Do you find yourself wondering why a high fat-low carbohydrate diet is so essential for Arabian Horses or any horse for that matter? The answer is uncomplicated; a diet high in fat and low in grains has revealed many encouraging effects on the physical condition and performance in horses of all breeds.

At our Arabian Horse Farm, we set our goals high to produce and raise get from our Arabian Mares that will go on to win prestigious titles at a Regional and National level or perhaps become a happy healthy companion for a loving horse owner.

Keeping Arabian horses relaxed and in superior physical condition while they are under high stress demands from training can be challenging so we look to fats and oils in the diet for a number of reasons: They are a rich foundation of essential fatty acids, they provide healthy energy utilization during intense exercise, the oil is a solvent that aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, i.e. Vitamins A, D, E, and K; and oils improve palatability of feeds for the horses.

As a concerned Arabian Breeder, I study many aspects of caring for our Arabian Mares and Arabian Foals who reside at River Valley Arabians. It is important to me that my Quality Arabian Horses represent the finest Arabians For Sale in the industry. Therefore, through many hours of studies, I have found new research stating that it is far healthier to feed essential fatty acids provided by healthy cold- pressed oils rather than a diet heavy in grain. My goal is to share this information with you through my Arabian Horse Site.

In view of the fact that fats and oils contain 2.25 times the energy of a comparable amount of carbohydrates, the objective of research done in universities was to be able to meet elevated energy demands in far less grain. The energy burdens of some horses, such as performance horses and broodmares, necessitate them being fed an enormous measure of grain depending on the breed and size of the animal. Sorry to say, this is being discovered to be very unhealthy and creates an amplified threat for poor health, which includes colic, ulcers, tying up, laminitis and founder. I had to sit back, think about this and ask myself: if energy demands could be met with far less grain wouldn’t that be advantageous and significantly healthier for my Arabian horses? I certainly thought so!

A précis of what we witnessed at River Valley Arabians after changing to a High Fat--Low Carbohydrate diet include:

1. Broodmares have superior nutritious thick milk. Our mares don’t necessitate as many days from foaling to first ovulation and experience a reduced amount of cycles to get in foal.

2. Developmental Bone Disease has been significantly diminished when weanlings and yearlings are fed less grain and placed on a high fat diet. Body condition and energy levels have been maintained exceptionally well, along with observing early growth development.

3. Higher fat feeds provide a safe alternative energy source.

4. A calming effect was noticed on some horses that in the past would normally get hyperactive on heavy grain diets.

5. Although not witnessed by me personally, I have read there is an increase in sperm counts in Stallions.

It deserves being mentioned that animal fats are difficult to digest, have no place in a horse’s diet since horses in the wild do not consume other animals and therefore, I consider unnatural. Also, I have observed that Arabian horses do not enjoy the smell or taste of animal fats, nor am I surprised.

With all this being said, an ample supply of fat is not the complete secret to accomplishing unsurpassed performance. Once I selected the finest cold-pressed vegetable oil and combined it with valued vitamins and minerals in adequate amounts is when I really appreciated the ultimate results. For my vitamins and minerals, I use a company called Equi-Vision. Dr. Bill Vandergrift who also helped formulate Triple Crown Feeds, developed these vitamins and supplements. I find the products to be superior to others on the market. (For more information on how to order his superior products see the Resource Page).

I stand firmly on my belief that a horse’s feeding ration is only as good as the product’s raw ingredients. Therefore, it is so important for you to create a superior feeding program designed to avoid the complications your horse might typically encounter. Help ensure your horse doesn’t receive excessive grain concentrates, which often lead to colic, laminitis and muscle complications. I trust you will appreciate the advantages of a high-fat diet once established into your feed program.

At River Valley Arabians the feed company of preference is Triple Crown Feeds and we take pleasure in promoting this line of feed to fellow Arabian horsemen. While Triple Crown products may not turn out a Triple Crown winner, they will help your Arabian horse attain exceptional health, even if it is just in your own back paddock. This company easily leads the field in nutrition for horses. If this company is available in your county, I hope you will consider to incorporate their feed into your Arabian’s diet. Having been very pleased with the results of all our horses on Triple Crown Senior, I am comfortable to pass this information on to you.

All of the products used at River Valley Arabians will be highlighted on the Resource Page.

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As an Arabian Horse Breeder, I have decided to use my Arabian Horse Site as a source of information to help those people who are curious about the new research coming out of universities regarding diet. Prevention against many of the man made diseases is as uncomplicated as looking at what we are feeding our Arabian Horses. This new approach for feeding the horse with intense work demands will greatly benefit Arabian Horse Farms and Arabian Breeders alike.

