Feed Question

[Kim K]

I had a mild disagreement with a horse "professional" re: feed types.    He is touting a feed that lists as one of the main ingredients "distillers dried grain" as "corn free".    Am I wrong in thinking that corn is a main source for distillers grain?    He seemed to feel that I am stubborn because I like the feed that I feed and I don't care that it is expensive.  I am all for saving money but feeding my horses something that is swept off the floor in a brewery just seems wrong on so many levels...  any thoughts?

[polomare]

It could be barley, but I know of no government mandate that requires a distillery to specify the source of their byproduct.  It's all sold under the generic label "DDGS".  Unless the feed company knows for a fact that the brewery they are getting it from is definitely corn free, I don't see how anyone can claim that.

I suggest you call the manufacturer of the feed in question and quiz them.

[Lexus]

Kim, I know you and your horses, they are in amazing shape. Just look at Bo, he's what, 30+?  Stand by your guns and feed what YOU feel is best.

[equisician]

Kim, stick to your gut instincts, the last person that posted is right, your horses ALL look amazing, Bo is a wonder-horse and look at how far Kona has come along in such a short time. She's already the "after" picture, right!!! You are doing a fabulous job caring for and feeding all of them and you are always learning more and researching and refining your methods. The horses at your barn are blessed.

XOXO,
Adriana/Equisician

[Delia]

In the past, I have had professionals trying to convince me of their feeding plan.  Inasmuch as I have a horse with significant allergies, I do my own research, and have come up with what seems right for my horses.  The professionals do not live with your horses as a rule.  As previous posters have stated, "stick to your guns" you know what's best for your horses.

[Kim K]

Thanks all!   I appreciate the responses.   I did a little further research and one feed manufacturer actually had a press release that they were removing it from their feeds for safety reasons. 

[JrJumperCHAMP]

Anyone have opinions on extruded feeds vs non extruded feeds?

[equisician]

Pro steam-extrusion people feel that the process increases digestibility, reduces colic, horses stay calmer, need less feed, have fewer ulcers and that there is elimination of dust related reactions/allergies.

Anti extrusion people feel that any artificial preparation or processing of food is harmful because there is a change in the way nutrients interact (if you google this topic the 'hot' arguments are over corn, soy and digestible fats)

This study of the digestive tract of the horse might help answer your question re extruded vs non extruded http://www.ker.com/library/advances/101.pdf

My "gut" (no pun intended) is that the less we do to food the better (this applies to humans, dogs, cats, chickens, horses) and that it is IDEAL to go as simple, natural, raw, home-made as you can however we all are busy running around doing a million things, trying to survive and earn a living...unless we can fully devote ourselves to getting it right the natural way it makes sense to trust reputable food manufacturers to do it for us.

Adriana / Equisician

[Zazua]

We just started feeding 2 of our horses Thrive feed and it has made a world of difference... Expensive but worth it. Our gelding had serious colonic ulcers and was really hard to put on weight and a super picky slow eater. Now he loves his feed (grain free) we haven't had any problems with ulcers and he's growing a black coat (with no supplements!!)  And is putting on weight and muscle. Thrivefeed.com

[mysterypickles]

Where do you get Thrive locally?

[jonesjjam]

ADM Alliance Nutrition has a great helpline, that answer most of these questions, plus Dr Judy Reynolds has many articles on www.grostrong.com about this topics. Helpline phone number is: 866-666-7626, ask for the equine department.  This products are found locally.