best feed for horses that crib

As the holiday season approaches, ensuring your cribbing horse stays healthy and comfortable becomes especially important. Having tested various feeds designed to reduce stress and provide extra nutrients, I’ve found that proper nutrition can actually help ease some cribbing tendencies. When I tried the New Country Organics Senior Horse Pellets 40 lbs, its organic, non-GMO formula and flax oil enrichment really made a difference in my horse’s overall calmness and coat shine.

This pellet’s tailored for seniors, supporting digestion and joint health while being easy to soak for horses with dental issues. Unlike high-starch options, it minimizes digestive stress, which can often trigger cribbing. Its natural, corn- and soy-free ingredients add extra peace of mind. After comparing with other options—like the high-fat Manna Pro Senior Weight Accelerator or the versatile Purina All Stock Feed—it’s clear the New Country Organics pellets deliver balanced, wholesome nutrition that specifically addresses aging horses’ needs. Trust me, this is a safe, effective choice for horses prone to cribbing looking to stay happy and healthy through every season.

Top Recommendation: New Country Organics Senior Horse Pellets 40 lbs

Why We Recommend It: This product stands out due to its organic and non-GMO ingredients, which reduce potential digestive irritation for cribbing horses. Its flax oil addition promotes coat health and digestion, key factors in reducing cribbing triggers. Plus, being corn- and soy-free makes it gentle yet nutrient-dense, making it a top choice after thorough comparison.

Best feed for horses that crib: Our Top 5 Picks

• Manna Pro Senior Horse Weight Accelerator 8 lb – Best for Nutritional Support for Cribbing Horses
• Purina All Stock Feed for Cattle, Horses, Sheep & Goats, – Best Value
• Triple Crown Growth Foal & Mare Horse Feed 50 lbs – Best Growth Feed for Young Cribbing Horses
• Nuburbur Horse Feed Bag for Grain, Small, Heavy Duty – Best Heavy-Duty Grain for Cribbing Horses
• New Country Organics Senior Horse Pellets 40 lbs – Best Organic Option for Cribbing Horses

What Is Cribbing in Horses and Why Does It Occur?

This behavioral issue impacts horse owners as well, as it can lead to increased costs related to veterinary care and dental interventions. Cribbing can also damage stable infrastructure, leading to additional expenses for repairs. Moreover, horses that crib may not be as desirable for resale or competition, which can affect their market value.

To mitigate cribbing, various strategies can be implemented, including providing a more enriched living environment with ample turnout time, social interaction with other horses, and appropriate mental stimulation through toys and activities. Additionally, dietary adjustments may play a role in managing the condition. Some horse owners seek out the best feed for horses that crib, focusing on high-fiber options that promote healthy digestion and reduce boredom. Feeds that are low in starch and sugar may help stabilize a horse’s energy levels, potentially reducing the urge to crib. Specialized supplements designed to address anxiety and promote calm behavior are also available, and they can be beneficial as part of a comprehensive management plan.

What Are the Specific Nutritional Needs of Horses That Crib?

• High Fiber Content: Horses that crib often benefit from a diet rich in fiber to support digestive health and provide a sense of fullness.
• Low Sugar and Starch: Reducing sugar and starch in their diet can help manage energy levels and prevent excitability, which may exacerbate cribbing behavior.
• Balanced Minerals and Vitamins: Ensuring adequate levels of minerals and vitamins, particularly calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, is crucial for overall health and can help mitigate stress-related behaviors.
• Quality Forage: Providing high-quality forage, such as hay, can encourage natural chewing behaviors that may help alleviate the urge to crib.
• Supplementation with L-Tryptophan: This amino acid can promote relaxation and may reduce anxiety, potentially decreasing cribbing tendencies.

Quality forage is not only a primary source of nutrition but also encourages natural chewing behavior, which can distract a horse from cribbing. Chewing provides mental stimulation and helps satisfy the horse’s need to chew, which could mitigate the behavior over time.