In feeding my Arabians that have intense work demands, I need a more individualized diet. It is imperative for me to decrease soluble dietary carbohydrates (grain) and increase the fat levels. I provide 20% to 25% of their total daily calories from a supplemental fat and have used soy, rice, canola, and coconut oils, which are all excellent choices. In my experience, fat is advantageous in regards to the overall health and increased performance levels of my Arabian horses. While feeding a higher fat diet, a safe alternative energy source is provided and I notice with some horses that use to be hyperactive from being fed and excessive grain diet, are now calmer. For example, we no longer have horses that pace in their stalls from being anxious and nervous.

This diet is risk-free for any horse including Arabian Stallions, and pregnant Arabian Mares, as it reduces grain in the diet. When you decide to make the changeover in diet, ask your veterinarian who works closely with your Arabian Horse Farm to oversee your progress. Here at River Valley Arabians our vet said we were doing an excellent job with the diet change and the result would be noticeable and it has.

To avoid problems with founder, horses should not be allowed to graze on rich pastures. It is imperative they graze on low quality fields to be safe. For those Arabians not on grass pasture, we suggest at the very least a 70% - 80% grass diet fed free choice.

As a result of increasing the fat and decreasing the carbohydrate percentages in the diet, the Arabian’s muscle progressively becomes proficient in using fat for energy, thereby decreasing reliance on glycogen.

University research confirms that energy from fats is more efficient than burning carbohydrates from grain. They recommend feeding less than a pound of grain a day, and this should be used only as a supplemental part of the diet. (For example, I give my Arabian horses Senior Feed made by Triple Crown Feed Company, and it has about 1/2 –1 pound of oats, in a mixture of beet pulp, soybeans and rice bran. I feed about 4-6 pounds a day of Senior depending on the horse). Don’t let the name fool you. This feed is good for all horses of all ages and is exceptionally easy to digest.

Have you asked yourself, how do I get my horse to eat oil? One method I have used and found to be effortless has been to stop feeding grain and replace it with an equivalent measure of alfalfa pellets while gradually adding oil until the horse’s consumption is one to two cups of oil per day for a 1,000 pound horse. Hint: Increase the oil by 1/8 cup per feeding every few days to allow a slow introduction (take your time) and avoid upsetting the inner terrain of the horse’s system.

Alfalfa pellets are a good source of vitamin E, protein, and calcium; however, alfalfa pellets are not essential to the diet. If your horse refuses pellets, don’t worry. A trick worth trying is to break down your leafy alfalfa hay into the oil and then pour this mixture over the pellets. This may prove to enhance tastiness to the horse. Also, don’t be surprised if it takes a couple days of the feed sitting in front of the horse before it is consumed. As always, remove any food from the previous feeding prior to the next ration, to avoid any mold problem from developing. (If not removed you will create colic in your horse).

Corn oil is my last choice for a fat supplement, and I never even consider Linseed oil as a fat alternative. Flax seed should only be used as the main ingredient for bran mash and not as a choice for a fat source.

An alternative to feeding pellets is to select a high fat feed. An excellent commercial feed is Triple Crown, a company with several high fat feeds and a brilliant choice. They are voted the number one quality feed company in the industry. Triple Crown uses the best grains, highest quality ingredients, and a unique EquiMix Technology they are very proud of. They have created a feeding program designed to prevent complications of health risk your horse might typically encounter. Triple Crown features feeds and supplements that help ensure your horse doesn’t receive excessive grain concentrates, which as stated, often lead to colic, laminitis and muscle complications.

If Triple Crown is not offered in your area you may find other low carbohydrate commercial diets such as Purina Strategy, or Nutrena Compete. With any of these commercial diets, include the identical quantity of oil as you would with alfalfa pellets. My suggestion is to order one of the oils listed on the Resource Page.

Do not use an alfalfa-only diet, since it is low in zinc. It is wise to add a vitamin-and-mineral supplement. Vitamin E and selenium are recommended, but only in deficient areas like Arizona. Research has verified higher protein diets do not cause founder or tying up in horses, nor do they damage the kidneys or liver as we have suspected for years. Regardless, never free choice alfalfa to horses, but use it in the diet in a ratio of about 20 to 40% of the diet. I myself stay at about 20% usage of alfalfa. In colder climates, alfalfa can be increased to 50% to help keep the horse warmer.

For horses that refuse to eat their alfalfa pellets you might try mixing them into a blend of unprocessed coconut and soy oil that smells like caramel—horses love the taste, and is naturally high in vitamin E. (See resource page for ordering).

Do not serve your horse more than one pound of rice bran. Being 20% fat, you would need five pounds of rice bran to provide the same amount of fat as two cups (one pound) of oil. This is obviously unhealthy! A simple solution is to add oil to the rice bran to get the level of fat needed. Rice bran is designed for horses that require additional energy for performance or weight maintenance without hyperactivity. Rice bran has many benefits and is valued for increasing stamina and endurance, increased resistance to cold weather and improves skin and coat. It is loaded with natural Vitamin E and natural Gamma Oryzanol. Rice Bran Oil is an excellent solution for those wanting the benefits of Rice Bran.

