Have you ever stood in the feed store, staring at two colourful bags, wondering which one your horse really needs? One promises “energy and shine,” another says “cool and calm,” and the numbers on the back might as well be written in another language.
You’re not alone. Feed labels can look intimidating, but they’re actually full of useful information – once you know what to look for.
This article will help you understand what those numbers really mean, which nutrients matter most, and how to choose the right feed for your horse’s age, workload, and health.
Why Reading Feed Labels Matters
Marketing on the front of a feed bag is designed to attract attention. The real story is always on the back – in the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list.
When you understand that panel, you can make smart decisions that support your horse’s nutrition and welfare rather than relying on sales claims.
I once saw a gelding who was constantly hot and spooky under saddle. His owner had switched him to a “cool” performance mix she’d seen recommended online. The label revealed 20% starch and 10% sugar – far too high for his energy needs. A simple diet adjustment solved months of frustration.
Reading labels protects you from marketing myths and helps your horse feel and perform their best.
The Two Most Important Sections on Every Bag
1. Guaranteed Analysis
This lists the percentages of nutrients such as protein, fat, fibre, and minerals. Think of it as the nutritional fingerprint of the feed.
2. Ingredient List
Ingredients are listed in order of weight before processing. This tells you where those nutrients come from – grains, by-products, fibre sources, or oils.
Both sections matter equally. A feed can look “balanced” on paper but still rely on poor-quality ingredients that don’t digest efficiently.
Understanding the Main Nutrients
Crude Protein
Protein builds and repairs muscles, hooves, and hair. Most adult horses in light work need 10–12% protein. Growing horses or broodmares may need 14–16%.
More isn’t always better. Excess protein doesn’t create muscle – it just increases urine output and can make stables smell stronger.
Look for quality protein sources such as soybean meal, lupins, or alfalfa, rather than vague terms like “plant protein products.”
Crude Fibre
Fibre fuels the horse’s digestive system and supports gut health. Higher fibre means a cooler, slower-release energy source.
- 10–15% fibre: Concentrated or grain-based feed
- 16–25% fibre: Moderate energy feed suitable for most horses
- Over 25% fibre: High-fibre or “cool” feed for easy keepers
For horses prone to laminitis, ulcers, or excitability, choose higher-fibre, lower-starch options.
Horses evolved to eat fibre, not grain. When in doubt, pick the feed that looks most like grass in a bag.
Crude Fat
Fat provides slow, non-heating energy. Feeds with 5–10% fat are useful for performance horses needing more calories without adding sugar or starch.
Sources like vegetable oil, rice bran, or flaxseed are preferable to animal fats. For shiny coats and steady energy, a little added fat goes a long way.
Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC)
NSC represents sugars and starches combined. Unfortunately, not all labels list it directly, but many feed companies provide it on request.
- Low NSC (under 10%): Safe for laminitic, insulin-resistant, or ulcer-prone horses
- Moderate NSC (10-20%): Suitable for average horses in regular work
- High NSC (20%+): For high-intensity athletes with high energy demands
If your horse gets fizzy, gains weight easily, or has a metabolic issue, choose the lower NSC feeds.
Example:
A client’s mare repeatedly suffered mild laminitis every spring. Her hay was fine, but her “senior” feed tested at 23% NSC. We swapped it for a low-starch balancer, and she stayed sound all year.
Vitamins and Minerals
These support bone health, nerve function, and metabolism. Key ones to look for include:
- Calcium and phosphorus (should be roughly a 2:1 ratio)
- Zinc and copper for coat and hoof health
- Selenium and vitamin E for muscle recovery
Be wary of vague claims like “contains added minerals.” Look for feeds that specify chelated or organic trace minerals – they’re more bioavailable and better absorbed.
Ingredients to Be Mindful Of
Some feeds use fillers or by-products that don’t provide high nutritional value. Watch for:
- Cereal by-products: like wheat middlings or millrun
- Molasses: adds palatability but also sugar
- Unspecified oils or fats: always ask what kind
High-quality feeds use whole grains, fibre sources like beet pulp or soybean hulls, and plant oils for energy.
You can often smell quality. Sweet, strong molasses scent usually means high sugar. A mild, clean aroma suggests a balanced, forage-based formulation.
How to Compare Feeds
When comparing two feeds:
- Start with the goal – weight gain, energy, condition, or maintenance.
- Check the fibre and NSC first.
- Look at ingredients – are they whole and recognisable?
- Evaluate protein and fat based on workload.
- Ask the company for lab-tested analysis if NSC isn’t listed.
Keep in mind that one bag of feed is only part of the whole diet. The best feed in the world can’t fix poor-quality hay or unbalanced minerals.
Common Marketing Myths
- “High protein makes horses hot.” False – excess sugar and starch are usually to blame.
- “Senior feeds are always low sugar.” Not necessarily. Many contain molasses for palatability.
- “More supplements mean better nutrition.” Over-supplementing can actually unbalance the diet.
The feed store shelf can be overwhelming, but simplicity nearly always wins. Balanced forage, clean water, and the right balancer beat fancy formulas every time.
Working With Your Veterinarian or Nutritionist
Feed companies design generic diets. Your veterinarian understands your horse’s specific health, workload, and environment.
Bring feed labels to your next veterinary visit. Together you can:
- Review NSC and calorie levels
- Check mineral ratios
- Identify overlaps between feeds and supplements
A 10-minute conversation can save you hundreds in unnecessary products and improve your horse’s long-term wellbeing.
Practical Feed Room Tips
- Store feed in sealed containers to prevent mould or pests
- Label buckets clearly for multiple horses
- Check expiry dates – oils and fats can go rancid
- Weigh feed, don’t scoop by volume
- Keep a simple record of what each horse eats daily
Consistency in feeding times and amounts is as important as what you feed.
This article provides general information only and does not replace veterinary or nutritional advice for your individual horse. Always consult your veterinarian before changing feed or supplements.
💚 Together for Better Horse Welfare
When owners understand what’s inside every bag, horses get the balanced nutrition they deserve – and fewer suffer from preventable problems like laminitis, ulcers, and obesity.
Thank you for being part of a movement that values knowledge over marketing and welfare over convenience.