Low-Starch Feed for Horses: What You Need to Know
Horses are unique creatures with individual nutritional needs. Their bodies demand quality nutrition that is suited to their specific requirements, and it’s imperative that horse owners are fully aware of what their horses need to thrive.
One critical consideration when it comes to equine nutrition is low-starch horse feed. In this article, we will be exploring what low-starch horse feed is, why it’s essential for horses, and the low-starch options available from major feed brands.
What is Low-Starch Horse Feed? Low-starch horse feed is exactly what it sounds like: a type of horse feed with less sugar and starch than traditional feeds.
Common horse feeds such as sweet feeds and grain mixes are often high in sugar and starch, and these compounds are known as Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSCs). Many horses have difficulty processing NSCs, which can lead to severe health problems, including insulin resistance, laminitis, and cushioning syndrome.
The ideal low-starch horse feed contains less than 12% NSCs, which means that it is an excellent option for horses that are struggling with metabolic issues, PSSM, and tying-up.
Why Feed a Low-Starch Horse Feed?
Low-starch horse feed is incredibly beneficial for horses who may be struggling with various health issues. Let’s take a closer look at some of the conditions that are common in horses and how low-starch feed can help.
Laminitis
Laminitis is a serious condition that results from inflammation of the laminae within the horse’s hooves. This condition affects the horse’s ability to walk and can be incredibly painful.
Feeding a low-starch diet can help prevent laminitis by decreasing the amount of NSCs the horse consumes.
PSSM and Tying Up
PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy) is a common condition in horses that can lead to lameness and muscle stiffness. Horses with PSSM may also experience tying up, a condition characterized by muscle cramping and pain.
Low-starch feed is an excellent option for horses with PSSM and tying up, as it reduces the amount of sugar and starch that the horse is consuming.
Donkeys
Donkeys have unique digestive systems and metabolisms. Because of this, they require a low-starch diet to maintain their optimal health.
Feeding a low-starch diet to donkeys can help avoid health problems and ensure they get the necessary nutrition. PPID/Cushing’s
PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), also known as Cushing’s disease, is a condition prevalent in older horses.
Feeding a low-starch diet to horses with this condition is vital to manage their insulin resistance and prevent further health complications.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a widespread occurrence in horses, and it makes it challenging for them to process glucose properly. Low-starch feed can help control insulin resistance by decreasing the amount of sugar that the horse consumes.
Excitable and Overweight Horses
Horses that are excitable or overweight often require a low-starch diet to maintain their optimal health. Low-starch feed can help them maintain a healthy weight and reduce their levels of anxiety and excitement.
Low-Starch Options from Major Feed Brands
There are many options available when it comes to low-starch feed from major feed brands. Here are two popular options that horse owners can consider.
Safe Choice Special Care by Nutrena
Safe Choice Special Care by Nutrena is designed for horses with metabolic issues, easy keepers, and horses that need higher protein and fiber levels. It contains no corn and is formulated with lower starch levels.
This feed has an NSC value of 11.7%, making it an excellent option for horses that need a low-starch diet.
Purina WellSolve Low Starch
Purina WellSolve Low Starch is a textured feed with balanced nutrition, including amino acids and fiber. This feed is low in molasses and has an NSC value of 9.5%, making it an excellent option for horses that need a low-starch diet.
Conclusion
Low-starch horse feed is a crucial dietary consideration for horses with metabolic issues, PSSM, tying up, donkeys, PPID/Cushings, insulin resistance, excitable horses, and overweight horses. By understanding what low-starch feed is, why it’s essential for horses, and the low-starch options available from major feed brands, you can make informed decisions about the quality nutrition that your horse requires.
Always consult with your veterinarian to determine if low-starch feed is the right choice for your horse. More Low-Starch Feeds for Horses: A Closer Look
Low-starch horse feed is becoming increasingly popular among horse owners as more individuals become aware of the benefits of feeding low-starch diets to their horses.
