In a study including rats, who had induced gastric ulcers, those treated with Aloe Vera juice showed less gastric acid output than the control & gastric ulcer groups. The rats weighed between 200-250g and were treated with 200 mg per kg twice daily for 8 days.
Translation to Horse Dose
200mg per 2.2lbs
90,909mg for 1,000lb horse
90.9g = 3.21oz
Suggested dose for Aloe Vera Juice for gastric acid inhibition would be 6.42 oz daily.
Source
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Rats weighing between 150g-200g were sorted into separate groups. Groups were treated Aloe Vera Gum Acacia powder administered at 200mg/ kg and Omeprazole administered at 20mg/ kg. Aloe Vera group showed anti-ulcer activity comparable to the omeprazole group.
Horse Dose Translation
Aloe Vera: 3.21oz Daily
Omeprazole: 9.1g Daily
100% of control group had gastric ulcerations. 40% of Aloe Vera group had ulcerations and 20% of omeprazole had ulcerations. "A. vera extract inhibits acid secretion ay be due to the presence of lectins in the plant (Blitz et al., 1963)." "Aloe buettneri extract increases gastric mucus production (Kossi et al., 2011)." "...protective properties of the mucus barrier depends not only on it's gel-like structure, but are also related to the amount of thickness of the layer covering the mucosal surface. Mucus protects the gastric mucosa against irritants..."
Source
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Triple Crown Senior
Triple Crown Senior
14% Protein - 10% Fat - 17% Fiber11.7% NSC; 1,546 kcal/lb
1.725 Billion Microorganisms/ lb
Ingredients: Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Wheat Middlings, Shredded Beet Pulp, Soybean Hulls, Cane Molasses, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Soybean Oil, Distillers Dried Grains, Stabilized Rice Bran, Flaxseed -partial listing-
Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.
Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.
Starch is needed to build muscle glycogen stores and provide the explosive energy needed during training and competitions. Though too much starch can be a bad thing, contributing to the pH disturbance in the hindgut that causes released toxins and ulcers. There are different forms of starch, for example there is corn starch and oat starch. Corn is 70% starch and a majority of it passes through the foregut undigested and digests in the hindgut. This is where you run into problems, and can actually GIVE your horse ulcers. Oat is 50% starch and a majority is digested in the foregut, so it is gentler and healthier on the digestive system. Though as a whole, it's important to be conscious of the starch content in a horse's grain, especially if they aren't performance horses.
Ingredient Dissection ||
Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal || Approximately 19% protein and 28% fiber, with low sugar [4.5%], starch [3.3%], higher amounts of minerals [mainly calcium, but also magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt, manganese, and zinc], and proper amino acids. Though like all legume, protein content varies on the variables of harvest; can vary from 17% to 25%. Alfalfa has a low carbohydrate content though “The energy content of alfalfa…” “…should not be underestimated (Bruce et al., 2008).”
Wheat Middlings || Wheat Middlings offer properties of the wheat grain though with considerably less starch. At a 14% protein, wheat middlings offer more digestible energy than legume hay. Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans || An extremely high quality protein [36%], fat [18%], and decent fiber [6%], soybeans are a superior ingredient. Under high temperatures & pressure, the anti-nutritional factors are destroyed and turned the soy into a high digestible nutrient.
Beet Pulp || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. 7 Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.
Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content. Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.
Cane Molasses || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
Dehulled Soybean Meal || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.
Soybean Oil || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Pellets are known for using oil to aid in binding the pellets together.
Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles || During the distillation process of corn, starch is converted to ethanol. The leftover solubles [liquid] and distiller grains [semi-dry] are combined to produce DDGS which is commonly used in livestock feed. High protein [25%], decent fat [8%], low fiber [7%], and decent calories [1,400kcal/ lb]. Containing decent levels of lysine, an amino acid, isn't the best ingredient and should not be used as a filler or to replace other nutrition.