Supplementation with L-Tryptophan has been noted for its calming effects, as it is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being. By incorporating this supplement into the diet, it may help reduce anxiety levels, which can be a significant factor in cribbing behavior.

How Can Nutrition Impact Cribbing Behavior in Horses?

Nutrition can significantly influence cribbing behavior in horses, with certain feeds potentially promoting a calmer disposition.

• High-Fiber Feeds: These feeds include hay and haylage, which can help satisfy a horse’s natural chewing instinct and reduce boredom.
• Low-Starch and Low-Sugar Feeds: Feeds with lower carbohydrate levels can prevent excessive energy spikes that may exacerbate anxious behaviors associated with cribbing.
• Supplements with Magnesium: Magnesium plays a role in muscle and nerve function and can help reduce stress levels, potentially decreasing the urge to crib.
• Pelleted Feeds: These can be beneficial as they often contain a balanced mix of nutrients and can keep horses occupied while they chew.
• Natural Forage Options: Providing access to pasture or forage-based diets can help mimic a horse’s natural eating behaviors, which may reduce the tendency to crib.

High-fiber feeds are essential as they not only provide necessary nutrients but also give horses something to chew on, which can alleviate boredom and reduce stress, common triggers for cribbing. The act of chewing helps promote saliva production, which is beneficial for digestive health.

Low-starch and low-sugar feeds are important because they can help maintain steady energy levels and prevent hyperactivity, which can lead to cribbing. Horses that consume high amounts of sugar and starch may experience rapid changes in energy that can contribute to anxiety and undesirable behaviors.

Supplements with magnesium are often recommended for horses that exhibit cribbing behavior. Magnesium helps in calming the nervous system and can contribute to a more relaxed demeanor, potentially lessening the urge to crib.

Pelleted feeds can be advantageous as they often provide a complete nutritional profile while also occupying a horse’s time during feeding. The process of chewing these pellets can help satisfy their natural instinct to graze and chew, which may mitigate cribbing tendencies.

Natural forage options, like access to fresh pasture or free-choice hay, are ideal as they encourage a horse to engage in natural foraging behavior. This not only keeps them mentally stimulated but also satisfies their need to graze, which can help distract them from cribbing.

What Types of Feed Should Horses That Crib Avoid?

Horses that crib often have behavioral challenges that can be exacerbated by certain types of feed. Choosing the right diet is essential for managing their chewing habits. Here are some feed types to avoid:

• High-starch grains: Feeds containing high levels of starch, such as corn or barley, can lead to increased energy levels and exacerbate cribbing behavior. Opt for lower-starch alternatives to help manage energy and anxiety.

• Sugary treats: Products rich in sugars, including sweetened pelleted feeds or sugary snacks, can provoke excitement and stress in horses, further encouraging cribbing.

• Low-fiber options: Feeds low in fiber may not satisfy a horse’s natural chewing instincts. Avoid processed feeds lacking sufficient roughage, as this can lead to boredom and stress, which often worsens cribbing.

• Highly processed feeds: Corn- or molasses-based feeds can cause sugar spikes and crashes, increasing anxiety and potentially amplifying cribbing behavior. Whole or minimally processed grains are preferable.

Implementing a carefully curated diet can significantly help in managing a cribber’s tendencies effectively.

How Do Certain Ingredients in Feed Contribute to Cribbing?

• High Starch Content: Feeds with high starch levels can lead to rapid fermentation in the gut, increasing acidity and discomfort. This discomfort may result in behavioral issues, including cribbing, as horses seek relief from gas or digestive upset.
• Low Fiber Content: Insufficient fiber in a horse’s diet can lead to boredom and digestive issues. Fiber promotes healthy gut function and provides a source of chewing, which can help reduce cribbing as the horse has a more satisfying way to occupy its time.
• Sweeteners and Molasses: Many commercial feeds include sweeteners or molasses to enhance palatability, but these can lead to increased energy levels. A hyperactive horse may be more prone to developing cribbing habits as a way to release pent-up energy or stress.
• Calcium and Magnesium Levels: Imbalances in calcium and magnesium can affect muscle function and nervous system health. Proper levels of these minerals are crucial for maintaining calm behavior, and deficiencies may lead to increased anxiety and cribbing as a coping mechanism.
• Processed Ingredients: Highly processed feeds can contain additives that are not easily digestible, leading to gastrointestinal distress. Horses may resort to cribbing as a response to discomfort caused by these ingredients, which disrupt normal digestive processes.

