Top Picks for A Happy-Mouth Horse
A healthy and happy horse begins with a happy mouth. The mouth is how we communicate with our horse through the bit, and the mouth is how a horse enjoys food, nutrients, and treats.
Equine Dietary Needs
Proper nutrition will allow your horse to be healthy and happy. The nutritional demands of a horse are unique, but easy to meet, especially when working with a nutrition specialist.
Essential Nutrients for Horses
Like humans, horses need a balanced diet including:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Fats
- Vitamins
- Minerals
A balanced diet of these nutrients will keep your horse healthy, give him plenty of energy, help him heal, and support his performance in competition.
Common Deficiencies
Overall, horses lack variety in their diets because owners offer the same foods for a lifetime. That being said, horses can develop deficiencies. You can give your horse supplements. These help keep the right levels of calcium, vitamin E, selenium, iron, and phosphorus.
Dental Health
As owners, it’s our responsibility to promote healthy teeth and gums in our equine friends. Without good dental health, riding with a bit and eating can be incredibly difficult.
Treats are an excellent way to promote the strength and health of your horse’s teeth.
For healthy gums, choose soft and nutritious treats like apples and carrots. These foods require gnawing that strengthens the jaw and gums.
There are also specialized chew toys for horses that encourage gnawing while cleaning the teeth. Plaque can cause serious issues for your horse, so when possible, choose natural chew toys to avoid introducing artificial materials into the mouth and digestive system.
Finally, choose hard treats such as biscuits and pellets to promote strong teeth.
Supplemental Nutrition for Special Needs
Supplements for Older Horses
The needs of older horses differ from those of adult horses. As they age, their nutritional requirements change, and they may face different health conditions. It’s important to balance their nutrients and add supplements to support the joints, teeth, and digestive tract.
Some supplements include:
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Probiotics
When possible, feed your horse a senior-specific grain. Reputable brands adjust their recipes to meet the changing nutritional needs of aging horses.
Support for Pregnant Mares
Pregnant mares are another class of special needs horses. In this case, your mare will need an increase of protein, calories, and minerals like calcium and phosphorous. All these changes are made to support the overall health of your mare and the development of the foal.
Your veterinarian can help you choose the best feeds and supplements to support your pregnant mare.
Comfortable Bits
Besides food, the bit is the most common item your horse will have in its mouth. It is how a rider will communicate with a horse.
Generally, it’s best to choose a bit that is comfortable for your horse. Some bits can be harsh and should only be used when completely necessary.
Some comfortable bits to choose from are:
- Rubber bits
- Sweet iron bits
Sweet iron bits feel natural and can promote salivation to protect the mouth. Rubber bits, on the other hand, are incredibly soft and comfortable for horses.