WhatsApp

Energy Boosters for Animals: How to
Keep Your Livestock and Pets Active and
Healthy

bg
bg
Blog Image

Keeping your animals, livestock, or pets active and healthy is a major responsibility of any animal owner. Just like humans, animals need proper nutrition, care, and energy to stay fit and thrive. Knowing the right energy booster is important if you want your animals to be energetic. Whether you're a farmer with livestock or a pet owner, this guide will give you practical tips to keep your animals energetic and healthy.

 

Know your Animal's requirement for an Energy booster

Each animal species has a specific energy requirement depending on its size, age, activity level and overall health.

For example, a dairy cow needs different energy boosters than a domestic dog. The primary source of energy for all animals comes from food, which falls into three main categories:

  • Protein: Helps build muscle and repair tissue
  • Carbohydrates: A quick energy source
  • Fat: A concentrated form of energy, ideal for long-term energy supply

 

In addition to these macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and water play important roles in maintaining animal vitality. A proper dietary balance of these nutrients is essential to keeping livestock and pets healthy and active.

 

Best Energy Boosters for Livestock

Livestock, such as cattle, goats, sheep, and horses, have unique energy needs, especially during high-demand periods like pregnancy, lactation, or heavy work. Here are some natural and effective energy boosters to keep them strong and energetic:

  1. High-Quality Forage and Grains: High-quality hay and grains are rich in carbohydrates, which are key for energy. Alfalfa, timothy hay, and legumes provide great nutrition for livestock. Adding corn or barley to the diet can offer more energy-dense food for hardworking or lactating animals.
  2. Molasses: Molasses is a favourite energy source for livestock due to its high sugar content. It's often mixed with feed to increase the energy content and improve taste, encouraging animals to eat more, particularly during cold seasons when more energy is required for warmth.
  3. Supplements and Mineral Blocks: Providing mineral blocks with essential vitamins and electrolytes can help ensure your livestock is getting the nutrients it needs. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D are particularly important for maintaining strong bones and muscles and supporting energy metabolism.
  4. Oils and Fats: Adding oils like soybean, corn, or flaxseed oil to your livestock feed provides a concentrated energy boost. This is especially helpful for underweight animals, recovering from illness or need extra energy for intensive work like ploughing or hauling.
  5. Electrolytes: For animals that are sweating excessively or dealing with heat stress, such as horses, electrolytes can help restore energy and prevent dehydration. Electrolyte supplements can be added to water or feed to quickly replace lost minerals and fluids.

 

Different types of Energy Boosters Active Pets and Animal

Active pets, such as working dogs, sporting animals, or pets recovering from illness, need extra energy to maintain their activity levels. Here are some key energy boosters and strategies for pets:

1. High-Protein, High-Fat Pet Foods

For dogs that work in fields such as herding, search and rescue, or sports, high-protein and high-fat diets are essential. These nutrients help maintain muscle mass and provide long-lasting energy. Look for pet food formulas that list meat, such as chicken, beef, or fish, as the primary ingredient. Higher fat levels in the diet also help pets store and utilise energy more effectively during intense activities.

2. Energy-Boosting Snacks

Active pets can benefit from specific energy-boosting treats that are fortified with additional proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. These snacks can be given before or during exercise, training, or competition to maintain stamina and strength. Some of the best ingredients for energy-boosting pet treats include:

  • Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is high in protein and essential minerals
  • Coconut Oil: Known for its quick energy release and metabolism-boosting properties
  • Eggs: Rich in protein and healthy fats, they are excellent for active pets

3. Hydration and Electrolyte Replenishment

For pets that are extremely active, such as working dogs or pets participating in agility or other sports, staying hydrated is crucial. In addition to water, consider using electrolyte solutions that help restore the minerals lost during physical exertion. These solutions are available as flavoured drinks or powders that can be mixed with water.

4. Supplements for Energy and Recovery

Adding supplements to your pet’s diet can enhance their energy levels and aid in recovery after strenuous activities. Common energy-boosting supplements for animals include:

  • L-Carnitine: Helps convert fats into energy, making it ideal for pets that need extra endurance during exercise.
  • B-Complex Vitamins: These vitamins help convert carbohydrates into glucose, providing a natural energy source. They are particularly beneficial for older pets who may experience age-related energy decline.

5. Healthy Carbohydrates

While too many carbohydrates can lead to weight gain, healthy carbs such as those found in sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oatmeal provide pets with slow-releasing energy that can sustain them throughout the day.

 

Long-Term Management of Animal Energy Levels

Energy boosters are not just about short-term fixes; managing an animal’s energy over the long term is key to ensuring they remain healthy and productive. Here are some general strategies to keep in mind:

1. Balanced Diet

Ensure your animals are receiving a balanced diet that meets all of their macronutrient needs carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Each of these plays a vital role in keeping energy levels up. For livestock, this means providing high-quality forage, grains, and supplemental fats when needed. For pets, feeding a balanced commercial food tailored to their size, breed, and activity level is crucial.

2. Maintain a Regular Feeding Schedule

Providing animals with consistent access to food at regular intervals ensures that their energy levels remain steady throughout the day. Animals that experience long periods without food may experience dips in energy, leading to health complications.

3. Prevent Overfeeding and Obesity

Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which in turn causes lethargy, joint problems, and decreased lifespan in animals. Ensure you are feeding the appropriate portion sizes based on the animal’s age, weight, and activity level. This is especially important for pets and livestock that are less active.

4. Environmental Factors

Environmental stress can significantly impact an animal's energy levels. For example, livestock may expend more energy in cold weather as they try to stay warm. Similarly, pets exposed to extreme heat or cold may require additional energy. Managing shelter, temperature, and water access can help animals conserve energy.

 

5. Monitor Health and Adjust Energy Levels as Needed

Regular check-ups with a vet or animal nutritionist can help identify deficiencies in the diet or energy needs. As animals age, their metabolism and energy needs change, so it’s important to adjust their diet accordingly.

Whether you are tending to livestock or pampering your pets, providing the right energy sources or energy boosters is critical to keeping them healthy and active. From nutrient-rich foods and supplements to ensuring proper hydration, these energy-boosting tips will help your animals live their best lives. A well-nourished, energised animal is a happy animal and a happy animal makes for a happy owner!

At Solman Healthcare we understand the importance of keeping your animals energised and healthy. Our range of high-quality livestock feed, pet foods, and energy boosters for animals are designed to provide optimal nutrition for every stage of life. Whether you’re looking for nutrient-dense forage, energy-rich grains, specialised pet superfoods or energy boosters for animals, Solman Healthcare has products that will help your animals boost their energy.

Visit us today and discover how Solman Healthcare helps keep your livestock and pets active, healthy, and full of energy!