Stabilized Rice Bran || 20% Fat & 1,200 calories per pound [.45kg]; “Raw rice bran has a very short shelf life due to its high fat content and a potent lipase enzyme, which immediately begins to break down the fat once the bran is separated from the rice kernel. To prevent rice bran from becoming rancid, it must undergo a stabilization process. Stabilization subjects the rice bran to heat and pressure which inactivate the lipase enzyme without destroying the nutritional value of the rice bran.” “In addition, fat in rice bran contains gamma oryzanol which has been suggested to have muscle building properties in horses.” “A potential problem with many rice brans is that they contain more phosphorus than calcium. This may create an imbalance in rations that use grass hay as their primary forage source.” Rice bran is not fortified with vitamins and minerals, though adds additional fat and calories.
Flaxseed || High in Omega-3 [anti-inflammatory that increases skin and coat condition] and low in Omega-6 [essential in the diet; in large quantities causes inflammation]. Contains vitamins [Vitamin K, Folate, Choline] and minerals [Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium], but no starch or sugar.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Triple Crown Senior is the best feed you can commercially buy. High protein, high fat, high fiber, low starch & sugar, high calories, nutrient dense, healthy ingredients, high microorganisms. Contrary to what some may say, a high protein grain will not harm a healthy horse. Anything that the healthy adult horse does not use is simply eliminated by form of urination. If your horse develops urinary trouble, then there may be an underlying issue that must be addressed. Unless your equine is in this predicament, 14% protein will only help their bodies.
High fat doesn't always men what our minds think. Fat is a cool and healthy energy that also have a lovely side effect of making a horse's skin and coat absolutely gorgeous. This is due to the Omega content that fat usually has. Fats also tend to be calorie dense, which goes hand in hand with the fact that fats provide 'cool' energy; since there is no sugars or starch.
High fiber is wonderful to see in any feed, though with adult horses that eat 2% of their body weight a day in forage this isn't an issue. Though with true senior horses that eat this feed, fiber is a MUST! Triple Crown Senior easily turns into a mush when you add water for equines with no teeth to eat. The 1.725 BILLION microorganisms per pound of this feed, which is more potent than even the best probiotic supplement, creates a healthy gut that keeps the pH in check and maximizes nutrient absorption. Happy tummies equal happy ponies!
This feed is not only the best, but most diverse on the market. It can be fed to maintenance horses, working horses, performance horses, senior horses, metabolic horses, it's perfect for many scenarios. Often, Triple Crown goes above and beyond expectations and even dominates the competition in the vitamin & minerals. Here is a comparison chart that you can use as a visual aid. If you wish me to add something to the chart, feel free to message me!
 |
| Click to enlarge, green indicates in that category Triple Crown Senior is the best |
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Saturday, May 9, 2015
Tribute Kalm N Ez [Original & Plus GC]
Tribute Kalm n EZ
14% Protein - 8% Fat - 20% Fiber14% NSC; 1,470 kcal/lb
870 Million Microorganisms/ lb
Ingredients: Beet Pulp, Soybean Hulls, Wheat Middlings, Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Soybean Oil -partial listing-
Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.
Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.
Starch is needed to build muscle glycogen stores and provide the explosive energy needed during training and competitions. Though too much starch can be a bad thing, contributing to the pH disturbance in the hindgut that causes released toxins and ulcers. There are different forms of starch, for example there is corn starch and oat starch. Corn is 70% starch and a majority of it passes through the foregut undigested and digests in the hindgut. This is where you run into problems, and can actually GIVE your horse ulcers. Oat is 50% starch and a majority is digested in the foregut, so it is gentler and healthier on the digestive system. Though as a whole, it's important to be conscious of the starch content in a horse's grain, especially if they aren't performance horses.
Ingredient Dissection ||
Beet Pulp || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. 7 Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.
Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content. Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.
Wheat Middlings || Wheat Middlings offer properties of the wheat grain though with considerably less starch. At a 14% protein, wheat middlings offer more digestible energy than legume hay.
Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans || An extremely high quality protein [36%], fat [18%], and decent fiber [6%], soybeans are a superior ingredient. Under high temperatures & pressure, the anti-nutritional factors are destroyed and turned the soy into a high digestible nutrient.
Dehulled Soybean Meal || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.
Soybean Oil || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Pellets are known for using oil to aid in binding the pellets together.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
At $16 a bag Tribute Kalm N Ez is the absolute best maintenace grain you could provide your horse. The guaranteed analysis [vitamins & minerals & microorganisms] is extensive and very well rounded. The nutrition is dervived from healthy ingredients, and with a low sugar & starch will not make your horse hot and will also support a healthy gut. The 'plus GC' also provides joint support in the form of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM.
Glucosamine HCl 1,250mg/ lb
Chondroitin Sulfate 440mg/ lb
MSM [Sulfur] No Guarantee
Assuming you are feeding the recommended dose for an adult 1,000lb horse in light work, you would be feeding 6-10lbs a day. This would provide 7,500mg - 12,500mg Glucosamine daily which is as potent as popular joint supplements. 2,640mg - 4,400mg Chondroitin also follows the same pattern. This makes for a basic, maintenance joint supplement that is a good preventative for horses in work. If your horse has arthritis is needs more support I recommend a supplement that contains Hyluronic Acid [ex. Actiflex 4,000].
As a whole, Tribute Kalm N Ez is a fantastic grain and 'plus GC' is even better.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Gain Weight by Cox Vet Lab
Gain Weight by Cox Vet lab
http://www.bigdweb.com/Gain-Weight-25-Lb/productinfo/13850/
Gain Weight - 25lbs $58, costs $0.15/ oz
2oz of Skin & Coat conditioning; 4oz for Weight Gain
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein...................14%
Crude Fat.........................40%
Crude Fiber........................8%
Calcium(min)..................0.8%
Calcium(max).................1.2%
Phosphorous..................0.5%
Vitamin E...............4,800mg/lb
Zinc................................80ppm
Thiamine................4,000mg/lb
Biotin........................400mg/lb
Gamma Oryzanol...1,600mg/lb
I converted the guaranteed analysis to per oz, versus to lb.
Vitamin E 300mg/ oz
Thiamine 250mg/ oz
Biotin 25mg/ lb
Gamma Oryzanol 100mg/ lb
When I first discovered Gain Weight the first thing I noticed was that biotin level. There have been multiple research studies that produce consistent results in regarding supplementation of 20mg of biotin producing a healthier hoof. SmartHoof, Farrier's Formula, and other popular hoof supplement have a consistent 20mg of biotin in their analysis. The fact that this WEIGHT supplement has 25mg of biotin, impressive. Biotin is good for 'hair' and 'nail', so it's no wonder that it supports skin & coat and hoof.
Second I noticed was the gamma oryzanol content. Gamma oryzanol is the main ingredient in some muscle supplements. In muscle supplements, it usually has 1,000mg-2,000mg depending on the quality of the product. 100mg isn't much, but if you're feeding the full 4oz for 400mg that is still enough that there could be a physical difference. Gain Weight is NOT a muscle supplement, but there is support.
Vitamin E is an immune system boost & also contributes to a healthy skin & coat. Something SIGNIFICANT about this Vitamin E is that it is natural, not synthetic. You can tell by looking at the ingredient list. http://www.bigdweb.com/labelpdfs/13850.pdf On the 2nd line you will see 'D-alpha tocopheryl acetate' that is Vitamin E. Synthetic vitamin E [or any substance for that matter] will have the prefix Dl-. Gain Weight contains the prefix D-, meaning it is a natural form. There have been minor studies that show how natural vitamin E effects the body positively MORE than synthetic does.
While we're in the ingredients, let's take a look at what Gain Weight is composed of. "Heat stabilized flax meal, Distillers, Dried grains with solubles, vegetable fat, -vitamins & minerals-" I will now calculate the ROUGH calorie content of this product.
