can help stimulate appetite such as HHIO Support.

For those not wanting to add extra calories but tempt them to eat it - a cup of hot/cold Spearmint, Peppermint, Meadowsweet or Rosehip tea poured over the feed and mixed into a mash can be a helpful tempter. Eventually wean off if desired.

Some other tempter options are: Beetroot powder, Fenugreek, Carrot powder or Anise seed powder can be sprinkled over the feed. Some experimenting may be required to find a couple that your horse loves. You can continue to use, or wean off as desired.

Some horses love their grass so much, especially if getting a break of grass at the same time as hard fed. We find this issue alot coming out of winter when grass is more readily available. Try feeding the feed before a new grass break is given, as they tend to be a little more motivated to eat their hard feed.

Lastly be consistent. Constantly changing the feed with adding this, adding that, taking that out and so on, doesn’t give the horse a chance to learn to eat it as its constantly changing. Keep it simple.

If the horse has a history of being fussy or not eating the hard feed in full, and especially if not eating hay either, check the following:

Remove salt from their feed and see if they will eat feed then. If they do this can be a sign something isn’t right (think ulcer/cut/injury in mouth, gastric ulcers)

Regular dental checks and floats by qualified Equine dentist

Regular chiropractic checks by qualified Equine Chiropractor – restrictions in spine do cause internal organ issues especially relating to digestion

Check ulcer check points

Involve vet for ulcer treatment if check points above positive/reactive

Especially if an older horse, do a PPID screening as PPID can effect appetite and gaining weight due to high cortisol levels

Keeping a consistent feeding schedule can also facilitate a smoother transition. Horses thrive on routine, so by establishing regular feeding times, you can help mitigate any anxiety associated with changes in their diet.

If this is an ongoing issue documenting your horse's feeding behaviour and preferences throughout the transition period, as this information can be invaluable for identifying patterns and adjusting your approach accordingly.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to foster a positive experience that encourages your horse to embrace their new dietary regime.  What you put into it will be what you get out of it.