Vitamins & Minerals
Forage is the foundation of the equine diet, but grass, hay and haylage can be low in, or imbalanced for, some vitamins and minerals.
Forage is the foundation of the equine diet, but grass, hay and haylage can be low in, or imbalanced for, some vitamins and minerals. A broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement or a balancer helps fill those gaps, particularly for horses not on a full ration of hard feed.
Good-doers kept mainly on forage are the classic candidates, as they often miss out on micronutrients without the calories of a complete feed.
Who benefits
Horses on forage-only or limited diets, and those fed less than the recommended amount of a complete feed, may not receive a full balance of vitamins and minerals. A balancer or broad-spectrum supplement can help top these up.
Balancers vs straight supplements
A balancer provides vitamins, minerals and quality protein in a low-calorie pellet, ideal for good-doers. A straight vitamin and mineral supplement offers the micronutrients without the protein, a nutritionist can help you choose.
Avoid doubling up
If your horse already receives a full ration of fortified hard feed or a balancer, an additional broad-spectrum supplement may be unnecessary. Check the combined intake to avoid over-supplementing.
Vitamins & Minerals: your questions answered
Grass varies widely in its mineral content and some key minerals are often low or imbalanced. Many owners feed a balancer or broad-spectrum supplement year-round; a nutritionist can assess your horse's needs.
A balancer typically provides vitamins, minerals and protein in a small daily pellet, while a vitamin and mineral supplement provides micronutrients alone. Both top up a forage-based diet in different ways.