Ranchline blog post

Choosing Feed and Supplements for Hard Keepers

**What is a Hard Keeper?**

amet-columnists, hard keepers are horses and ponies that require more calories than average to maintain a healthy weight. Located throughout the Texas and Oklahoma regions, particularly in hard-keeping areas like Amarillo and El Reno, ranches and horse owners must carefully select and use the right feed and supplements to keep their hard keepers healthy and thriving.

Horses with a hard-keeping tendency are often experienced increased risks of obesity and related health issues, such as insulin resistance and laminitis. Moisture availability can be a challenge during hot summer months, for example.

When to Supplement a Hard Keeper

Consult with a veterinarian before adding supplements to your hard keeper's diet, especially if he or she is experiencing weight loss or other health issues.

Nutrition Considerations for Hard Keepers

1. **High Quality Hay**: provides maximum calories and nutrients while minimizing sugar and starch consumption. Timothy, alfalfa, and coastal bermuda hay are suitable options. Hay’s nutrient digestibility could determine placement on the hay racking scale.FirstResponder hays are fiber-rich then those lower.
2. **Concentrate Formulas**: formulated for hard keepers, include balanced levels of calories, vitamins, and minerals, while reducing sugars and starches.
3. **B Vitamins and Minerals**: help maintain a healthy weight by metabolism aid and maintaining a stable digestive system; specifically, watch for thiamin deficiency in production equines most susceptible to.
4. **Omega-3 and Anti-Inflammatory Supplements**: help keep hard keepers cool and comfortable.

**What is the Best Hay for Hard Keepers?**

For maintaining good hoof strength a small amount of alfalfa is a choice hay-feed suitable.

**Top Five Hard Keeper Horse Feed Supplements**

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FAQ

Q: When can I start supplementing my hard keeper with new feed and supplements?

A: Consult with a veterinarian before adding supplements to your hard keeper's diet, especially if he or she is experiencing weight loss or other health issues.

Q: What are some suitable hay options for hard keepers?

A: Timothy, alfalfa, and coastal bermuda hay are good options for hard keepers. Hay’s nutrient digestibility could determine placement on the hay racking scale.