Diet Description

Donkeys have evolved to survive in some of the harshest environments. They are adapted to marginal desert lands where they browsed large plains that were devoid of lush vegetation. They survived on a diet that was highly fibrous and consisted of low quality roughages. Their digestive systems are highly efficient at digesting these fibrous feeds, absorbing and utilizing the available nutrients.

Donkeys have much lower energy and nutrient requirements compared to horses and ponies. Normal healthy donkeys will do perfectly well on forage alone, however there may be specific instances where supplementary feeding is necessary. Traditionally, donkeys have been fed diets that are formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of adult horses and ponies. Typically for the majority of donkeys, this leads to a high intake of energy and protein, leading to weight gain, obesity and in serious cases, the onset of laminitis.

Saracen Horse Feeds, have combined their expertise with the UK�s leading care provider for donkeys, to formulate a specific diet intended for donkeys who require supplementary feeding. In the case of older donkeys, donkeys that are working or lactating or for those who are difficult to keep condition on, Donkey Diet will help to ensure that they remain in good body condition and in optimum health and condition. Donkey Diet is based on digestible fibre sources to provide a source of 'safer' calories rather than using cereal and starch. It contains quality protein sources for optimum cell, tissue and muscle repair, while a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals helps to support metabolic systems and healthy feet and coat. The high fibre and low energy formulation makes Donkey Diet suitable to be fed to donkeys that are prone to laminitis or metabolic syndrome.

Older donkeys with poor teeth may find chewing long fibre sources such as hay more difficult. Donkey Diet can be soaked into a soft and palatable mash, which can help to maintain fibre intake and ensure healthy digestive function. However, Donkey Diet is not designed to replace 100% of the donkey's forage requirement, and short chopped forage sources should be fed in conjunction with Donkey Diet.

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