Spring Grass: A Sweet Delight or Sneaky Danger for Your Horse
Have you ever noticed your horse going wild for that fresh spring grass? While it might seem like a tasty treat, is it all sunshine and green pastures, or is there more to consider when it comes to your horse's health?
The Tempting Allure of Spring Grass
Spring is a beautiful time of year, and your horse probably agrees. Pastures burst into life with fresh, lush grass that horses naturally find irresistible as the weather warms up. But as sweet as it seems, this springtime delicacy can come with hidden risks that every horse owner should know.
Spring grass is often high in sugars, particularly in the form of fructans. This sudden intake of high-sugar grass can be problematic for horses, especially those prone to conditions like laminitis. While a few mouthfuls might seem harmless, a horse gorging on spring grass can quickly run into trouble.
Why Hay is Still Essential
Even with all that fresh grass, hay remains an essential part of your horse's diet. Feeding hay alongside pasture helps to balance out the diet, providing necessary fiber that aids in digestion and helps prevent issues like colic.
Choosing the suitable hay is critical. Local pasture hay, Rye hay, and Teff hay are excellent options that complement your horse's grazing. Local pasture hay is fantastic for maintaining a balanced diet with what's naturally available in your area. Rye hay offers a high-fiber, low-sugar option, making it suitable for horses at risk of laminitis. Teff hay is another great choice; it is low in sugars and starches while providing good nutritional value.
By providing hay in addition to pasture, you're helping to regulate your horse's intake, preventing them from overindulging in that tempting spring grass.
Protecting Your Horse with Toxin Binders
Another concern with spring grass is the potential for mycotoxins—naturally occurring toxins that can sometimes be present in pasture. These toxins can affect your horse's health, potentially leading to issues like colic, immune suppression, and other severe conditions.
This is where toxin binders come in. Products like Hygain Safeguard and Stance Equitec Toxin Binder are designed to bind to these toxins, neutralizing them before they can cause harm. These supplements are an excellent addition to your horse's diet, particularly in spring when the risk of mycotoxins is higher.
Hygain Safeguard is a comprehensive toxin binder that protects against a wide range of mycotoxins and supports gut health and digestion. Stance Equitec Toxin Binder offers similar protection, ensuring your horse stays healthy and safe even as it enjoys the lush spring grass.
Balancing Grazing and Supplementation
As much as your horse might love spring grass, managing their intake carefully is important. Limiting their grazing time, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon when sugar levels in the grass are highest, can help prevent overconsumption.
Incorporating high-quality hay, such as Local pasture, Rye, or Teff hay, into their diet will ensure they get the fiber they need, without overloading on sugars. Additionally, including toxin binders like Hygain Safeguard or Stance Equitec Toxin Binder can provide an extra layer of protection against the risks associated with spring grazing.
Keep Your Horse Healthy This Spring with Budget Stockfeeds and Outdoor
At Budget Stockfeeds and Outdoor in Mornington, we understand the balance required to keep your horse healthy and happy during spring. From the best quality hay to essential supplements like Hygain Safeguard and Stance Equitec Toxin Binder, we have everything you need to support your horse's health.
Ready to protect your horse from the risks of spring grass? Visit us in Mornington or shop online today to find the right products for your horse's needs.
