Seeing the "forest" through the trees: The power of horse nutrition knowledge.

Which horse feed do I actually choose?

Are you still choosing the best for your horse? In the horse world, the choice of feeds and supplements is overwhelming. Bags, buckets, and pots fill the shelves, the internet, each promising top performance and optimal health. But how do you navigate this "food jungle" and truly choose the best feed and the right brand for your unique horse?

Knowledge is the key to a healthy and happy horse. Let's lift the veil on nutrition, marketing, and the importance of your own judgment.

STEP #1 - Read Labels

The truth behind the bag!

Many horse owners base their choices on what "feels right" or what their stablemates use. However, the most crucial information is often printed in small print:

THE LABEL .

The Composition - Ingredients List

This shows the ingredients used in order of quantity. The ingredient with the highest concentration is at the beginning/top of the list.

A quality horse feed starts with fiber-rich sources such as alfalfa , grasses , ..., because a horse's digestive system is made for fiber .

If corn, wheat, barley or other grains top the list, this means a high starch content and quick energy.

Be wary of products labeled "grain-free." Read the label carefully to ensure they don't contain any grains or grain derivatives.

The Dangers of Hidden Sugars

Sugars and starches are necessary as an energy source, but too much can lead to all kinds of unpleasant diseases, such as insulin resistance, laminitis, EMS, etc.

Manufacturers know that horse owners want to avoid sugar, so many often use alternative names that sound more natural or healthy, but are in fact fast sugars or starches.

Be critical! Recognize these "healthy-sounding" hidden sources of sugar in the ingredients.

Some of the most common examples:

• Dextrose

• Fructose

• Lactose

• Glucose

• Carob seed syrup

• Malt / Maltose

• Nectar

• Syrup / molasses

• Maple

• Agave

• Apple juice concentrate / grape juice concentrate

• beetroot juice

• ...

Unfortunately, the list is endless. The marketing is incredibly inventive.

Above all, remember that the highest quality foods opt for a low sugar and starch content, below 10%.

If you want to keep it as low as possible, choose a quality brand that offers a grain-free range.

Step #2 - Which brand and food to choose?

With hundreds of brands, the confusion is complete. The approach is to focus on the quality and philosophy of the feed, not just brand recognition.

Focus on the raw material, not the price.

Ask yourself these questions when choosing a brand:

1. What is the basis? Is the feed primarily fiber or grains?

   A horse's digestive system is made for fiber .

2. What about the balance? Are all vitamins, minerals, provided in the correct, absorbable form, or is it an incomplete mix?

3. Transparency: Is the brand honest about the source of the ingredients and the analysis?

Choosing a low sugar/starch diet, a high fiber base, and high-quality, absorbable minerals is always the best route.

Step #3 - The impact of smart marketing

Manufacturers are experts in creating attractive packaging and a compelling story.

Eye-catching words: "Muscle" or "Shine" or... you name it!

In reality, these words are often the result of just one or two active ingredients, surrounded by fillers and sugar to make it palatable.

Of course, not all brands work this way.

Look at the composition, that's the message!

BUT, don't be swayed by the sheer size of the horses or the latest buzzwords . Go back to basics: the label doesn't lie (as long as you read it carefully!). A brand that truly prioritizes your horse's health will focus on scientifically sound analysis, not empty slogans.

Do NOT forget one thing: good quality roughage is still the basis.

Step #4 - Stay informed and set your requirements

The horse world is evolving. What was considered "good" ten years ago might not be today.

• Keep learning: There are countless webinars and articles online (like this one!) that will help you understand the subject. Knowledge is power.

• Your horse, your choice: It's your horse, and you know it like the back of your hand. You feel, see, and experience your horse's reactions to food. Is your horse unresponsive? Is its coat dull? Does it suffer from excessive itching? These are often signs of an imbalance in its diet.

Set your standards for the food you buy! Be critical, dare to ask questions, and trust your own observations.

FINALLY: You are your horse's expert, take control of your horse's nutrition.

Finally, we encourage you to be the director of your horse's nutrition. Use the label as your compass, don't be influenced by marketing alone, and focus on your horse's individual needs, based on their work, age, and condition.

Because in the feed forest you are the expert on your own horse.

If you have any doubts or questions, consult a professional nutritionist. They have experience and can guide you and help you make the right choices.

Always consult a nutritionist or veterinarian if your horse has health problems.

(Due to strict copyright laws on commercial feed brands, we used artificial intelligence (AI) to generate the images in this article. The visuals are purely for illustrative purposes only.)

Do you have any questions or would you like to know more? Contact us!

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