The Natural Diet - Back to Basics

---

Every horse is different and requires a different feeding programme. Feeding your horse using natural feeds and herbs lets you control the quantity, quality and freshness of the ingredients you are feeding, but most importantly the ingredients you are feeding, you have no risk of feeding potentially harmful fillers or synthetically manufactured vitamins and minerals. Building a strong immune system and preventing illnesses and conditions from starting is a much better way to care for your animal, rather then trying to cure them once they have happened. 
Below are a list of the basic ingredients used in 'The Natural Diet'. (All dosage rates are based on an average sized 450kg horse)

BLACK SUNFLOWER SEEDS

These seeds are high in vitamin E, fatty acid omega 6 and a good source of protein.
BENEFITS:  Vitamin E is necessary for general well being, promotes healing of the body after injury or trauma and inhibits inflammation and stimulates the immune system. The oil content of the seeds aids in improving coat condition. 
DOSAGE: 1 metric cup (70 grams) daily

---

BREWERS YEAST

An oldie but a goodie! This powder is a rich source of Vitamin B, protein and phosphorous also contains iron, potassium, calcium, chromium and selenium. 
BENEFITS: Helps strengthen the immune system and regulate the body’s natural yeast balance.  Is also beneficial for the function and balance of the nervous system. It is a good appetite balancer, helps to improve appetite in fussy eaters and reduce excessive appetites no doubt due to its influence on the pancreas.
DOSAGE: 1-2 tablespoons daily

---

FRENCH WHITE MILLET

Very high in silica, one of the most important bone and nerve conduction minerals, Silica is essential for producing and rebuilding strong, healthy hooves and treating and preventing degenerative joint disease and laminitis. Ideally should be cooked, soaked or crushed.
BENEFITS: Facilitates the elimination of foreign wastes from the body, facilitates the action of calcium in the body to strengthen bones and hooves, condition hair and skin.
DOSAGE: 1 metric cup (cooked)

---

LINSEED

Contains essential fatty acids – linolenic omega 3, linolenic omega 6 and oleic acid omega 9.  Good source of easily digested protein, abundant source of trace minerals.
BENEFITS: Aids in digestion, excellent for the immune system in that it prevents/alleviates autoimmune diseases such as arthritis. A good supplement for maintaining general vitality, energy and stamina due to the increased oxidation caused by the fatty acids.
DOSAGE: 1/2 metric cup (70 grams) for an average sized horse (450kg) per day. This makes a wonderful mash when boiled up with French White Millet, great for conditioning and older horses. CAUTION: Must be boiled not to be fed raw.

---

ROSEHIPS

A very rich source of vitamin C and iron, also contains biotin, vitamins A, B and a variety of other vitamins.
BENEFITS: The high vitamin C content assists the horse to fight off infection and maintain a strong immune system, astringent - helpful with gut disturbances and scouring and is beneficial to boost poor coat and hoof condition.
DOSAGE: 2 tablespoons daily

---

WHEAT BRAN & WHEAT GERM

Wheat bran is made form the outer layer of the wheat after the husk has been used, the flaky wheat bran is best used for the Natural diet. 
BENEFITS: Wheat bran contains fibre, iron, magnesium, potassium and lignans which  have anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Raw Wheat Germ can be substituted for part of the bran ration but it is ideal to feed both.
DOSAGE: 1 metric cup (70 grams) daily