Introduction
Overview of hemp as a nutritional supplement for horses.
Brief history of hemp usage in animal diets.
Importance of exploring the benefits of feeding hemp to horses.
Nutritional Value of Hemp
Rich source of essential fatty acids.
- Hemp contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that promote overall health.
High protein content.
- Provides amino acids that are essential for muscle development and repair.
Abundance of vitamins and minerals.
- Hemp offers vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium for wellness.
Health Benefits
Improved coat condition.
- Omega fatty acids contribute to a shiny and healthy coat.
Enhanced joint health.
- Anti-inflammatory properties may reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Support for immune system.
- Antioxidants found in hemp help strengthen immune response.
Behavioral and Psychological Benefits
Calming effects on horses.
- Hemp may help reduce anxiety and stress in horses.
Improved focus and concentration.
- Nutritional support can lead to better behavior during training and riding.
Digestive Health
Support for gut health.
- Soluble fiber in hemp helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Potential aid for colic prevention.
- Regular inclusion in diet could reduce incidence of digestive issues.
In the horse industry, the use of hemp is on the hike. Hemp is a plant with a wide array of applications from medicine, to fabric and ropes. Vital Equine focuses on unlocking the equine nutritional benefits from the hemp seed. Our hemp seed products for horses are all natural and have not been chemically or genetically manipulated.
Hemp seeds are the most nutrient-dense portion of the plant. They include approximately 20% protein, 6% carbs, and 73% good fats. Calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A and E are all present in large amounts aswell.
Only the seeds of the plant contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce, hence it must be consumed through diet.
Key Health Benefits of Hemp for Horses
For goodness’ sake, I'm going to highlight the advantages of hemp for horses. Your mare or foal will be stunned by the results.
Good Source of Energy.
Is a superfood that can help with joint pain and inflammation.
It is super convenient to horses and easily digestible in the hindgut.
It improves stamina.
Perfect for late-gestation pregnant mares with a lower appetite but a higher energy requirement.
When fed as a supplementary energy source to cereal grains, it stimulates less energetic, calmer behavior in horses.
Help horses with allergies and skin problems.
Equine Cushing's Disease (PPID) and Insulin-resistant of horses can be assisted with this supplement.
It's highly digestible to horses and can be a cost-effective way to supplement their diet with extra calories without making them fizzy or introducing grains.
It can help the horses to maintain or gain weight while also healing digestive disorders.
Promotes metabolic function and vitality.
Natural expectorant and bronchodilator for respiratory health.
When horses are exercised, it helps to reduce their heart rate.
Provide high-performance support.
Reproduction Aid
Hemp oil's nutrient-dense vitamins may aid in the health of horses' reproductive systems. Omega-3 fatty acids can boost hormone concentration, which aids in fertility and the growth and development of the horse embryo.
Hemp has nutrients that aid with milk production. These nutrients provide energy and stamina to both the mare and the stallion. The stallion can breed with numerous mares and generate healthy sperm if he has enough stamina.
Hemp Seed Protein
Hemp can be given to your horse's feed as a protein powder to boost protein levels. Protein powder can help horses gain muscle in the same way that it does to humans. While horses may acquire protein from their daily meal, certain hemp products might boost protein and vitamin absorption. Hemp protein powder is an excellent plant-based protein source. The protein content of hemp seeds is so high that it easily beats soybeans gram for gram.
A foal's diet should contain 12-18% crude protein. Protein levels that are enough, support the growth and development of young horses. A fully matured horse would normally require less protein, ranging from 8 to 12%.
Hemp Essential Fatty Acids
In the plant kingdom, hemp seed oil has the greatest level of polyunsaturated fats and one of the lowest levels of saturated fats. It is an extremely efficient source of nutritional energy since it is cold-pressed from the seeds at low temperatures, maintaining all of its nutrients and requiring only a few spoonfuls each day.
Hemp seed oil is a fantastic addition to your horse's diet. It must be refrigerated in warmer weather, so depending on your stables, it may be inconvenient to feed. It could be simpler to feed the seeds, but even they should be kept cool. In the summer, you could keep a few days’ worth at the barn and the rest at home in the air conditioning.
Hemp Oil for Hair and Tail Health
The lengthy mane and tail of a horse are one of the first things people notice about it. The path to healthier hair begins on the inside. As a result, giving the horse an oral dose of hemp oil daily can perform wonders.
Hemp oil contains vitamin E, which strengthens and shines the hair. Hemp oil contains fatty acids that promote hair development. Proper mane and tail care and treatment will create a lustrous shine. Hemp oil can be applied directly to specific areas and massaged or brushed in to increase shine and growth.
Science backs it up! Veterinarian researchers, recommend administering hemp in the off-season for performance horses to help with pain, anxiety, and post-operative recovery.
Directions for use
Hemp Oil - 20-30ml of hemp oil is usually fed twice a day. High-performance horses may need 50-90ml twice a day.
Hemp Feed - 250g-500g per day may be required, for extremely hard-working, sore, injured, lighter-weight ponies.
Starting with rescued, skeletal, badly injured horses that may need their diseases relieved and condition, nutrition restored after neglect or injury, up to 1.5kg per day may be necessary. Feed rates can be reduced as desired until they reach maintenance levels.