Some of my Arabians, known as the easy keepers, need to be watched for weight gain. I simply decrease total daily calories by cutting back on hay before reducing my measure of fat. This quickly and efficiently solves my problem and keeps the horse in good flesh.

It is imperative not to create digestive problems in your horses when switching feeds. Alfalfa pellets and any commercial ration should be initially mixed with the horse's previous ration and gradually increased, as the former ration is decreased. The same procedure should be used when introducing a fat supplement. Increase the oil by about 1/8 cup per feeding every few days, to allow a slow introduction and avoid upsetting the inner terrain of the horse’s system. Should your horse experience looseness, back off the oil and take a few more days to achieve the quantity desired.

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Arabian Horse Farms all over the world utilize flax seed. Out of books from the past, there are numerous stories and recipes about feeding Bran mash to Arabian Mares and Arabian Foals and utilizing this wonderful seed.

As an Arabian Breeder, and one whose goal is to produce Quality Arabian Horses, I would like to use my Arabian Horse Site as a vehicle to get important facts to you. Also, for those who purchase our Arabian Horses For Sale, this is a way for you to maintain the same recipes that my Arabians love and have enjoyed all along.

Below is information that has taken me time to accumulate from research and I think beneficial to be aware of. I am compelled to pass this information on to you, and hopeful it is beneficial for your Arabian Horses at home. Should you decide to acquire future Arabians For Sale from River Valley Arabians you will have an idea of how my horses have been fed.

Research explains that dry flax seed is far too petite and difficult for your horse to masticate and unfortunately goes undigested through the inner terrain, soaking up water from the intestinal track. This is risky and has been branded as being notorious for causing colic when fed dry. Many people make this mistake; therefore, never get into the habit of feeding dehydrated flax seed for the sake of convenience.

*Flax is toxic due to the prussic acid within the seed. Too much is dangerous for your horse so be sure not to overfeed. Flax seed should not be used as a fat supplement nor should linseed oil. Do not use daily.

*Flax seed is nontoxic only after being hydrated and saturated with water for 4 hours or longer and then preferably simmered. Heating the flax seed will eradicate the toxic prussic acid stored within the seed. While being prepared, much water is soaked up and it becomes coagulated like thin oatmeal.

*Incidents of sand colic and impactions are dramatically reduced because of the calm laxative effect. The coagulated gel like consistency of the hydrated flax seed gently entraps the sand, and is passed completely out of the inner terrain of the intestinal tract in a mild manner.

*The flax fiber is healthy for both people and horses. It is loaded with cancer-fighting properties similar to a high fiber diet.

*Dried out split hoofs from the summer’s high temperatures are something from the olden days and we now have overall exceptional health.

*Flaxseed is an outstanding source of Omega 3, and Omega 6.

*Use the petite flax seed as part of a bran mash once or twice per week maximum. The correct amount is about 1/4 cup, measured dry for each horse. Cover in cold water to hydrate the seed and after 4 hours or more, simmer for 30 minutes until it resembles runny oatmeal is the ideal. Chop up some carrots in smaller pieces and mix into the bran mash mixture. (See Bran Mash recipe if you never have made it). Be sure to feed warm and not so hot that it burns your horse’s mouth! Your Arabian horse will look forward to it.

*It is imperative to rinse all utensils and buckets used to prepare the mash to prevent mold, otherwise you will have a sick horse.

*Use caution in extreme hot weather not to let the soaked flax seed sour or this to can cause a sick horse.

*For an extended shelf life store the whole seed in a dark cool place. Ground flax spoils and goes rancid rapidly and should never be considered as a substitute in your bran mash.

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• Rex Brand Rice Bran Oil #6822
  
• Focus Show Coat #6533
  
• Rex Brand Wheat Germ Oil #23
  
• Uckele Coco Soya Oil #4808
  
• Succeed #6805 - We us this when sending our horses into a training barn to hopefully protect their stomach's from ulcers and high stress demands. (Paste and larger sizes are available)
  

• All natural
• High in digestible energy
• The natural source of gamma-oryzanol
• Contains naturally high levels of antioxidants
• Excellent hair coat conditioner
• Improves body condition
• Reduces dustiness of feeds
• Safe for HYPP horses
    
  
  
  
  

Equi-Vision-- http://equivision.com/aboutus.htm Phone: 1 859 873 1220

Dr. Bill Vandergrift, owner of EquiVision, has a client base of breeders, trainers, riders and feed manufacturers.  He has a long history of being the Director of Equine Nutrition for regional and national feed companies before starting EquiVision. However, he still makes time to travel the world teaching in universities about health and nutrition.

EV Biotin, an excellent vitamin-mineral supplement is what we use. They also have bone and joint supplements, Broodmare and Stallion Products, Digestive Aids, Electrolytes, Energy Aids, Foal Aids, Hoof Supplements, Myopathy Aids (Anti Tie-Up) and Stress Pacs (Transportation Aids). These are superior products and should be considered if needed. I have compared his products to others and you really get true value with his company.

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