Flax Meal 2,418 cal/ lb
Distillers 930 cal/ lb
Dried grains with solubles 930 cal/ lb
Vegetable Fat 4,004 cal/ lb
Taking the mean of these fatty ingredients, I come up with 2,070 calories per pound. There are 16oz in a pound, so an estimated 129 calories per oz. This is rough because I'm sure that there's more flax meal than there is vegetable fat. But it's enough for us to work off of. Now any type of 'weight gain' supplement where you give tiny scoops at 1-4oz a day are going to be high-ish in calories & fat, but not SUPER high. It won't be replacing a pound of grain, or even a flake of hay. Though it will aid in the horse's skin & coat. In Gain Weight's case, it will also aid in muscle, hoof, and DIGESTION!
I forgot to mention, Gain Weight contains probiotics such as lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus lactis, lactobacillus plantarum, enterococcus cremoris, enterococcus diacetylactis, bacillus subillis, aspergillus oryzae, and brewers yeast. In the guaranteed analysis there isn't a CFU content, so I assume it does not replace a high potency pre/probiotic. Though it's very nice to see they include that in their supplement considering that biotin has a VERY hard absorption rate.
Overall, Gain Weight is the best supplement of it's kind. I would suggest it to anyone. If your horse needs to gain more than 100lbs then we may need to dissect further into his or her diet. As there may be a root problem that is not addressed. Though if you're just looking for something minor, this is a superior 'weight supplement'.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Purina Strategy Healthy Edge
Purina Strategy Healthy Edge
12.5% Protein - 8.0% Fat - 18% Fiber
19% NSC [7% Sugar, 12% Starch]
1,300 kcal/ lb
Ingredients: Wheat middlings, dehydrated alfalfa meal, ground soybean hulls, cane molasses, dried beet pulp, ground rice hulls, soybean oil, ground corn, stabilized rice bran, vegetable oil, dehulled soybean meal, flaxseed -partial listing-
Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.
Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.
Starch is needed to build muscle glycogen stores and provide the explosive energy needed during training and competitions. Though too much starch can be a bad thing, contributing to the pH disturbance in the hindgut that causes released toxins and ulcers. There are different forms of starch, for example there is corn starch and oat starch. Corn is 70% starch and a majority of it passes through the foregut undigested and digests in the hindgut. This is where you run into problems, and can actually GIVE your horse ulcers. Oat is 50% starch and a majority is digested in the foregut, so it is gentler and healthier on the digestive system. Though as a whole, it's important to be conscious of the starch content in a horse's grain, especially if they aren't performance horses.
Ingredient Dissection:
Wheat Middlings || Wheat Middlings offer properties of the wheat grain though with considerably less starch. At a 14% protein, wheat middlings offer more digestible energy than legume hay. Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans || An extremely high quality protein [36%], fat [18%], and decent fiber [6%], soybeans are a superior ingredient. Under high temperatures & pressure, the anti-nutritional factors are destroyed and turned the soy into a high digestible nutrient.
Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal || Approximately 19% protein and 28% fiber, with low sugar [4.5%], starch [3.3%], higher amounts of minerals [mainly calcium, but also magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt, manganese, and zinc], and proper amino acids. Though like all legume, protein content varies on the variables of harvest; can vary from 17% to 25%. Alfalfa has a low carbohydrate content though “The energy content of alfalfa…” “…should not be underestimated (Bruce et al., 2008).”
Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content.6 Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.
Molasses || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
Beet Pulp || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. 7 Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.
Ground Rice Hulls || contains mostly insoluble dietary fiber, this is a low calories, low protein, high carb, low sugar, low fat, horse feed ingredient. Though containing about 10,000 CFU of microorganisms may effect the yeast in the grain.
Soybean Oil || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Pellets are known for using oil to aid in binding the pellets together.
