Bran - does it make horses thirsty?

[Zingy]

Well thats it really! And if so, why?

[intouch]

If you are feeding it dry, yes it will make a horse thirsey, as it absorbs quite a bit of liquid. Not as much as sugarbeet, but the same idea. Is there a reason for feeding it? It's not generally recommended these days as it causes a calcium imbalance. But it used to be fed dry for a horse whose droopings were loose, in a mash (damp) for a laxative effect.
Also good for making poultices!

[Zingy]

Thanks intouch. That might be it as he is fed it damp rather than wet. Reason for feeding it is that he has a slightly delicate digestive system, to put it politely :o Vets advice was to 'bung him up with bran'. So thats what happens