Answer

By Your Horse

Nutritionist Clare Lockyer replies:

There are many specialist stud products on the market – I’d recommend choosing a branded stud cube or mix. If you’re concerned about developmental bone diseases, research now shows there may be a link between feeding high-starch traditional feeds and an increased risk of developing Developmental Orthopaedic Disorders (DODs). This is thought to be contributed to by the effect of insulin on cartilage maturation.
Feeding a diet that reduces the glucose and insulin response to the meal may help reduce the risk of DODs. Low carbohydrate stud feeds are available in the UK, however, look for one that’s lower than five per cent starch and is proven
in horses who are hypo-glycaemic.
Feed a pound of feed per month of age, up to about six months, then increase this as needed, up to two years old. After two, it’s normal to slowly change from a specialist stud product to a maintenance feed, like a low-energy cube, mix or fibre feed. The growth rate significantly slows after two, so the demand for nutrients like protein and energy is less.
A balanced diet is important for overall health.