On a high fibre diet the VFAs produced are weaker acids and so the gut is kept within an acceptable range of acidity. When starch from cereals reaches the hind gut it produces very strong acids which can make the gut too acidic for many micro organisms to tolerate and that is when problems such as colic and laminitis can occur.

It's most well known function is its role in night vision, it is also crucial for reproduction, embryogenesis and plays a part in immune response to infection.

This vitamin interacts with calcium, it facilitates calcium absorption from the intestine and re absorption from the kidney.

This vitamin is a well-known antioxidant and is required when feeding high levels of oil in the diet to protect against oxidative damage.

Almost every body process depends on an adequate supply of a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. As vitamins and minerals rarely act in isolation and interact extensively with each other and with other nutrients, a deficiency or excess of one or more vitamin or mineral can affect many body processes. In the wild the horse can fulfil his mineral and vitamin requirements through selectively grazing on a variety of grasses and soils. The modern horse, even when grass kept, does not have access to such a range of vegetation as in the wild, and thus must rely upon us to make sure they are getting all the essential nutrients that they require. Supplementing your horse's diet with a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement from our Natural Vitality range or feeding a complete feed such as Hi-Fi Good Do-er or Healthy Hooves will ensure your horse is receiving a nutritionally balanced ration.