horse feed

Question
I've been feeding my arabs sweet feed. one of my two has a real hard time keeping weight on. Right now he gets a full scoop of grain and three slices of hay twice a day. My other arab gets 3/4 scoop of grain and three slices of hay, he has NO problem keeping weight on!!! Both of them are pretty high spirited. I started feeding sweet feed because at all the training barns I've shown with, that's what they feed. But now I'm hearing that this might be the reason they're so anxious? Any thoughts?

Answer
Stefanie,
  Sweetfeed does carry alot more sugar and protien than a pelleted feed with supplements, which will in turn increase your horses energy level.  So, sweetfeed is most likely contributing to your horses spirit level.  The best way to feed a "hot" bred horse is a low protien, high fat, and high fiber pellet feed.  With your one horse that has weight problems, you can add beet pulp to the feed, either shredded or pelleted, and let it soak for several hours prior to feeding.  The beet pulp offers alot of fiber and nutrients similar to those from forage, plus it provides extra forage material, along with adding to your arabians feed intake.  You may also consider supplemeting with something like Weight Builder, or a high fat supplement from Smart Pak.  What type of hay are they eating? ALfalfa has very high protien, again with alot of matural sugars.  So the best bet for your guys would be a nice orchard grass mix.  

I hope this answers your question, please let me know if you have any other questions, or would like additional help.

Samantha