Today, we follow on from our last episode, where we spoke about feeding horses alfalfa. In this episode, we focus on protein deficiencies. 

To assess how effective a horse's diet is, owners need to identify and recognize any nutritional imbalances. In today's discussion, we explore the signs, symptoms, and underlying causes of those imbalances.

Horses Need Protein

Even though horses are herbivores, they still require protein because it is the building block for their muscle development and repair. 

Signs of Protein Deficiencies in Horses

Protein deficiencies can lead to visible symptoms like poor appetite, slow growth, weight loss, hair loss, and increased incidence of physical injuries.

How Protein Deficiency Impacts Vital Organs

Horses with protein deficiencies show subtle yet critical signs that need careful consideration. Horse bodies prioritize providing amino acids to vital organs like the heart and liver, making their connective tissues susceptible. So, owners must recognize those symptoms early and correct the imbalances before they impact the vital organs.

A Comprehensive Profile of Protein Deficiency Symptoms

Beyond common signs like poor appetite and weight loss, the symptoms of protein deficiency include slow growth rates, lackluster hair coats, increased susceptibility to injury, mental focus issues, depression, and hoof problems. Protein deficiencies can also compromise immune function, leading to frequent infections and allergies.

Case Study of Protein Deficiency 

In a case study, a 20-year-old horse experienced declined health, with symptoms like bumps on the body, deteriorating body condition, laminitis, and goopy eyes. Despite a seemingly ideal lifestyle and care, its health was deteriorating. The owner suspected Cushing's disease. However, a closer look revealed symptoms consistent with protein deficiency, like weakened connective tissues, depression, fatigue, and poor immune function. The owner fed it a gradually increasing quantity of alfalfa to address the protein deficiency and saw positive changes, including improved energy levels, enhanced muscle tone, disappearance of skin bumps, and reduced eye discharge, and the horse regained vitality. 

The Causes of Protein Deficiency

Various factors may contribute to protein deficiencies in horses. They include poor pasture quality, limited access to forage, and heightened protein requirements for specific groups. It is also essential to consider whether digestive problems or medications affect how well the horse's body utilizes amino acids.

Keeping Horses Healthy

It is essential to understand each horse's unique nutritional needs. Owners can play a vital role in enhancing their horse's overall health by including protein-rich feeds like alfalfa and customizing their diets to meet the horse's specific nutritional requirements. Early recognition and correction of protein deficiencies are the key to ensuring that horses maintain their vitality, as that lays the foundation for their overall well-being. 

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

One of the most widely discussed topics around horse health is food.

Today, we focus on alfalfa, a nutritional source that often leaves horse owners with questions because there are so many conflicting opinions on when and how to use it and the right amount to feed. 

Join me as we tackle common misconceptions surrounding alfalfa and shed light on the ins and outs of incorporating it into your horse's diet.

Diverse Uses of Alfalfa

Horse owners can use alfalfa for many different purposes. Some use it to provide extra calories during the winter, while others use it to help their horses gain weight. Some owners like to use alfalfa as a source of energy to enhance a horse’s performance and contribute to muscle building. Others claim that using alfalfa prevents issues like chronic diarrhea and fecal water syndrome in their horses.

The Equine Microbiome

Horses get their energy from fermenting fiber. Alfalfa may help with issues like chronic diarrhea or fecal water syndrome because it impacts the tiny organisms in the microbial populations of the hindgut. I spoke about the equine microbiome in Episode 10, so you can go back and listen to that episode to refresh your memory if you need to.

Toxicity Issues

Diets high in alfalfa can lead to potential feed toxicity issues, like leaky gut, due to the shift in microbial populations and increased body acidity caused by those diets. You need to know the horse's history and monitor the amount and duration of alfalfa feeding to avoid complications. 

Understanding Alfalfa as a Forage

Contrary to common belief, alfalfa is a legume and is not part of the grass family, a difference that impacts its macronutrient composition. With a protein content ranging from 14 percent to 25 percent, alfalfa can be a valuable supplement for horses. It does contain a high lignin content, making it less digestible and less efficient than grass as an energy source.

Alfalfa as a Protein Supplement

Despite its limitations as an energy source, alfalfa shines as a protein supplement for horses. Horses with protein deficiencies or higher protein requirements, such as young horses, rescue horses, or seniors, can benefit from alfalfa supplementation. For older horses with slower metabolic rates, alfalfa can be particularly helpful in meeting their nutritional needs.

In Conclusion

While alfalfa may have some limitations and not necessarily work as a replacement for grass, it can still be a valuable supplement for horses as it contains essential nutrients, like protein in particular. 

By learning about the role of alfalfa and understanding its benefits, horse owners can make informed decisions on incorporating alfalfa effectively into the diets of their equine companions.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Riva’s Remedies: Kidney Care 

Last week, I introduced the principles of homeopathy. This week, I explore a practical example of an effective, all-round homeopathic remedy.

Arnica is a well-known homeopathic remedy I advise every horse owner to keep on hand because it is versatile, and we can use it for horses, dogs, cats, and even humans.

Join me to learn why Arnica is an indispensable remedy for your horse.

Arnica is a Member of the Sunflower Family

Arnica is a plant belonging to the sunflower family. It is easy to recognize because it looks like a yellow daisy. Arnica is native to Europe, some parts of the northern United States, and Canada. It is known to be toxic if consumed in large quantities. 

Harnessing the Power of Arnica in Homeopathy

Arnica is a homeopathic remedy that stimulates the natural processes of the body. The philosophy behind homeopathy is the principle of like cures like. Creating a homeopathic remedy involves diluting a substance to a point where it can no longer cause harm, alleviating symptoms instead. Scientific studies support the efficacy of Arnica, making it a valuable tool for all horse owners everywhere.

Effects and Safe Usage

In its crude form, Arnica can be toxic- especially to the liver. That has led the FDA and Health Canada to classify it as a poisonous herb. Despite Arnica being used historically for bruises and contusions, regulations now caution against its unrestricted sale. However, in its homeopathic form, Arnica becomes a safe and versatile remedy, suitable for horses in many situations, including post-surgery recovery.

Symptom-Based Application

The key to effectively utilizing Arnica lies in understanding its symptom profile. Arnica is an ideal remedy for trauma, bruising, and inflammation. It has also proven beneficial in scenarios like post-surgery, concussions, and arthritis. Arnica can be used effectively for pregnant mares during labor to help reduce soreness and bruising of the uterus.

Practical Tips for Arnica Application

When administering Arnica, always consider factors like potency and application methods. You will often find Arnica in health food stores at 30C or 12C, which will work for some issues, but I prefer 200C for acute situations. While pellets are common, liquid forms can sometimes be a little easier to administer to horses. It is essential to avoid adding Arnica to food to make sure that its vibrational nature gets preserved. Lastly, you must always adhere to the principle of using Arnica until you see some improvement, and stop using it if you see no changes occur within a reasonable timeframe.

A Game-Changer for Unexpected Injuries or Trauma

Being proactive is the key to being a responsible horse owner, and having Arnica on hand can be a game-changer in those unexpected moments of injury or trauma. Horses have a knack for getting into predicaments at the most inconvenient times- over weekends, late at night, or during storms when access to healthcare is unavailable. With Arnica readily available, you empower yourself to take immediate action to provide comfort and support to your equine companions. 

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Riva’s Remedies