Why not Soy?
Because I couldn’t find anything else like it on the market.
The ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids is almost 8:1. This makes soy very inflammatory.
Soy is very often sprayed with weed killers and insecticides making it dangerous for all species to consume.
Soy is high in phytoestrogens which can wreak havoc on the endocrine system.
What’s the issue with wheat?
It all begins with an idea.
1. Digestive Sensitivity:
Horses have a unique digestive system designed to process fibrous plant material. Wheat and wheat middlings are rich in starches and carbohydrates that can be difficult for horses to digest properly. These ingredients can disrupt the delicate balance of the horse’s hindgut, potentially leading to issues such as colic and laminitis.
2. High Starch Content:
Both wheat and wheat middlings have high starch content, which can lead to rapid fermentation in the hindgut. This fermentation process can result in an overproduction of lactic acid, causing a drop in pH levels and increasing the risk of hindgut acidosis. This condition can lead to digestive upset, discomfort, and even serious health issues.
3. Imbalance in Nutrient Ratios:
Horses require specific ratios of nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, to maintain their health. Feeding wheat or wheat middlings as a primary source of nutrition can lead to imbalances in these essential nutrients. This can affect the horse’s coat quality, muscle development, and overall performance.
4. Laminitis Risk:
Laminitis, a painful inflammatory condition affecting the hooves, is a serious concern for horse owners. Feeding high-starch feeds like wheat and wheat middlings increases the risk of laminitis development. The rapid fermentation of starches in the hindgut can lead to an excessive release of toxins and endotoxins, contributing to laminitis episodes.
5. Insulin Resistance and Obesity:
A diet high in starches and carbohydrates can lead to insulin resistance in horses. Insulin resistance affects the body’s ability to properly regulate blood sugar levels and can result in obesity, which in turn increases the risk of various health issues, including metabolic syndrome and founder.
No corn either?
It all begins with an idea.
1. Digestive System Mismatch:
Horses have evolved to thrive on a diet of grasses and forages, which are high in fiber and low in starch. Corn, on the other hand, is rich in starch and carbohydrates. The horse’s digestive system is not designed to efficiently process high-starch feeds. Feeding corn can lead to disruptions in the microbial balance within their hindgut, causing digestive issues like colic and laminitis.
2. Risk of Colic:
Colic is a general term for abdominal pain in horses and can result from various factors, including dietary changes. The consumption of corn can increase the risk of colic due to its potential to ferment and produce excess gas in the gut. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and even life-threatening situations if not promptly addressed.
3. Laminitis Concerns:
Laminitis is a painful condition that affects the sensitive laminae within a horse’s hooves, leading to lameness and potentially irreversible damage. High-starch diets, such as those containing corn, can trigger insulin spikes and contribute to the development of laminitis, especially in horses prone to metabolic issues.
4. Weight Management Challenges:
Obesity in horses is a growing concern and is linked to various health problems, including metabolic disorders and joint issues. Corn is calorie-dense and can contribute to excessive weight gain if not carefully monitored. Horses consuming excess calories from corn may become overweight, exacerbating the risks of other health complications.
5. Nutrient Imbalances:
Horses require a balanced intake of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for optimal health. Feeding corn without careful consideration can upset this balance, potentially leading to deficiencies or imbalances that affect overall well-being, coat quality, and immune function.
6. Impact on Behavior:
The high energy content of corn can sometimes lead to hyperactivity and behavioral changes in horses. While each horse’s reaction may vary, feeding corn might result in increased spookiness, nervousness, and difficulty maintaining focus.
And no molasses.
It all begins with an idea.
Cancer risk:
While acrylamide is typically associated with high-temperature cooking processes and is not naturally found in molasses, it’s worth noting that there have been reports of acrylamide formation in certain foods containing molasses, particularly blackstrap molasses.Blackstrap molasses is a thicker, more concentrated form of molasses that is often used as a sweetener and for its nutritional properties. Some studies have indicated that acrylamide can form in foods containing blackstrap molasses when they are exposed to high-temperature cooking, such as baking or roasting. This can occur due to the naturally occurring sugars and amino acids in molasses, which can undergo the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that leads to acrylamide formation, when subjected to high heat. Pelleting feeds requires high heat,_
High Sugar Content:
Molasses is a thick, sugary byproduct of the sugar refining process, often added to horse feed to enhance taste and palatability. However, its high sugar content can be problematic for horses, especially those prone to metabolic issues like insulin resistance and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain, laminitis, and other health complications.
Impact on dental health
Regular consumption of molasses-laden feed can contribute to dental issues in horses. The stickiness of molasses can lead to the accumulation of feed particles around the teeth, increasing the risk of dental decay, gum disease, and discomfort. Ensuring proper dental health is crucial for your horse’s overall well-being and ability to chew food effectively.
Disruption of Gut Health:
The equine digestive system is sensitive and finely balanced. High sugar content from molasses can disrupt the microbial population in the gut, potentially leading to digestive upset, colic, and other gastrointestinal issues. Horses with sensitive stomachs might be particularly susceptible to these disruptions.
A Nutritional Imbalance:
Molasses is primarily used to improve the taste of horse feed, but it doesn’t contribute significantly to the nutritional value of the diet. Relying on molasses to make feed more appealing might mask the lack of essential nutrients, leaving your horse with an imbalanced diet. Instead of relying on molasses, opt for feeds that are well-formulated to provide the necessary nutrients, like Optimus Equine Feed.