Ex-racehorse struggling to maintain condition

Leah Grange was concerned about giving her ex-racehorse Colin too much sugar in his diet and it “blowing his brains”. After a chat with the Dengie nutrition team she realised that his current ration was completely wrong for him in other ways too. It was too low in calories, whereas Colin needed help maintaining condition and also high in starch. Although Leah hadn’t had Colin scoped for gastric ulcers, he had been showing a few signs and she wanted advice on what products to feed Colin that would promote a healthy digestive system.

Colin April 2020

The Dengie nutrition team suggested a high-fibre diet of Dengie Healthy Tummy and Alfa-Beet for Colin. Healthy Tummy is a nutritionally balanced fibre feed, and when fed at the recommended rate of 500g per 100kg bodyweight it provides all of the essential vitamins and minerals a horse working up to moderate levels requires. It also contains ADM Protexin In-Feed Formula, which supplies prebiotics to promote a healthy microbial population vital for fibre digestion and gut health, as well as yummy herbs to make it palatable for fussy horses. “It was an easy choice for us, Healthy Tummy is high in fibre and naturally low in starch and sugar.” says Leah.

Colin May 2020

The Dengie nutrition team also suggested adding Alfa-Beet to Colin’s ration to provide extra calories. A combination of unmolassed sugarbeet and alfalfa, it is the ideal soaked fibre feed to complement Healthy Tummy. Overall, Colin’s new ration is high in digestible fibre, naturally low in starch and free from molasses.

“Cols was suffering from very loose droppings before starting his new Dengie ration, in the vet nursing world they were classed as ‘just a bit more than a cow pat’” comments Leah. “After a week on his new diet, Colin’s droppings were completely normal and after two weeks he became less tail swishy and fidgety when girthing.”

“Having struggled with Colin’s weight during our first winter together, I was paranoid that he would melt away to what he was like before and lose all of his condition. However, the following pictures speak for themselves; Colin is thriving on his new diet! Since April 2020 he has gained 80kg and is in perfect condition as we approach winter and the colder months. Now he has a tummy friendly feed, he’s so much happier.”

Colin Oct 2020