Blade has been on a few different mixes in the past few years. We have changed formulas based on his needs and how he’s responded to certain mixes. At the present moment he receives:
- Buckeye Gro’n’Win: 1 pound
- Nutrena SafeChoice Original: 2 pounds
Supplements:
- Flaxseed, whole: ½ cup
- Uckele Absorball: 2 oz
- Uckele Poly Zinc: ½ scoop
- Uckele Poly Copper: ½ scoop
- 3 in 1 Buglyte: 1 large scoop
All split into 2 daily feedings plus hay
My reasons:
We began Blade on Gro n Win because I wanted to increase Blade’s protein intake without increasing his calories. With the added protein and proper exercise my goal was to improve his topline.
I love Nutrena Safechoice; it’s a great product and our mixing site in Albany, NY has no medicated bovine feeds on the premises; because of this I need not worry about cross-contamination.
Flaxseed is excellent for omegas. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help with ulcers and I good digestion
Blade struggles with chronic gastrointestinal issues. As a retired racehorse he had ulcers and hindgut ulcers. To keep his tummy happy I give him Absorball, which contains a lot of great probiotics to encourage good gut flora.
My region (northeast) is known to have high levels of iron in the ground and hay. To balance it I feed Blade copper and zinc.
Ticks and flies are major pests here so I tried the BugLyte. I find it works fairly well and it’s worth feeding it.
I like to streamline my feeding regimen. Since I board Blade at a facility I create containers with his supplements and I stay away from overly complicated feeding instructions. He has a hanging hay net to keep him chewing for a longer period of time (good for ulcers). When I want to give him more I make a mix of alfalfa/beet pulp pellets for a nice forage based treat.
