Feed & Nutrition

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"The health of the gut is directly influenced by the state of the nervous and endocrine systems, our main barometers for stress." When my newest addition to our small herd, Gwynna — a 40-inch, five-year-old Shetland-Mini cross — arrived last summer, she was overweight, sore, and dehydrated. I quickly discovered that gut health was an issue for her, namely impaction. After our first and thankfully the only emergency call, my vet explained that Miniature horses are prone to impaction colic. Combine this tendency with 30-degree Celsius heat and the stress of a new space, herd, and hay, and she was a prime candidate for problems.

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Otter Co-op’s Feed Division is dedicated to building and protecting our food supply in Canada. In a world of ever-changing demands for Canadian commodities, Otter Co-op Feed products are a reflection of sustaining our perspective and collaborative efforts with local farmers in Western Canada. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide affordable farm fresh food to communities in British Columbia and Alberta using locally produced foods from Canadian farmers.

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Take an inside look into the latest the scientific studies at the University of Saskatchewan's veterinary college, with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's semi-annual newsletter: Horse Health Lines.

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Protein is important for general well-being, health, and performance of horses. It is a major component of body tissues, second only to water. Aside from the inclusion in tissues, protein is also essential in the formation of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. The vast use of protein in the body highlights its importance for health.

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Equestrians who pay close attention to their horse’s feeding program may have noticed a growing conversation around iron levels in equine diets. Concerns about “iron overload” are easy to uncover online, often linked to buzzwords like “oxidative stress” and “free radical damage.” Many blogs and nutrition forums point to high iron intake as a factor in various equine health concerns—from metabolic challenges and poor immune function to weak hooves, dull coats, and growth issues in foals. Numerous websites offer advice, and many promote supplements or detox products claiming to address excess iron. But what exactly is iron overload in horses, and is it something the average horse owner should be concerned about?

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Ask horse owners where they turn for equine health and nutrition advice, and time and again there is only one answer: Mad Barn. Over the past few years, this Kitchener Ontario-based company has emerged as a trusted resource for science-backed equine health information and products across North America.

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Rotational grazing can help you take better care of your pastures and provide more feed for your horses.

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As a horse owner, you may be curious about the potential benefits of adding omega-3s to your horse’s diet. Do all horses need them? Should you be adding them to your horse’s diet? Are there well-reported benefits? Understanding the requirement for fatty acids in the equine diet, like omega-3s (O3s) and omega-6s (O6s), and the well-reported health benefits of them is important when considering supplementation.

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Parasite prevention remains a vital part of maintaining horse health—but gone are the days when you could rely on a routine deworming every eight weeks with the same product.

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As horses exercise, their core body temperature climbs. To prevent overheating, the body relies heavily on sweat evaporation to cool down. Sweating is essential during physical activity, but it leads to the loss of both water and vital electrolytes. These include sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—key minerals that support nerve function, hydration, and muscle activity. Without proper replenishment, electrolyte depletion can impair performance and compromise your horse’s well-being. Supporting your horse’s recovery means restoring both water and electrolyte levels in appropriate proportions.

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