Nutritional Tidbit: Carbohydrates Aren’t All Bad

The most important thing to keep in mind regarding “carbs” is that there are different types of carbohydrates and the type you are feeding matters.

Slowly fermentable carbohydrates (the fiber found in fresh pasture and dried forages like hay) are very beneficial to your horse. In fact, they should be the foundation of his or her diet.

Simple or rapidly fermentable carbohydrates (starches and sugars) can only be digested in limited amounts by the horse. These carbs are a useful energy source when fed at the appropriate levels; however, an overload of these carbs can cause a host of health problems.

While each type of carbohydrate has its place in meeting the nutritional requirements of your horse, they must each be fed in the appropriate amounts to keep your horse healthy.

For more information on carbs visit our blog and explore these titles.

Clarifying Carbohydrates Part I

Clarifying Carbohydrates Part II

Clarifying Carbohydrates Part III

Feeding starch/sugar sensitive horses