Is Purina Junior (US) Juvenille (CAN) too rich for my 2 1/2 gelding?

Question

I'm moving to a new barn on the 1st and they want to feed him Juvenille feed. He's currently doing really well on a Canadian feed called Martins Extruded for pleasure horses (12% protein, 4%fat 14%fibre). The pasture is packed dirt, weeds and thistles so he needs a complete feed. Everyone around here is really miserly with hay due to costs (another reason for complete feed). I'm worried about OCD (osteochondritis). He is a TB/French Trotter cross and he's just been backed. He weighs 900-950 lbs. Hope this is enough, info what do you think?

Answer 1

If you can buy shredded sugar beet pulp and hay is in short supply, that would be the best. Most of the complete feeds are set up for short term use. You can feed sugar beet pulp dry, but most people soak it in water first. It is true that you must soak it to keep it from swelling up in the horses gut. It may be more palatable wet. Sugar beet pulp along with a good maintenance feed like Purina Omolene 100 or 300 would be sufficient. Alfalfa cubes would also be a good addition.

Answer 2

What is the protein content of the Juvenile feed?  At 2&1/2 yrs, he doesn't need the high protein any more that a younger horse would require.

Answer 3

I have a theory that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".  If your present feed is working well, insist the barn stick to it.  You are the horse's owner and you can decide what's best for your own horse.  They need to respect your wishes and if they don't, find another barn.

Answer 4

This feed wont hurt your horse - however I wouldn't choose to have him on it for a long term feed.