Equine diets can be complex. Many principles and beliefs exist, and the market is flooded with feed products and supplements. Here’s where an equine nutritionist comes in. These highly skilled professionals can help guide your equine diet decisions and ensure your horse is receiving the proper nutrition. In this article, we’ll break down the role of an equine nutritionist and discuss whether you need to add one to your horse’s care team.
What Is an Equine Nutritionist?
An equine nutritionist is a professional who specializes in horses’ nutritional needs. They are trained to evaluate and develop feeding programs for horses of all ages, breeds and disciplines. Equine nutritionists work with horse owners, trainers and veterinarians to ensure each horse receives a customized diet that meets their specific nutritional needs.
When Should You Consider Hiring an Equine Nutritionist?
Here are some instances when hiring an equine nutritionist can be beneficial:
- You have a horse with a health issue that requires a specially formulated diet.
- You have a horse that is in heavy training or competing at a high level.
- You want to optimize your horse’s diet for better performance or overall health.
- You’re experiencing feeding-related problems or concerns, such as weight gain or loss, colic or digestive issues.
The Benefits of Hiring an Equine Nutritionist
There are several benefits to working with an equine nutritionist. First, they can help ensure your horse is receiving the necessary nutrients to meet his individual needs. They can evaluate your horse’s diet and make recommendations to optimize his nutrition. Additionally, an equine nutritionist can help finetune your horse’s diet as his needs change due to age, workload or health concerns. They can also identify nutrient imbalances that might be leading to health issues.
During a consult the nutritionist will gather information about your horse, such as body condition score, workload, management, region and special needs. They’ll measure your horse’s weight, feed rations and hay flakes and analyze your forage. Based on this information, they can recommend an individualized diet plan for your horse.
How To Find an Equine Nutritionist
If you’ve decided to work with an equine nutritionist, the next step is finding one. You can start by asking your veterinarian or other equine professionals for recommendations. You might also find equine nutritionists though feed companies, university animal science programs or extension services. If you’re searching online for a qualified, certified equine nutritionist in your area, make sure that individual has a graduate degree in equine nutrition.
In Conclusion
An equine nutritionist can be a valuable resource for any horse owner. If you have any feeding-related problems or concerns or simply want to ensure your horse is receiving the best possible nutrition, consider working with an equine nutritionist.
