Several factors can affect your horses nutritional needs. | Photos.comHorse ownerswant the best fortheirequine companions. But the inevitable changes intheirhorsesage, activity levels,and health often leavethemscratchingtheirheads abouttheanimalsevolving needs.This is especially true when it comes to a horses diet. With so much confusing and conflicting information out there, how can you ensure yours is gettingoptimalnutrition?Your veterinarian can offer some guidance. However, your best bet might be to consult an equine nutritionist who is trained in this specialty.FactorsThatAffectEquineNutritionalNeedsSeveralfactors can affect your horses nutritional needs,saysKristyn Sturken,equineproductmanager atSentinel Horse Nutrition,includinglifestage, activity level,and health conditions.Physiological/LifeStageYoung, growing horsePregnant/lactating mareSenior horseStallionActivityLevelAmount of regular activity: maintenance, light, moderate,or heavyType and intensity of work: shorter sessions or longer, endurance-type activityHealthConditions/DiseaseMetabolic conditions such as insulin resistance,equinemetabolicsyndrome,orpolysaccharidestoragemyopathy (PSSM)/equinepolysaccharidestoragemyopathy (EPSM)Pituitaryparsintermediadysfunction(PPID, formerly equineCushings disease)LaminitisHistory ofcolicordigestiveupsetHistory ofchokeHistory ofgastriculcersSignsYourHorsesDietMightNeed anUpdateCommon signsa horses current diet is not working for him can sometimes be easy to overlook or dismiss. However,youllwantto take them into consideration when discussing your horse with any equine health professional.Perhaps heis either over or under his ideal weight, orhe has itchy or irritatedskin. His haircoat might bedullor his hoovescrumbly, soft,or prone to cracking.Has your horse been ill a lot lately, off hisfeed,or lacking his usual energy? Does he seem uncharacteristically on edge, even overreactive? Allthese signs might point to a dietary issue. The same goes for poor growth rates in young horses or reproductive problems in broodmares or stallions.When toConsult anEquineNutritionistSo,which nutritional issues can be managed with help from your veterinarian, and which couldbenefitfrom the input of an equine nutritionist?That really depends on the condition and health concern, saysSturken, cautioning, The veterinarian should always be involved when there is a specific health condition or disease, colic, etc.A nutritionist is the expert when it comes to specific nutrient needs and can make nutritional recommendations for life stages, activity levels,and many physiological things, she explains. Nutritionists can also help with looking at the total dietboth hay/pasture and concentrates or grain and/or supplements.In addition, if a horse has a specific health concern or condition, nutritionists can help identify the best nutrition to support or help with those particular challenges.In some cases,youllwant to take a team approach to your horses health. That means seeking input fromand encouraging communication betweenyour veterinarian, an equine nutritionist,and even yourfarrier, if needed.Information toProvideWhen selecting an equine nutritionist,Sturkenadviseschoosing a professional with a degree in nutrition who has worked closely with the equine species. A Master of Science or PhD in related nutrition would be best.Prior to your first appointment with your equine nutritionist,youllwant to gather the following pieces of information:The type of hayyourefeeding (and analysis, if available)Ingredient/nutritional content tags from the bags of feed and supplementsyourefeedingYour horses vet records and health historyYour horses age, sex, breed,and activity levelThe total amount of both hay and grain your horse is eating daily (in pounds), as well as the amounts of any supplementsWhat toExpectAn equine nutritionist can provide insights into various things that might be happening in your feeding program and your horses body.First and foremost, he or she can help you evaluate and test yourhay, review your current regimen,and make recommendations to improve your horses nutritional intake.What needs to be done to a feeding program may be major or minor, depending on the situation,Sturkensays. It could be as easy as feeding more or less of the current feed but could be changing the feed completely.A good review of feed management practices is always a good idea, too, she continues. That includes how you feed, when you feed, how often, individual feeding vs. group feeding, etc. Communication isKeyIt mightnot always be necessary for your equine nutritionist and your veterinarian to communicate regularly. But, asSturkenattests, It is always a good idea with more challenging conditions or disease.You canassistyour veterinarian byanticipatingwhatsneeded. It would be helpful for you to have a copy of the guaranteed analysis and feeding directions for the feed you are using, as well as the supplements,Sturkensuggests. Having a scale and weighing your feed are also helpful, she says,so when working with either your veterinarian and/or nutritionist, you know exactly what is being fed and canmake adjustments.This goes for hay, too, she adds. Know what type and how much you are feeding.Anequinenutritionist can help improve your horses health and attitude in ways you might never have considered.