Fats Are an Effective Energy Source for Horses

Click here to download a print version of this infographic.

Text-only version of “Fats Are an Effective Energy Source for Horses.”

Pound for pound, fats provide 2.25 times more energy than carbohydrates.

Adding fat to the diet can increase the energy content of the diet without increasing meal size.

Colic and laminitis

By decreasing meal size and offering a diet rich in fat and fiber, horses become less prone to colic and laminitis.

What will feeding fat do for my horse?

Horses fed fat accumulate less lactic acid in their muscles and maintain lower heart rates during work. Horses using fat as an energy source for long-term work often show increased stamina and tend to recover faster after work.

Fat is often referred to as a “cool” energy source. Feeds high in starch and sugar tend to produce hormone surges that some researchers feel may cause horses to become more excited or “hot”-tempered. Fat burns at a slow, steady rate, reducing the hormone spikes.

Starch and sugar peak and burn at a fast rate.

Fat burns at a slow, steady rate.

The caloric density of fat makes it an incredible source of energy for hard-to-keep horses, intensely worked performance horses, mares in late gestation and early lactation, aged horses, and growing horses.

Carbohydrates increase lactic acid in muscles and recovery after exercise.

Fats decrease lactic acid in muscles and recovery time after exercise.

Research has shown that horses suffering from problems such as RER (tying up) or PSSM (glycogen storage disease) do not tolerate the starch and sugar found in grains. Fats are an excellent source of energy for these horses.

EndurExtra®

• A healthy blend of fats, natural vitamin E, and prebiotics
• Feed as little as 8 oz per day
• Maintains healthy gut and muscle function
• Recommended for hard keepers and horses in competition and training
• Stimulates appetite

Equi-Jewel® Rice Bran

• High in healthy fat and fiber
• Recommended when horses need more calories than hay and grain provide
• Safe for horses with metabolic challenges
• Will not cause excitability