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Abstract Dunes said:
@ Apex - You know what is funny is I just came across a forum where someone recommended that. They said it was more cost efficient as you don't need to feed as much. Going to look into it, thank you!
Of course, no problem. There is another that i would recommend but i forgot the name. Its some kind of Alfalfa pellet grain in a green paper bag. Once i remember i will let you know. :D
(Also, in some senior feeds it has glucosamine and have heard that its not to good for horses that don't need it) i would just research a little before (If) you use it just in case :) |
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My horses get Triple Crown Complete (as well as a host of other stuff, but thats just because they are working show pons) and I have had no problems thus far. However, im sure every one of the feeds you listed would be just fine for your purposes :)
Also, you might want to consider adding oil to his grain. My horses get a pump of it, and it is fantastic. Keeps them at a healthy weight, even when in heavy work. If you are looking to put some pounds on him, it is definitely something to look into. Very calorically dense, and every horse Ive every had LOVES the taste of it. Also makes their coats ridiculously soft, which is always a plus! Since its only a bit of liquid, im sure it could be put in the ziplock with the rest of the grain without an issue. ;) |
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What kind of oil, Sag?
After looking all of this over, it almost seems like the Calf-Manna would be the best option, pricewise. A 50lb bag @ 1-1.5lbs per day (I'd keep him on the lower end to start off) would last 50 days @ around .70 cents/day.
I didn't realize how much of the grain (SafeChoice, Triple Crown, etc.) you need to feed - I think it is like 5-15lbs per day, depending on weight? So a 50lb bag might last you 7-10 days? o.O
Unless I am doing my math wrong.. LOL. That seems crazy! |
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I really recommend Triple Crown or LMF, that's what I feed my boys and Chief is a hard keeper. Hannibal stays at a pretty great weight with those feeds. I have heard really great things about Total Equine Feeds, if you can find a dealer in your area I would suggest using that. You can also try and use supplements like Dac Oil. That's a great Oil to help him gain weight, you just put it on his hay. Also with the grain it tends to last longer then you think. I would go through a bag every two weeks, Chief got two 32oz dutch bros cups of feed. It's worth the money in my opinion. |
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My 10 yo OTTB gelding is on Cadence Ultra from Buckeye grain, it's a performance grain and helps him keep weight on. It runs about $16.99 for a 50 pound bag. Another plus about Buckeye is that they make only horse grain so there is no chance of a storage container or something of that sort containing traces of anything unsafe for horses. We've had horror stories in my area of entire barns colicing. Scary stuff. |
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Abstract Dunes said:
What is the difference between an all-in-one type grain/supplement and a ration balancer?
Ration balancers have mostly vitamins and minerals and very low amounts of sugar and fat (if I remember correctly) and are usually a little bit pricey. They are geared toward horses that don't need grain but need something to balance out their rations (XD). I think you can also add them to regular grain but I don't see that being done a lot. |
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I personally like to supplement my horses food with Linseed Oil. :) |
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I appreciate all the input! Sounds like for now, he doesn't need a ration balancer as focus is on weight. We have a Total Equine dealer in the area so going to look into that. (Just called, 50lb bag runs $24.99.)
We do not have Buckeye in our area and for now, I'd like to avoid paying shipping for feed and finding something local. :)
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Not sure if this is similar to what youre looking for but I rode a tb Mare a few years ago and we fed her flax appeal (I think its by brooks feed) its more of a top dresser for grain, we did soak it with her other grain but it might be worth something to look into, it was kinda expensive (in Canadian dollars). It did put a top line on her and she looked great on it! Id highly recommend looking into it if its available near you and in your budget. Not 100% sure if it does need to be soaked or not. |
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I know you have already gotten a million and one suggestions, but my family and I recently switched over feeds to Purinas Impact Performance. It has worked wonders for us. My horse got rode 4-8 hrs. every day this summer and dropped quite a bit of weight, and this is bulking him up ad helping him keep all of his muscling now that he is back on a lighter work load. It supports muscle more than fat, so his belly is staying at a healthy size but his muscle mass is staying nice. It is also surprisingly pretty low energy, my guy gets HOT (aka turns into a fire breathing dragon) on some grains, but with this one, other than the physical benefits, he acts like he isn't even getting grain. I believe it runs ~$17, but I have fond that feed costs change a bit depending on where you are located. |
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Partly Cloudy with Afternoon Drizzle