However, with an array of brands, options, and feed types, it can be challenging to determine the best low-starch feed for your horse. In this article, we will delve deeper into two additional low-starch feed options for horses:
Kalm N EZ Pellet by Tribute and
Total Equine LNSC.
Kalm N EZ Pellet by Tribute
Kalm N EZ Pellet by Tribute is specifically designed for hard keepers, older horses, and horses with metabolic issues. The low NSC feed is formulated with fat, fiber, and less sugar to promote digestive health and maintain healthy insulin levels in horses.
The NSC value of Kalm N EZ Pellet is less than 12%, making it an excellent option for horses that require a low-starch diet. One of the benefits of Kalm N EZ Pellet is its high fiber content.
The feed has a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers that work in coordination to promote gut health and maintain healthy bowels even if a horse is sedentary. Furthermore, the feed contains no soybean meal, which is commonly associated with allergic reactions that can lead to hives and other health issues in horses.
An additional benefit of Kalm N EZ Pellet is its high-fat content, which provides a slow-release energy source for horses. This feed is also easy to digest, and many horses enjoy its taste.
Total Equine LNSC
Total Equine LNSC is a low-starch pelleted feed designed for horses with Cushings (PPID), insulin resistance, and other metabolic issues. The feed contains high-quality protein and fiber sources, ensuring adequate nutrition for horses while maintaining low levels of sugar and starch.
One of the significant benefits of
Total Equine LNSC is its low sugar/starch levels, with an NSC value that is less than 9%. The feed contains no corn, barley, or molasses, which are common sources of sugar and starch in horse feeds.
The low sugar/starch content of the feed ensures that horses with metabolic issues receive essential nutrients without endangering their health.
Total Equine LNSC is also formulated with beet pulp and alfalfa, which are excellent sources of fiber for horses. The feed also has a high protein content, which helps maintain muscle mass and promotes overall health.
The high fiber and protein content, along with the low sugar/starch levels, can help horses with metabolic issues safely maintain their optimal weight.
Common Questions About Low-Starch Feeds for Horses
As more information surfaces about the benefits of low-starch feeds for horses, more questions are being asked about this type of feed. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about low-starch feeds for horses.
What Does Low-Starch Do for Horses? Low-starch feed reduces the horse’s consumption of Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSCs), commonly found in horse feeds such as grains and sweet feeds.
High levels of NSCs have been associated with various health issues in horses, including ulcers, insulin resistance, and laminitis. By reducing the amount of sugar and starch in a horse’s diet, low-starch feed can prevent these health issues and promote overall digestive health in horses.
What Feed is Best for Laminitic Horses? When feeding laminitic horses, it’s essential to avoid feeds high in calories, starch, and sugar.
Instead, feeding a forage balancer is an excellent choice as it contains all the essential vitamins and minerals that a horse requires, while keeping sugar and starch levels low. Beet pulp is another excellent option for laminitic horses, as it is low in sugar and starch but high in fiber, which can promote healthy digestion.
Ultimately, it’s essential to work with a veterinarian to determine the best feeding regime for a laminitic horse.
Conclusion
Feeding a low-starch diet to horses has become increasingly popular over the years, and with good reason. The benefits of low-starch feeds for horses that have metabolic issues, such as laminitis, PPID/Cushings, and insulin resistance, are significant.
By reducing the amount of sugar and starch in a horse’s diet, low-starch feeds can help promote overall digestive health, maintain healthy insulin levels, and prevent health complications. Tribute’s Kalm N EZ Pellet and
Total Equine LNSC are two excellent options for horse owners looking to provide a low-starch diet to their horses.
In conclusion, low-starch horse feed is a crucial dietary consideration for horses with metabolic issues, and it’s essential to make informed decisions about the quality nutrition that your horse needs. It can help promote overall digestive health, maintain healthy insulin levels, and prevent health complications, including ulcers, insulin resistance, and laminitis.
There are several low-starch feed options available from major feed brands, such as Nutrena, Purina, Tribute, and Total Equine, that cater to various health issues of horses. Remember to consult with your veterinarian before determining the best feeding regime for your horse.