02/25/2022
A look into what our horses eat in a day: Hia Edition
Along with constant forage, the Quill Point herd is fed grain twice a day, with each horse on a custom program of Purina feed and various supplements. Here’s what Hia will eat on the average day:
Hia has a condition called PSSM which means her muscles accumulate abnormally large amounts of glycogen (sugar) that can result in a variety of unpleasant symptoms. PSSM can be managed to a high degree of success through diet and exercise, so Hia gets lots of exercise and her diet limits her daily sugar intake. Her diet considerations mean that her primary grain is Purina Equilizer, which is a low calorie, low sugar, nutrient dense pellet Equilizer helps her get the nutrients she needs without the added sugars found in many performance horse grains. In addition to her grain, she gets supplements in both feedings. Check out info on each of her supplements:
MORNING:
KPP Ker-A-Form - This supports and nourishes keratin which promotes a healthy coat, skin, and strong hooves
EMSA HEIRO - Healthy Equine Insulin Rescue Organical - This is a herbal blend that helps combat the elevated insulin in Hia’s body as a result of her PSSM, which means it helps her body process sugars and tackles the associated negative symptoms of high insulin in horses
Thyroid Medication - Hia is also on a thyroid medication to combat hypothyroidism that developed as a result of PSSM
Purina Pur-A-Plus (Again) - This is a yeast culture that supports healthy digestion
Salt (Again) - Salt is not produced by the body but is a super important nutrient as is helps to absorb nutrients in the intestine, and plays key roles in muscle contraction, conduction of nerve impulses, and digestion of protein
Actistatin (Again) - This is a supplement used for long term joint maintenance and helps aid in joint recovery
EVENING:
BCAA - This stands for Branched Chain Amino Acids which when supplemented for horses has shown to build muscle, decrease muscle fatigue, and alleviate soreness by supporting recovery. It is also used to support mental alertness and healthy immune function
Purina Pur-A-Plus - This is a yeast culture that supports healthy digestion
Salt - Salt is not produced by the body but is a super important nutrient as is helps to absorb nutrients in the intestine, and plays key roles in muscle contraction, conduction of nerve impulses, and digestion of protein
Actistatin - This is a supplement used for long term joint maintenance and helps aid in joint recovery
Mag Vet - This is a magnesium supplement which helps to calm nervous and hot horses (Hia can be both nervous and hot!) by balancing magnesium and calcium levels in the body
KPP Elevate - This is a vitamin E supplement that serves as an antioxidant that helps maintain neuromuscular function and prevent diseases related to vitamin E deficiency in horses, especially in the winter when horses aren’t on grass which is a natural source of vitamin E