PERRYS PONY MEAL contains higher levels of slow release energy ingredients than fast release energy ingredients. High amounts of starch rich grains can release high levels of glucose energy quickly into the bloodstream, and can lead to ‘fizzy’ behaviour from your horse. Energy released through fermentation of fibrous feeds is gradual and important for horses and ponies not currently under heavy work conditions.
The horse is a herbivore without the benefits of the ruminant digestive system, which helps to facilitate digestion of high fibre diets for absorption in the ruminant small intestine. To counter this, the horse evolved to be able to graze and chew feed for up 20 hours a day. This level of mastication would be impossible without constantly erupting teeth, which can continue emerging from the gums until the horse is up to 25 years old. Without this regular chewing, teeth overgrowths can occur, resulting in developmental and nutritional issues.
A major advantage of feeding unprocessed muesli feeds is the mastication required to digest the feed promotes wearing of the teeth, helping to promote the maintenance of healthy teeth, whilst also slowing down feed consumption, allowing more time for digestive enzymes to break down food particles
The vitamin and mineral levels in PERRYS PONY MEAL have been carefully selected to ensure that horses receive the appropriate levels for its size and work load. Ensure high quality pasture or hay is used when fed to your horse, as these are an important source of vitamins and minerals in the horse’s diet, including vitamins A and D.
| NUTRIENT AND VITAMIN LEVELS IN 1KG PERRYS PONY MEAL |
|||||
| Energy (Mj/kg) | 11.2 | Magnesium (mg) | 2.5 | Vitamin A (iu) | 7700 |
| Protein | 10% | Sodium (g) | 9.2 | Vitamin D (iu) | 570 |
| Fat | 3.2% | Selenium (mg) | 0.26 | Vitamin E (iu) | 92 |
| Fibre | 16% | Iron (mg) | 245 | Vitamin B3 (mg) | 8.5 |
| Lysine (g) | 3.4 | Manganese (mg) | 74 | Vitamin B5 (mg) | 9.8 |
| Calcium (g) | 5.2 | Biotin (mg) | 0.8 | Vitamin B2 (mg) | 4.6 |
| Phosphorous (g) | 3.6 | Zinc (mg) | 85 | Vitamin B12 (mg) | 0.02 |
| Potassium (g) | 15.2 | Iodine (mg) | 0.7 | Vitamin B6 (mg) | 1 |
| Copper (mg) | 19.5 | Sulfur (mg) | 1.3 | Vitamin C (mg) | 85 |
Any new product should be introduced into a horse’s diet gradually over a period of 1-2 weeks. Please take note of the vitamin and mineral levels in PERRYS PONY MEAL before adding extra supplements or combining with other enriched feeds. The feeding levels suggested is intended to meet recommended requirement levels for the relevant size and workload. Take into account your horse’s condition, age, workload, breed and climate conditions when feeding your horse.
| HORSE WEIGHT | WORK LOAD | PONY MEAL | LUCERNE CHAFF | CEREAL CHAFF/PASTURE |
| 300kg | Maintenance |
3 | 1 | 2 |
| Light Work |
3.5 | 1 | 2.5 | |
| 400kg | Maintenance | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Light Work | 5 | 1 | 4 | |
| 500kg | Maintenance | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| Light Work | 6 | 1 | 4 | |
| 600kg | Maintenance | 6 | 2 | 4 |
| Light Work | 6.5 | 1.5 | 5 |
This is a feeding guide only, and is based on approximate nutrient levels for products suggested. Lucerne, Cereal Chaff and Pasture nutrient levels can vary drastically so please take this into account when formulating rations. Ensure a supply of fresh water is available at all times. If you are unsure as to the suitability of PERRYS PONY MEAL for your horse, contact your veterinarian.
