Make your decision with expert advice from an equine nutritionist.
Many horses can see healthy changes from a diet that’s low in starch and sugar, but not all horses need these special restrictions or should be fed this way. We talked with Sentinel® Horse Feeds equine nutritionist, Jeanne van der Veen, to help you make the right call on your patient’s nutrition.
Q: ARE LOWER LEVELS OF STARCH AND SUGAR RIGHT FOR ALL EQUINE LIFE STAGES?
In general, horses at all life stages may benefit from a lower starch and lower sugar feed, depending on the individual horse and health issue or challenge. And the definition of what is considered “low” may vary for different life stages.
“Young, growing horses may need a more moderately low level of starch and sugar for proper development, as found in Sentinel Safe Start extruded horse feed,” van der Veen said. “While senior horses, with their aging digestive systems and potential metabolic issues, may benefit from an even lower starch and sugar diet, as found in Sentinel Senior horse feed.”
Q: DOES LOW STARCH, LOW SUGAR FEED PREVENT HEALTH CONCERNS, LIKE COLIC?
There are many different types and causes of colic and most aren’t related to diet. But good feed management is crucial to preventing some of the more common types. Feeding a diet low in starch and sugar may reduce excess fermentation and gas production, lowering the risk of gas related colic.
Ulcers are another health concern in horses that may benefit from lower starch and sugar feeds. Feeding smaller meals more often, especially when large amounts of grain or concentrates are needed, and decreasing the level of starch and sugar in the diet may help with ulcer prevention or management.
“When looking to prevent or manage gastro-intestinal issues, feeding Sentinel 100% extruded horse feeds with low starch and low sugar content, built-in fat and fiber and added gutWise™ Technology, will provide multiple nutritional and digestive support mechanisms to help keep your horse’s gut healthy,” says van der Veen.
Q: IF MY HORSE DOESN’T HAVE A METABOLIC CONDITION, SHOULD I CONSIDER CHANGING?
If your horse does not have a metabolic condition, you don’t have to switch feed, but a low starch and low sugar feed may still be beneficial over the long term.
“A low starch and sugar diet helps maintain a healthy digestive system and microbiome,” says van der Veen. “Since over 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, keeping it healthy through a low starch and sugar diet helps support and maintain the overall health, performance and behavior of the horse.”
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AUTHOR PROFILE
IVC Journal is a division of Redstone Media Group. Innovation is the key to veterinarians staying competitive and being able to provide their clients with the absolute best care possible. IVC Journal delivers the most up to date and compelling information available by bridging the gap between the traditional worlds of allopathic and integrative veterinary care.