Ground Corn || Approximately 8% protein, 4% fat, 3% fiber, and 72% starch. “Most of the starch (72%) from whole or cracked corn is not digested in the foregut and proceeds to the hindgut where it is rapidly fermented. That process results in the production of lactic acid, which messes with the hindgut pH and kills many beneficial fiber-digesting bacteria. Dying bacteria release toxins, and the result can be a horse with colic and/or laminitis resulting in founder. For these reasons, corn should be processed for all horses.” Corn and sugar both have has a glycemic index of 100. This is the reason behind ‘hot’ or hyper horses that are fed corn.
Rice Bran || 20% Fat & 1,200 calories per pound [.45kg]; “Raw rice bran has a very short shelf life due to its high fat content and a potent lipase enzyme, which immediately begins to break down the fat once the bran is separated from the rice kernel. To prevent rice bran from becoming rancid, it must undergo a stabilization process. Stabilization subjects the rice bran to heat and pressure which inactivate the lipase enzyme without destroying the nutritional value of the rice bran.” “In addition, fat in rice bran contains gamma oryzanol which has been suggested to have muscle building properties in horses.” “A potential problem with many rice brans is that they contain more phosphorus than calcium. This may create an imbalance in rations that use grass hay as their primary forage source.” Rice bran is not fortified with vitamins and minerals, though adds additional fat and calories.
Vegetable Oil || Added as a binder to the grain and also to influence the omega content. This is considered a 'low quality' ingredient since ANY vegetable oil can be used under this category. Vague ingredients are poor ingredients. Oils are high in fat, high in calories, and produce a cool energy.
Dehulled Soybean Meal || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.
Flaxseed || High in Omega-3 [anti-inflammatory that increases skin and coat condition] and low in Omega-6 [essential in the diet; in large quantities causes inflammation]. Contains vitamins [Vitamin K, Folate, Choline] and minerals [Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium], but no starch or sugar
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Tribute Kalm Ultra
Tribute Kalm Ultra
12% Protein - 12% Fat - 12% Fiber25% NSC; 1520 kcal/lb
454 Million Microorganisms/ lb
Ingredients: Ground Beet Pulp, Wheat Middlings, Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Cane Molasses, Oat Meal, Flaxseed Meal, Rice Bran, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Soybean Hulls
Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.
Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.
Starch is needed to build muscle glycogen stores and provide the explosive energy needed during training and competitions. Though too much starch can be a bad thing, contributing to the pH disturbance in the hindgut that causes released toxins and ulcers. There are different forms of starch, for example there is corn starch and oat starch. Corn is 70% starch and a majority of it passes through the foregut undigested and digests in the hindgut. This is where you run into problems, and can actually GIVE your horse ulcers. Oat is 50% starch and a majority is digested in the foregut, so it is gentler and healthier on the digestive system. Though as a whole, it's important to be conscious of the starch content in a horse's grain, especially if they aren't performance horses.
Ingredient Dissection ||
Beet Pulp || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. 7 Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.
Wheat Middlings || Wheat Middlings offer properties of the wheat grain though with considerably less starch. At a 14% protein, wheat middlings offer more digestible energy than legume hay.
Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans || An extremely high quality protein [36%], fat [18%], and decent fiber [6%], soybeans are a superior ingredient. Under high temperatures & pressure, the anti-nutritional factors are destroyed and turned the soy into a high digestible nutrient.
Soybean Oil || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Pellets are known for using oil to aid in binding the pellets together.
Cane Molasses || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
Oat Meal || Oats are about 50% starch though this isn't of too much concern since a majority of it is digested in the foregut as to not raise the pH in the hindgut and induce ulcers. Oat starch is healthy starch, though still use in moderation. Oats are high in protein, fiber, and mediocre in fat. They are a fantastic energy source. Just be AWARE of the starch.
Flaxseed || High in Omega-3 [anti-inflammatory that increases skin and coat condition] and low in Omega-6 [essential in the diet; in large quantities causes inflammation]. Contains vitamins [Vitamin K, Folate, Choline] and minerals [Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium], but no starch or sugar.
