Above all, unlike other cereals such as barley or maize, oats do not need hydrothermal processing. The starch they contain is loosely packed, so digestive enzymes in the small intestine have much easier access to it, and the energy becomes available to the horse more quickly. This also prevents starch being broken down in the large intestine, a fall in pH, the death of microorganisms and their passage into the blood, which helps prevent laminitis. Remember, though, that feeding too much of this cereal can still lead to laminitis!
One of the main advantages of oats is their high fibre content (11-30%), which counters an increase in their volume in the stomach. In addition, the hull of the grain mechanically stimulates the glands of the digestive system, causing a greater secretion of digestive juices. Under the hull there are substances that give a pleasant aroma, which raises the appetite. In rolled or crushed oats they oxidise and the fats go rancid, which is why healthy adult horses are best fed the whole grain. Besides, studies of digestibility in horses show that rolling increases digestibility only from about 81% to 85%.
The protein content of oats averages 12% and is not much higher than in barley or maize, which contradicts a well-known myth. It is of good quality and is made up of twice as many essential amino acids (ones the body cannot produce itself) as the protein in maize and barley. What is true, however, is that oats are a cereal rich in rapidly digested starch (about 50%), that is a source of fast-release energy. This means they have a high glycaemic index and cause a large jump in blood sugar after a meal. They are therefore not safe for horses with metabolic disease, insulin resistance, a tendency to laminitis, or for horses with ulcers, and excitable or nervous horses.
A drawback of oats is their susceptibility to mould, the way they take up dust, and the rapid spread of fungi, mites and bacteria. It is therefore worth sieving and soaking the cereal before feeding, so that most of the contamination can be removed and respiratory allergies prevented. Soaked grain stimulates chewing well enough and does not swell in the stomach, which reduces the risk of colic.
How should oats be combined in the diet? Because the level of phosphorus is too high relative to calcium, oats should be balanced with a suitable amount of hay or other forages rich in calcium. There is never any certainty, however, that this is enough, and what about the other minerals and vitamins? In that case, ready-made vitamin and mineral mixes are useful, such as our supplement “Grassland Everyday Care”, and feeds bez dodatku owsa enriched with all the essential nutrients. Remember that when we feed muesli below the amount recommended by the manufacturer, for example when combining it with oats, the horse does not receive the right amount of vitamins and minerals, and these need to be topped up.
To sum up… oats used wisely are a very valuable concentrate in horse feeding. We cannot always save money by using them, however, because they are not suitable for horses with a delicate digestive system, metabolic disease or a tendency to laminitis. In the case of ill horses, the diet should be discussed with a vet. And most important: let us remember to keep cereals to a minimum, because forage should be the foundation of the diet of our four-legged charges.