Spring is finally here. Off come the horse blankets. The horses are shedding out their big winter coats. As you’re brushing your horse, you realize, to your horror, that your horse is looking pretty skinny. You thought you were on the right track with increased hay in the winter, but now you see that your horse needs more groceries, more muscle, and more body weight.
Why horses may lose weight in the winter.
➡ Hay may be nutritionally compromised compared to summer pastures.
➡ Cold weather causes the horse to convert energy to heat, causing an increase in the amount of energy a horse uses per day in the winter.
➡ Your horse’s teeth may be expiring and not able to chew as effectively to grind hay for effective absorption.
What to do about it.
When you see that a horse has lost a lot of weight over the winter, with a loss of topline, you are mostly seeing a loss of body fat. However, you may also be seeing a loss of muscle. Adding muscle takes feeding that will encourage muscle development, and regular exercise.
What are some supplements that can help a horse gain muscle?
▶ Equine Muscle Support is a comprehensive supplement that contains the 3 limiting amino acids, the signaling amino acid (leucine), acetyl L-carnitine for energy support for muscle development, as well as other products that support efficient muscle use.
▶ Top 4 Aminos is a blend of lysine, threonine, and methionine. Plus, it has the added amino acid of leucine. Why leucine? Leucine has been found to be a signaling molecule, which encourages muscle growth and development. Leucine is also the precursor to the expensive supplement HMB, which it touted as aiding in muscle development.
▶ Top 3 Aminos is a blend of lysine, threonine, and methionine. These were found to be limiting amino acids, with lysine being deficient in a significant number of diets.
▶ Acetyl L-Carnitine nutritionally supports the repair and development of new mitochondria within the cell. The mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cells. This is important in the muscle cell, in that it aids energy balance within the cell.
▶ For horses that have significant muscle loss, Top 3 Aminos, plus the Branched Chain Aminos can aid in providing the specific amino acids for better muscle development.
Some people have special considerations for their horse. For example, you may be feeding a balanced diet, but feel that your horse just needs “more”. Equine Muscle Support is a good place to start. Add in supplements and a little more feed, along with controlled exercise, to help your horse become that stunning athlete that he or she was.
We do the best that we can for our horses. In the springtime, they may need a little more help.
Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.