How to Successfully Transition to Keyflow Feeds

By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS

How to Safely Transition Your Horse to Keyflow Feeds

A few weeks ago, we discussed why it’s important to change your horse’s feed gradually. In this article, we’ll focus on how to make that change safely, specifically when switching to Keyflow Feeds.

It might sound straightforward, but as with many basic processes, if done incorrectly, it can cause unnecessary problems for your horse’s health and digestion.

What Makes Keyflow Horse Feeds Different?

Before you begin, it’s worth understanding a few key features that set Keyflow feeds apart from other brands.

1. Low Sugar Formulation

Keyflow Feeds are formulated to be low in sugar, which means they may taste different to your horse’s current ration. Some horses may take a little time to adjust – that’s perfectly normal.

2. Unique Texture from Extrusion

Thanks to Keyflow’s advanced extrusion process, the feeds have a very distinctive texture. For example, Perfect Balance appears as tiny pellets, while Nurture and Nurture Pro look like small round nuggets.

Horses unfamiliar with these textures might be a little suspicious at first, so patience is key.

How to Change Your Horse’s Feed Safely

A gradual change allows not only your horse’s digestive microbiome to adjust but also gives them time to get used to the new taste and texture.

When moving from one feed brand to another, we recommend making the transition over 7-10 days. Some horses may take even longer, depending on their temperament and feeding history.

Example:

I once brought in a broodmare who had been on a high-starch, high-sugar feed for many years. I was told she was a “fussy eater.” It took almost a month to complete her transition to Keyflow, but now she never refuses her feed!

The “Like for Like” Transition Method

One of the easiest ways to make the switch is to replace like for like. Here’s how it works:

1. Remove a small amount of your horse’s current feed.

2. Replace it with the same volume of their new Keyflow feed.

3. Start with just a small handful, so the first change is barely noticeable.

4. Each day, increase the proportion of Keyflow feed slightly.

5. Continue this gradual swap until the old feed is completely replaced.

By following this simple process, most horses transition smoothly with minimal fuss.

A Simple 10-Day Feed Transition Plan

Here’s a general guide to follow:

Adjust the schedule as needed based on your horse’s response and appetite.

Adding Key-3 Oil to Your Horse’s Diet

You might also be wondering about Key-3 Oil - can you just add it straight into the diet?

Introducing Key-3 Oil very slowly to the diet allows the digestive system a chance to adapt and produce the right level of enzymes to break the oil down. Once the background level of oil is in the diet, for example a 500kg horse we would be fed 30ml per day, you can increase the oil content to get the desired results. The digestive system does cope quite well with rapid increases and decreases in the amount of oil fed once the production of lipase has been stimulated. You can double the amount in 10-14 days.

In Summary: A Smooth Transition to Keyflow Feeds

Changing your horse’s feed to Keyflow is simple, but it must be done thoughtfully.

By introducing it slowly, allowing time for both the gut and taste buds to adjust, you’ll ensure your horse enjoys the full health benefits that Keyflow feeds have to offer, without any fuss.