1. Check the ingredients in the order they appear
On the label, raw materials are listed from those present in the greatest amount to those present in the smallest. If you find cereals at the top of the list – oats, barley or maize – you know the feed is high in starch. If, on the other hand, fibrous ingredients come first, such as lucerne or dried grass, the product will be more “safe in terms of energy” for your horse, meaning it is based on slow-release energy.
2. Look at the protein and fibre content
Two figures that say a great deal about the character of a feed. A high level of crude protein is particularly suitable for horses that struggle to gain weight and for those in hard work. Feeds with less protein, on the other hand, are a better choice for horses that put weight on easily and for those at risk of metabolic disease or laminitis. And the higher the crude fibre content, the better the feed is for the digestive system.
3. Sugars i skrobia
Not every label states these values outright, but producers increasingly declare the content of simple sugars and starch, in response to the growing number of horses with digestive problems and to owners wanting this information. It matters particularly for horses with ulcers, insulin resistance, laminitis or a nervous temperament. The lower the level of sugars and starch, the more “metabolically safe” the feed is.
4. Trace elements and macrominerals – check not only that they are present, but in what form
Particularly important in the horse’s diet are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and selenium. It is worth looking not only at how much is present, but at the form in which these minerals appear in the feed. Oxides and sulphates are less well absorbed than chelates, which support the body more effectively. It is the form of the additive that decides whether the nutrients really do their job.
5. The veterinary approval number and the producer’s claims – certainty and safety
Every feed placed on the market legally should carry a visible veterinary approval number on the bag. That confirms the product has been inspected and meets feed-law requirements. It is also worth reading the producer’s claims, for example “for sport horses” or “for ponies”, but treat them as a guide. Look too at functional additives such as brewer’s yeast, vegetable oils, herbs or prebiotics, which can genuinely support digestion, the digestive system and the condition of your horse’s coat.
Podsumowując…Reading feed labels can seem difficult, but as you can see it is enough to look at five key points: the order of ingredients, the level of protein and fibre, the sugar and starch content, the form of the minerals, and the veterinary approval number. The choice of feed then stops being a lottery and becomes a considered decision matched to your horse’s needs! If you find it hard to choose a feed, it is worth consulting the nutritionist of the brand you have in mind, who will help you pick the product that best suits your horse 🐴