Mineral Products for Horses
By From the Kent Nutrition Department
Equine Fortifier™ – A pelleted supplement containing high levels of minerals, vitamins A, D, E, and menadione (K), plus B vitamins. Specifically designed to use in combination with Equine Base™ 38 to build 10-16% crude protein diets for horses. This pelleted product allows easy mixing with grain. It can also be top-dressed at 0.2-0.7 lb per head per day depending on hay quality and horse classification (age, activity level, reproductive status).
ADE Mineral™ – A "loose" mineral that can be fed free-choice. ADE Mineral offers the Rain-Cote® process that reduces "bricking up" in wet weather and reduces dustiness to help prevent valuable minerals and vitamins from blowing away in the wind. Contains only vitamins A, D, and E.
Feed ADE Mineral in a mineral feeder or top-dress on the grain mix when feeding grass hay or pasture. The amount required will vary depending on the quality, type, and quantity of feedstuffs available. Approximate daily consumption is 1/2 to 1 1/2 ounces.
Bio-Plus Mineral™ – "Loose" mineral with a 1:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio that can be fed free-choice. Bio-Plus Mineral also offers the Rain-Cote® process. Feed this 1:1 mineral to horses fed alfalfa hay to help keep the Ca:P ratio in the ration properly balanced. This mineral contains supplemental vitamins A, D, and E. Approximate daily consumption is 1/2 to 1 ounce.
Equine Choice® – A molasses-based nutritional supplement packaged in a tub. Provides supplemental protein, calcium, phosphorus, trace minerals, salt, and vitamins A, D, E, and menadione (K), plus B vitamins. This product is fed free-choice, eliminating daily feeding and handling. Approximate daily intake is 0.5 to 3 pounds.
Mineral Block – A pressed block containing mineral and vitamins A, D, and E supplementation. Use as a supplement to only mature horses on pasture. Do not feed free-choice to horses until they have been accustomed to it. Once acclimatized to this product, intake of a Mineral Block may be insufficient to meet the mineral and vitamin requirements of some horses.
Like all animals, horses have specific mineral requirements based on age, activity level, and growth expectations. These requirements, however, are influenced by the unique use of the horse for riding, racing, growth, etc. These activities require proper bone growth, development, and maintenance – all of which are strongly affected by mineral nutrition.