Which one is best for my horse: a fortified feed, balancer pellet, or a vitamin and mineral supplement?

Confused about the difference between a fortified feed, balancer pellet, and vitamin and mineral supplement? You are not alone. We put together a simple chart to help you choose which one is right for your horse.

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Text-only version of “Which one is best for my horse: a fortified feed, balancer pellet, or a vitamin and mineral supplement?”

Fortified Feed

Provides: Energy, fiber, protein, vitamins, macro minerals, and trace minerals.

May provide: Omega fatty acids and/or digestive aids.

Average minimum amount fed to meet basic nutritional requirements: 4 to 6 pounds.*

When to choose a fortified feed:

When required amount of forage does not provide enough energy (calories) to maintain a healthy weight or support optimal performance.

Feed according to manufacturer’s directions.

Balancer Pellet

Provides: Protein, vitamins, macro minerals, and trace minerals.

May provide: Omega fatty acids and/or digestive aids.

Average minimum amount fed to meet basic nutritional requirements:  ½ pound to 2 pounds.*

When to choose a balancer pellet:

When required amount of forage provides enough energy but has protein levels below what is required for the horse’s age.

Age                                     Percent protein required in diet

Weanlings:                        14% to 16%

Yearlings/2-year-olds:    12% to 14%

Mature horses:                 10% to 12%

Performance horses:       12% to 14%

Seniors:                              12% to 14%

Feed according to manufacturer’s directions.

Vitamin & Mineral Supplement

Provides: Vitamins and trace minerals.

May provide: Omega fatty acids and/or digestive aids.

Average minimum amount fed to meet basic nutritional requirements:  2 to 4 ounces.*

When to choose a vitamin and mineral supplement:

When fiber sources such as hay and/or  pasture provide enough energy and  protein but are missing essential vitamins and trace minerals.

OR

When less than the recommended level of fortified grain is fed, to meet vitamin and mineral requirements.

Feed according to manufacturer’s directions.

*Each product is formulated differently, so be sure to follow the feeding directions on the label or feed tag.

Micro-Phase™ offers the perfect solution by providing the vitamins and trace minerals necessary to support good health in a tasty, low-calorie pellet.

Micro-Phase is recommended for:

• Easy keepers eating little to no forti­fied feed
• Easy keepers on restricted grazing routines
• Horses and ponies in light work consuming all-forage diets
• Horses and ponies fed plain grains or unforti­fied feeds
• Horses and ponies on restricted diets due to obesity issues
• Senior horses or ponies that need a little extra nourishment