I always say; the proof of the pudding is in the eating! Here at Strathfield Farm we monitor weight condition versus muscle strength and overall performance. We also ask ourselves, what does the coat look like, how bright are they in the eye, what is their topline looking like? These are all indicators of our feed regime and it's effectiveness.
There is also the cost factor! The only way to determine whether you’re getting what you pay for when you buy your feed is to know what measures go into creating it. If your feed sits at the cheaper end of the market, but the company who makes it can guarantee its quality then you’re onto a winner. If not, you might be better off pouring your money down the drain.
Our feed costs have gone down by a quarter since shifting our feeding regime to Dunstan Horse Feeds and the results have gone up immeasurably.
Dunstan have a question and answer page on their website, so I have taken some of the information from there and listed it below. Get in touch with Dunstan Horse Feeds if you have specific problem areas, they are always happy to help out : www.dunstan.co.nz
Q: What can I feed to avoid my Horse getting hot? The term 'hot' is often used as a reference to temperament change from feeding high energy cereal diets. A change of diet to one which includes more fibre, or highly digestible cooked cereals often avoids this condition. A: Solution - Feed Dunstan Coolfeed, Dunstan Betabeet (soaked), Dunstan All-4-Feet, Dunstan Maxim Low-GI.
Q: Do I need extra Magnesium in my feed? Magnesium is often included to help calm nervous horses. Dunstan Feeds contain nutritional levels of magnesium. For excitable, nervous horses additional magnesium may be of benefit in the form of Dolomite or Magnesium Oxide. A: Solution - Feed Dunstan Feeds as they contain nutritional levels of magnesium.
Q: My Horse needs more energy but without fizzing him. What should I feed? High cereal diets may affect the temperament of certain horses. Use of fibre, vegetable oils and extruded cereals allow for alternative energy sources to avoid such changes in temperament. A: Soultion - Feed Dunstan Coolfeed, Dunstan Betabeet (soaked), Dunstan Sugar Beet (soaked), Dunstan Eezymix, Dunstan Extruded Barley, Dunstan Extruded Rice, Dunstan Maxim Low-GI.
Q: What should I feed if my horse has Laminitis? Laminitis has many facets - a high starch diet and pasture fructans are often cited as casual agents. High fibre, low starch diets are recommended for horses prone to Laminitis. Remove the horse from lush pasture. A: Solution - Feed Dunstan All-4-Feet.
Q: My horse is prone to colic. What should I feed? Nutritional colic is often a symptom of excessive hind gut starch fermentation. The inclusion of fibre and cooked, extruded cereals plus access to hay and forage will help minimise the incidence of colic. Dunstan All-4-Feet is a high fibre, yeast enriched pellet, ideal for potential colic sufferers. A: Solution - Feed Dunstan Betabeet (soaked), Dunstan Eezymix, Dunstan Extruded Barley, Dunstan Extruded Rice, Dunstan All-4-Feet, Dunstan Maxim Low-GI.
Q: What low energy diet can I feed to my horse to avoid tying up? Many factors influence the occurrence of tying-up. Excess energy relative to work output is perhaps a key element. Feeding low or no starch diets, high fibre diets and not overfeeding will greatly assist. A: Solution - Feed Dunstan Coolfeed, Dunstan Eezymix, Dunstan Betabeet (soaked), plus always good quantities of hay and chaff.
Q: I am turning my Horse out but want something simple to feed. During a spelling period, whilst high protein and energy may not be required from a supplementary feed, a low energy diet and/or a regular intake of minerals to maintain bone integrity is advised. A: Solution - Feed Dunstan Spelling Mix, Dunstan Maintenance Mix, Dunstan Multi-Ultra, Dunstan Sweet Mix.
Q: Do I need to feed extra Selenium with Dunstan Feeds? Mineral intake from all horse feeds are dependant on the amount of proprietary feed being fed. A: Solution - If the minimum recommended feed intakes of Dunstan feeds are fed, then the horse's nutritional requirements for Selenium will be met. Dunstan Selenium is provided as Organic Selenium Yeast. If only small amounts of feed are offered, supplement with Dunstan Multi-Ultra.
Q: My Horse has ulcers - what can I feed him? High starch diets, and starch in an uncooked form will potentially aggravate gastric ulcers. A: Solution - Feed Dunstan Extruded Barley, Dunstan Extruded Rice, Dunstan Betabeet (soaked) plus an increase in quality fibre intake. Split feeds into as many feeds as possible.
Q: My Horse has allergies to wheat - what can I feed him? Wheat is not often used in horse diets, but the by-product of wheat after the milling of flour (pollard and bran) may be present in some horse feeds. A: Solution - Feed Dunstan Betabeet (soaked) or Dunstan Sugar beet (soaked), Dunstan Extruded Rice.
Q: I need a low protein feed for my Horse - what should I feed? Apart from diets formulated for growing horses, most Dunstan Feeds are low protein to match the inherent high protein value found in New Zealand pasture. A: Solution - Feed Dunstan Coolfeed, Dunstan Betabeet (soaked), Dunstan Extruded Cereals (Barley, Rice, Maize).
Q: What is a fattening feed? Energy is the key element in raising body condition. Feeds and ingredients which contain good levels of starch and vegetable oils can be classed as good conditioning feeds. High energy starch based diets may affect the horse's temperament so a diet high in digestible fibre with some energy content for conditioning might be more appropriate. A: Solution - Feed Dunstan Sugar Beet Flakes(soaked).
Q: My Horse's coat is dull - what can I feed? It is the important fatty acids found in oil seeds and vegetable oils which will enhance coat sheen. A: Solution - Feed Dunstan Trifecta Oil, Dunstan Muscle n' Shine, Dunstan Extruded Soya.
Q: What are the key points of difference between Dunstan Maxim Low GI and other feeds claiming low GI status? A: Dunstan grows and dries its own Lucerne source and is able to pellet fibre sources, (such as hay chaff & Lucerne) key components of a low starch, low GI diet.Dunstan Maxim Low GI is truly a low starch diet comprising fibre ingredients and oilseeds. It contains a blend of three vegetable oils (Soya, Linseed and Rice bran oil) and includes a Mycotoxin binder for added security where pasture endophytes and toxins might present a problem. It also contains live yeast to assist with hind gut fibre digestibility.
We also have to show you the latest feed containers from Dunstan. Aren't they totally cool!! They are called 'Grain Kegs'.
They deliver your feed safely and cost effectively. They maintain freshness for consistent feed quality. Total vermin proof - eliminates rats, mice and birds. Environmentally friendly - no more bags. Holds up to 1000kg. Durable weather proof container. Convenient swap-a-keg system. Saves you valuable time!
Of course you have to be feeding in volume to require one :)