Looking for protein supplement/ration balancer recommendations

[gertie06]

As previously posted on the h/j board, my 14 year old gelding has started losing some topline. We had the vet come out, because I feared possible Lyme or EPM. She said that, based on his overall condition, weight, and soundness, that she didn’t suspect those issues YET.

In her opinion, he is lacking protein in his diet. She said to put him on a protein supplement or ration balancer for four weeks, then reassess. The problem is I have NEVER fed these and I’m clueless. My trainer has some suggestions, but admitted that she herself needs to do some research.

So, here we are! He’s currently getting a grain called Bartlett Steady Energy, which is 12% crude protein. Because he’s kinda fat, we may want to replace this with a higher-protein source (instead of adding more feed on top). Not sure.

Would LOVE some insight and suggestions here. I’m out of my depth.

[cutter99]

Triple Crown 30% Ration Balancer. Have used it for years and been extremely happy with it!

https://www.triplecrownfeed.com/products/30-ration-balancer/

[MissAriel]

Another happy TC30% user here. If you have that available, I would start with that.

(you may get more applicable suggestions if you mention your general geographic area or what feeds you can get easily)

[IPEsq]

How many lbs of the current feed is he getting? What brands do you have access to?

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

I’m also a happy TC 30 user. Prior to moving to the current farm… I used Legends Low Carb RB (I try and keep sugars as low as possible as a general rule) and also liked it. But the closest feed store only carries the TC 30, and that’s fine. Both are quite similar.

My two mares at home right now have only been in light work this summer, are in mid to late teens, and are out on great pasture 24/7, with a run in, fans, and a grazing muzzle on the pony at all times. Both have great looking top lines though. And good coats and hooves. They are both VERY easy keepers though. I do add a small amount of Fiber Plus to their daily RB (SS brand… it’s beet pulp based, with a decent amount of fat), as they like it a lot, and it keeps them from objecting to straight RB. Adding a little sweet feed could work just as well… I prefer Fiber Plus however, and both are sassy teenaged mares. If they lost condition at all, or if I increased their work, I would probably up the Fiber Plus a bit. I also feed a SmartPak ground flax supplement daily, and MSM. But that’s it. Will start feeding hay in the fall, and over winter as pasture goes dormant. And up the Fiber Plus as necessary over the winter. With the pasture they are on at present though… no need to feed hay.

They have access to a mineral block and white salt block as well, and electrolytes in their feed during the hot months.

I also wet pellets daily, and stir everything. Gets supplements mixed in enough, and softens the tight RB pellets… the Fiber Plus breaks down easily. At first my older horse mare was a bit grumpy about wetted food… she’s gotten over it though. I just like to try and reduce any choking risks, and ensure they don’t sift the MSM and electrolytes out at mealtime.

[BlueDrifter]

TC30% here, too. THE has some interesting products, too (Muscle Mass is name, I think)

[EVneo]

I’ll switch between TC 30% and Tribute Essen K and have been happy with both. Tribute (and I’m sure TC, too!) has fantastic nutritionists who have been happy to answer any questions I have and make recommendations, so don’t be afraid to reach out the experts!

[Palm_Beach]

@gertie06

As previously posted on the h/j board, my 14 year old gelding has started losing some topline. We had the vet come out, because I feared possible Lyme or EPM. She said that, based on his overall condition, weight, and soundness, that she didn’t suspect those issues YET.

In her opinion, he is lacking protein in his diet. She said to put him on a protein supplement or ration balancer for four weeks, then reassess. The problem is I have NEVER fed these and I’m clueless. My trainer has some suggestions, but admitted that she herself needs to do some research.

So, here we are! He’s currently getting a grain called Bartlett Steady Energy, which is 12% crude protein. Because he’s kinda fat, we may want to replace this with a higher-protein source (instead of adding more feed on top). Not sure.

Would LOVE some insight and suggestions here. I’m out of my depth.

So you don’t want him to gain weight - in fact, if he is kinda fat, maybe he can lose a few pounds? How many pounds a day of the 12% feed is he getting? If you add to his current diet, he might get kinda fatter.

[candyappy]

When I put my mare in a grazing muzzle I started her on a ration balancer( for the first time) . I am feeding Purina Enrich plus. She loves it, I am happy with the results and I have always like Purina.

She doesn’t need to gain either and is maintaining well on a pound a day.

[Dunkhead]

I’ve had great results with Pro Add Ultimate.

[stb]

If you are in the South you should look at Seminole Equalizer. Seminole feeds are my favorite, maybe because they are regional and are formulated for my area. I have also used TC 30%, although it smells funky and my horses don’t love it. Pro Add Ultimate is a good choice as well.

[JB]

ProAdd won’t be around after the transition to ProElite, so the PE brand is one to look for in Southern States stores.

[PossumHorse]

If you don’t want to go the ration balancer route (calorie issues?), try one of the supplements with good levels of the 3 key proteins. When I went looking for a vitamin/mineral protein supplement to improve my horses feet, I ended up with Sport Horse Grass from Uckele. There are others on the market, I think I’ve heard tri-amino referenced from this website.

Since feeding it, my farrier has quit complaining about hoof quality and the horses have lots of dapples.

[Equisis]

Ration balancers are meant to provide adequate nutrition to horses on forage-heavy diets. They tend to be relatively low in calories and are meant to be fed in small quantities (1-2lbs a day, generally). If your horse is an easy keeper, I’m betting he is not eating what your grain manufacturer recommends (usually 10-15lbs daily, depending on the grain), and therefore may not be getting much nutritional benefit from it. You would be better suited to replace the most or all of the grain with the balancer, and then supplement with grain as needed to maintain his weight. Also, consider your hay and pasture- protein levels vary greatly between types of grasses.

In in regards to brands, most quality brands put out a good ration balancer. Tribute, Triple Crown, KER, and Purina are good options. See what is available in your area and what is within your budget.

[J-Lu]

We use Nutrena’s ration balancer and I’m pretty happy with the results for my horse. I analyzed his grass and figured in what he was fed to balance his diet. I feed to the label and weigh my food.

A ration balancer won’t reliably improve the topline of your horse. Only quality exercise will.

[Bluey]

What hay is your horse getting?

Adding some/more alfalfa will add a very good quality protein and extra fiber and be less apt to add weight, as adding grain rations may do

Vet did CBC and all is ok, maybe thyroid and Cushing’s testing also?