Individualised Feeding for Horses
It is always important to consider each horse as an individual – even more so if they have been diagnosed with a medical condition where their diet and feeding become important management tools.
Feeding a high fibre diet, offered little and often, is essential to maintain a healthy digestive system.
Many horses and ponies also require a low starch and sugar diet (low in non-structural carbohydrates – NSC), and all will require a source of broad-spectrum minerals and vitamins (either from a fortified feed, balancer or powdered supplement).
The Mollichaff Molasses Free Range
The Mollichaff Molasses Free Range, which includes Mollichaff Light Molasses Free, Mollichaff DailyFibre and Mollichaff Alfalfa Oil, offers a range of chaffs to help provide higher fibre levels in the diet, and there is a product suitable for all types of horses and ponies!
A number of factors, including health, condition, workload, pasture availability and management regime will affect the selection of the most appropriate product.
The Molasses Free Range is a great way to add fibre to the horse’s diet. It can be fed as part of a bucket feed or a double handful before exercise to encourage saliva production and help form a buffering “mat” to reduce gastric acid splash back.
These palatable, molasses free chaffs may also be fed alone with a powdered mineral and vitamin supplement to meet micronutrient requirements for horses and ponies on restricted diets.
Mollichaff Light Molasses Free and Mollichaff DailyFibre can also be used as an enrichment activity, increasing foraging behaviour and chewing time for horses and ponies with limited access to pasture due to restricted grass growth or turn out time.
Electrolytes and water can be added to make a delicious sloppy chaff feed for those hot sweaty days at or after training or competitions.
Why is feeding a high fibre diet important?
Feeding inadequate amounts of fibre and/or too much sugar and starch can cause digestive disturbances, disrupting the delicate balance of the gut microbiome (and microbes in the gut) as well as affecting gut motility.
Feeding horses with a forage-based, high fibre diet, offered little and often will support gastric health, improve gut motility and reduce the risk of digestive upset.
Why is oil fed to horses?
The Molasses Free Range contains oil, a rich source of important fatty acids (including omega 3 and 6 fatty acids) for slow-release energy and to support healthy skin and a glossy coat.
Mollichaff DailyFibre has the added benefits of linseed oil which is high in omega 3 fatty acids to support healthy joints, the immune system, and is an excellent alternative energy source to cereals, for horses who require a diet low in starch and sugar.
Which molasses free product should I choose?
Mollichaff Light Molasses Free
Mollichaff Light Molasses Free is a good source of fibre for horses and ponies on a calorie-controlled diet, as it is low in calories and especially low in starch and sugar.
This chaff product can be used as part of a bucket feed, or as a partial forage replacer or to help support enrichment activities for horses and ponies on restricted grazing.
Mollichaff DailyFibre
Mollichaff DailyFibre, is high fibre and low in starch and sugar and is designed to provide horses and ponies with essential fibre while supporting their overall health and well-being.
It is suitable for many horses and ponies in light to medium work.
This high fibre chaff supports gastric health and is especially suited to supporting the digestive health and well-being of older horses.
Mollichaff Alfalfa Oil
Mollichaff Alfalfa Oil provides higher calorie levels from fibre and oil and is a great option for horses and ponies with higher energy requirements or who struggle to maintain their condition.
Mollichaff Alfalfa Oil is naturally low in sugar and starch and suitable for horses showing signs of gastric discomfort and those that are in work, but also prone to laminitis.
This product is highly palatable and has added oil for slow-release energy and to support a healthy coat.
In conclusion, feeding Mollichaff Molasses Free Range can support overall health, well-being, and condition.
Check out our samples page to get a sample delivered directly to your door.
Want free nutritional advice?
It is important to ensure that horses receive a balanced diet to support their growth, development, and health.
If you are unsure about the best diet for your horse our friendly and knowledgeable team is available on weekdays from 9am to 5pm.
Give us a call at 01803 527274 or send an email to sales@horsehage.co.uk
