10 Nutrition Checkpoints
FOR THE HEALTH OF YOUR HORSE
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Knowing your horse’s body weight allows for accurate feeding and ensuring they receive enough nutrients without increasing the risk of weight gain, nutrient deficiencies, or metabolic stress.
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Adequate forage intake supports gut health, maintains normal digestive function, and provides the foundation for proper body condition, energy, and overall well-being.
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Clean, good-quality hay reduces the risk of digestive upset, respiratory issues, and nutrient imbalances while supporting consistent health and performance. Hay can also be a source of elevated levels of non-structural carbohydrates which are inappropriate for metabolic horses.
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Measuring feed by weight ensures accurate calorie and nutrient intake, since scoops can vary, the coffee can or fast food cup, may be a culprit in over- or underfeeding.
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Feeding a formula designed for your horse’s age and workload ensures they receive the correct balance of nutrients needed for growth, maintenance, or performance when fed at appropriate rates.
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Using supplements strategically helps prevent nutrient excesses or imbalances that can negatively affect metabolism, hoof quality, and overall health.
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Following feeding directions helps ensure your horse receives the intended level of vitamins and minerals needed to support normal body function.
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Appropriate fat supplementation can support coat quality and calorie needs, but excessive amounts may disrupt nutrient balance and digestive function. Correctly choosing a fat source can also have positive effects on your horse’s health.
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Introducing feed changes slowly allows the digestive system and hindgut microbes time to adjust, reducing the risk of colic, ulcers, and digestive upset. A good rule of thumb for transitioning is no more than ½ lb new feed each day. This also applies to hay, so make sure to transition in new batches.
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Focusing on balanced nutrition supports soundness, immune function, and longevity, rather than only creating short-term cosmetic improvements.
0-3 YES answers
You’re just getting started, and that’s okay!
We’ve all started somewhere and the good news is that just a few strategic nutrition changes can make a significant difference in your horse’s overall health and well-being. Focus on making one improvement at a time and you’ll be surprised how quickly those changes can add up.
4-8 YES answers
You’re on the right track!
You’ve already implemented many of the foundational practices that support great nutrition and you’re closer than you think to a truly balanced feeding program. A few targeted adjustments will help fill nutritional gaps, maximize your horse’s health and performance, and make sure you’re getting value from each feeding decision you make. Taking the next couple of steps to get to a 10 will be easy!
9-10 YES answers
Excellent work!
You've built a strong nutritional foundation for your horse and are clearly making thoughtful feeding decisions. At this stage, success is often found in fine-tuning the details, and small adjustments now can help ensure every decision you make will positively affect your horse’s health and future.
What’s your horse’s Nutrition Checkpoint score?
Want to Know Exactly Where You Can Improve?
Even the most dedicated horse owners can overlook nutritional gaps that aren't obvious from the feed room. A professional diet evaluation with Marquise Equine Nutrition can identify opportunities to improve balance, performance, condition, and long-term health while helping you spend your feed and supplement dollars more effectively.
