Limestone flour (calcium for horses)
Calcium for horses, also known as limestone flour for horses is an important mineral for whole-body health. As an important structural mineral most calcium in the body can be found in the teeth and bones. It is a natural source of calcium that supports healthy growth and the general maintenance of bones and teeth.
Through analysis of forage, we can confidently advise our clients on how much calcium they might need to feed. Usually, horses in light to moderate work will be adequately supplied by calcium in the grass, hay or haylage they eat. Horses eating alfalfa and beet pulp, which are both high in calcium, are also exposed to high levels of naturally chelated calcium.
Benefits of calcium for horses
Calcium is also the activator for the release of chemicals from nerve endings, for constriction of arteries in the regulation of blood pressure and calcium release from storage structures inside muscle cells causes muscular contraction. The swimming of sperm requires calcium. Calcium is also needed for the release of insulin from storage areas in the pancreatic cells.
Other minerals work with calcium or are needed to balance out its effects. These include phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. All must be present in correct concentrations so it is wise to carry out an analysis of the grass, hay or haylage your horse eats in order to determine the correct amounts of calcium or ratio of calcium and all minerals in the diet.
The average size adult at maintenance requires around 20 grams/day of calcium. Growing, pregnant and lactating horses however have much higher requirements, often not covered by the grass, hay or haylage eaten. A horse in moderate to heavy work will also have a higher requirement.
Feeds high in naturally occurring calcium such as alfalfa and beet pulp can often be used to supplement higher levels of calcium in addition to calcium carbonate.
Free from any prohibited substances as defined under Jockey Club and FEI rules.
Forageplus does not advise the feeding of separate minerals unless levels have been checked through carrying out a forage analysis. The ratio of calcium and the ratio of minerals are important and feeding one mineral without supplementing correct levels of another can be detrimental to horse health. If you are uncertain of mineral levels then feeding either a Forageplus Equine Balancer or carrying out analysis of forage is wise.
Find out how the ratios of minerals fed can support healthy growth and the maintenance of bones by visiting the Forageplus Talk site here.
Karen Smith –
Following a ForagePlus feed plan as my horses weren’t quite right. Hoofs have changed dramatically for the better over the 2 year period as we optimise their diet. Limestone being part of that change. My horses find most of the supplements palatable too.
Rosie marlow (verified owner) –
Lovely product would 100% recommend
Heather Warburton –
Complete confidence In Forage Plus Supplements, my horses look fabulous, After years of feeding the Balancer, I had an Forage Analysis done and now have tailor made supplementation and diet plan, I have to say it is saving me so much wastage and over feeding.
Kelly Elliott (verified owner) –
I feed this to all the babies as soon as possible to support proper growth and development of healthy bones particularly before they start ridden work.
angela –
This is one product of many that I now feed my youngster following a forage analysis by Forageplus. This product is vital for growing horses and the difference it has made to my 3 yr old is outstanding. Not only am I now feeding a bespoke feed plan for him, but I now have a better understanding of why. I’m also gaining knowledge from Forageplus about how the various vitamins and minerals interact with each other and how vital they are to build the essential building blocks needed for life long health. All in all this product is one of many quality products offered by Forageplus, together with a wealth of knowledge and experience.