To Supplement or Not?

The question about supplements is something I have had to research and experiment with a bit. When we first got donkeys I wasn't really sure about what their dietary needs were and the more I've learned the more I've realized that less is usually better. If these donkeys wouldn't have access to grain and goodies in their native land in the Mediterranean, then their systems would not be accustomed to having it here. I will confess that I have sneaked a little goody in here and there and it makes for a very happy donkey, but it is something that should be watched.

I do not supplement my donkey's diet of grass hay other than allowing them access to a salt block with selenium. We live in an area that is deficient in selenium, which is a necessary nutrient that donkeys need. I do feel that when I have pregnant jennies, lactating moms, and new foals, they need something more. I finally found a supplement that I like for this purpose!

A donkey breeder who has been in the business for over twenty years, told me about LMF feeds Super Supplement G. Hip, hip hooray! It is not a very common brand and I had to search high and low and when I finally did find it, had to travel over an hour to a small town to pick it up. It was worth the drive!

It is grain free and comes in the form of pellets. It provides the needed nutrients without adding a lot of sugar. It is made by a company that specializes in equines and who have researched what these animals need and the amount they need it in. I like to think of it as the "green smoothie" for equines.

I simply feed my girls around 1/2-1 cup every other day while they are pregnant and in the lactating stage. They are happy and I am happy!