Rice Bran || 20% Fat & 1,200 calories per pound [.45kg]; “Raw rice bran has a very short shelf life due to its high fat content and a potent lipase enzyme, which immediately begins to break down the fat once the bran is separated from the rice kernel. To prevent rice bran from becoming rancid, it must undergo a stabilization process. Stabilization subjects the rice bran to heat and pressure which inactivate the lipase enzyme without destroying the nutritional value of the rice bran.” “In addition, fat in rice bran contains gamma oryzanol which has been suggested to have muscle building properties in horses.” “A potential problem with many rice brans is that they contain more phosphorus than calcium. This may create an imbalance in rations that use grass hay as their primary forage source.” Rice bran is not fortified with vitamins and minerals, though adds additional fat and calories.
Dehulled Soybean Meal || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.
Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content. Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Nutrena SafeChoice Original
Safe Choice Original
14% Protein - 7% Fat - 15% Fiber???1,300 kcal/ lb???
23% NSC [5.0% Sugar, 17.0% Starch]
Ingredients: Wheat Middlings, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Soybean Hulls, Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles, Ground Corn, Cane Molasses
Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.
Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.
Starch is needed to build muscle glycogen stores and provide the explosive energy needed during training and competitions. Though too much starch can be a bad thing, contributing to the pH disturbance in the hindgut that causes released toxins and ulcers. There are different forms of starch, for example there is corn starch and oat starch. Corn is 70% starch and a majority of it passes through the foregut undigested and digests in the hindgut. This is where you run into problems, and can actually GIVE your horse ulcers. Oat is 50% starch and a majority is digested in the foregut, so it is gentler and healthier on the digestive system. Though as a whole, it's important to be conscious of the starch content in a horse's grain, especially if they aren't performance horses.
Ingredient Dissection:
Wheat Middlings || Wheat Middlings offer properties of the wheat grain though with considerably less starch. At a 14% protein, wheat middlings offer more digestible energy than legume hay.
Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal || An extremely high quality source of nutrients; approximately 19% protein and 28% fiber, with low sugar [4.5%], starch [3.3%], higher amounts of minerals [mainly calcium, but also magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt, manganese, and zinc], and proper amino acids.3 Though like all legume, protein content varies on the variables of harvest; can vary from 17% to 25%.4 Alfalfa has a low carbohydrate content though “The energy content of alfalfa…” “…should not be underestimated (Bruce et al., 2008).”
Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content. Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.
Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles || During the distillation process of corn, starch is converted to ethanol. The leftover solubles [liquid] and distiller grains [semi-dry] are combined to produce DDGS which is commonly used in livestock feed. High protein [25%], decent fat [8%], low fiber [7%], and decent calories [1,400kcal/ lb]. Containing decent levels of lysine, an amino acid, isn't the best ingredient and should not be used as a filler or to replace other nutrition.
Ground Corn || Approximately 8% protein, 4% fat, 3% fiber, and 72% starch. “Most of the starch (72%) from whole or cracked corn is not digested in the foregut and proceeds to the hindgut where it is rapidly fermented. That process results in the production of lactic acid, which messes with the hindgut pH and kills many beneficial fiber-digesting bacteria. Dying bacteria release toxins, and the result can be a horse with colic and/or laminitis resulting in founder. For these reasons, corn should be processed for all horses.” Corn and sugar both have has a glycemic index of 100. This is the reason behind ‘hot’ or hyper horses that are fed corn.
Molasses || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
SafeChoice could certainly be worse, but it isn't great either. Wheat middling base is a less-than-idea way to start it off. Alfalfa is absolutely fantastic, very high quality. Soybean anything is very high quality, a super fiber. DDGS are mediocre and they don't concern me, though it's important that they are lower on the ingredient list and don't support a bulk of the feed. Ground corn is high in starch that is digested in the hindgut, a horrid ingredient contributing to the high 17% starch content. Molasses is absolutely within normal limits, especially since the sugar of this grain is 5.0%
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