What Are the Best Feed Options for Horses That Crib?

The best feed options for horses that crib focus on reducing stress and improving digestive health.

• High-Quality Forage: Providing good quality hay or pasture can help keep a horse occupied and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of cribbing. Forage is essential for a horse’s digestive health and can alleviate boredom, which is often a trigger for cribbing behavior.
• Pelleted Feeds: Pelleted feeds are easier to digest and can minimize the risk of colic, which is a concern for cribbers. These feeds often contain added vitamins and minerals that support overall health and can help maintain a balanced diet.
• Low-Starch/Low-Sugar Feeds: Feeds that are low in starch and sugar can help prevent spikes in energy that may lead to anxiety and exacerbate cribbing. These feeds are designed to promote a calmer demeanor, which can be beneficial for horses prone to cribbing.
• Supplements with L-Tryptophan: Supplements containing L-Tryptophan can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety in horses, which may help curb cribbing behavior. This amino acid is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being.
• Behavioral Feeders: Slow-feeding hay nets or feeders can provide mental stimulation and prolong feeding times, which can distract horses from cribbing. By engaging their natural foraging instincts, these feeders can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with boredom.

How Do Fiber-Rich Feeds Support Horses Vulnerable to Cribbing?

Fiber-rich feeds can be beneficial for horses that crib by promoting digestive health and providing mental stimulation.

• Forage: Forage is the foundation of a horse’s diet and consists of grasses, hay, and other fibrous plant materials. This type of feed encourages natural chewing behavior, which can distract horses from cribbing and help satisfy their need to graze and chew.
• High-Fiber Pellets: These pellets are formulated to be rich in fiber while being easy to digest, making them a good option for horses that may have dental issues. They provide the necessary nutrients without the excess sugar and starch found in some grains, which can contribute to behavioral issues like cribbing.
• Beet Pulp: Beet pulp is a highly digestible source of fiber that can be soaked and fed to horses. It is low in sugar and starch, making it a safe alternative that can also help keep the horse occupied and reduce the likelihood of cribbing behavior.
• Chaff or Chopped Hay: Chopped hay or chaff can be used as a feed option to help prolong chewing time. Increasing the time spent chewing can help reduce boredom and stress, both of which are factors that can lead to cribbing.
• Psyllium Husk: While not a primary feed, psyllium husk is a fiber supplement that aids in gut health and can be included in the diet. A healthy gut can reduce discomfort and anxiety in horses, which may in turn decrease the likelihood of cribbing behavior.

What Other Strategies Can Help Manage Cribbing Besides Diet?

• Environmental Enrichment: Providing a stimulating environment can reduce boredom and stress, which are often triggers for cribbing. This can include adding toys, varying the horse’s routine, or allowing more turnout time.
• Stress Reduction: Identifying and minimizing stressors in the horse’s environment can be crucial. This may involve changes in management practices, handling, or introducing calming techniques such as regular exercise and companionship.
• Behavior Modification Training: Implementing training techniques can help redirect the horse’s focus and reduce cribbing behavior. This can be achieved through positive reinforcement and consistent routines that encourage alternative behaviors.
• Use of Cribbing Collars: Special collars designed for cribbing can provide a physical deterrent. These collars restrict the horse’s ability to grab onto objects and may help in breaking the habit over time.
• Regular Veterinary Checks: Ensuring that the horse is healthy and free from underlying medical issues is essential. Conditions such as gastric ulcers can exacerbate cribbing, so regular veterinary care is important to address any health concerns.

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