Whole Food for Horses: A Guide to Fitter, Happier Equines

by Lindsey Henry,  BioStar Customer Service Specialist

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by…

BioStar and Tigger Montague came into my life at a point when I was struggling with the condition of my retired mare.  No matter what I tried, Mafazi wasn’t putting on weight. I remember looking into her feed bucket full of senior grain and thinking this can’t be it for her.  There has to be another way.

Mafazi before BioStar’s diet advice

I began working at BioStar this summer and delved into the “rabbit hole” that is the whole food diet for horses. I felt overwhelmed and a bit scared. All I had ever known about feeding my horse was found in a 50-pound feed bag, or in her turnout field. But the more I learned, the more it made sense. Wouldn’t it be great if Tigger would just put all this information into a book?

Enter Whole Food for Horses, Tigger’s first book. It tackles all aspects of the whole food diet and breaks down complicated information for easy reading. Tigger begins by explaining the basics of the whole food diet for horses: vitamins, minerals, protein, fats, and carbohydrates. She also walks the reader through several sample diets and then delves into feeding for specific conditions like hindgut ulcers and metabolic concerns. Each section is peppered with Tigger’s sound guidance, making the book a great tool to stick in your bag for quick reference at the feed or grocery store. (Need a tote? We have those too!) I know I will find myself consulting this book over and over again for issues as they arise or for alternate feeding ideas.  With Whole Food for Horses, Tigger arms her readers with the ability to make healthier decisions for their horses and empowers them to take over the “nutritional reins”. It may also cause you to question what you’re putting into your own mouth, or what you’re feeding your canine!

Over the past few months, I’ve slowly transitioned my mare onto various supplements from BioStar and switched her over to healthier feed options like alfalfa cubes. I am happy to report that Mafazi has blossomed into something even more beautiful than ever with a soft and fuzzy coat, healthy hooves, and glistening mane and tail. Best of all — she is happy.  Every day is a blessing with her and I consider myself lucky that Tigger and BioStar came into my life when they did.

…And that has made all the difference.
~ Robert Frost