FEED ADVICE – DISCIPLINES
Ultimate Guide to Feeding a Show Horse
Feeding show horses requires a well-balanced diet tailored to their specific needs. Unlike horses used for leisure or light work, show horses face the unique demands of maintaining peak physical condition, a glossy coat, and the stamina necessary for performances. In this guide, we will explore the best practices for feeding show horses, ensuring they remain in top form for competition.
What is Showing?
Showing highlights a horse’s way of going, conformation, and turnout, with classes ranging from in-hand to ridden at all levels.
Horses need controlled calories from fibre and oil to maintain topline and shine without becoming excitable.
Quality protein, oils, and a balanced vitamin and mineral profile help promote coat condition and muscle tone.
A complete, fibre-based diet supports calm behaviour, digestive health, and that polished show ring appearance.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Show Horses
Show horses have distinct nutritional requirements, influenced by their breed, age, workload, and the demands of their discipline. The key goals in feeding a show horse are to:
Maintain Optimal Weight:
Show horses need to be neither too thin nor overweight. Achieving the ideal body condition score is crucial for aesthetics and performance.
Support Muscle Development:
High-quality protein is essential for muscle tone and recovery, especially for horses undergoing regular training.
Enhance Coat Condition:
A shiny, healthy coat is a sign of good nutrition and care. Specific nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are vital in achieving this.
Provide Energy for Performance:
Show horses require a steady energy supply for training and competition without becoming too excitable or nervous.
Metabolic Requirements of Show Horses
Show horses have heightened metabolic demands due to the physical and mental stress of training and competition. Their energy needs are higher than those of horses at rest or in light work. To meet these demands, it’s important to provide a diet rich in both energy and essential nutrients. The primary sources of energy for show horses include carbohydrates, fats, and fibre:
Carbohydrates: Provide quick-release energy. However, too many simple carbohydrates (such as those found in cereals) can lead to excitability and digestive issues. It’s better to rely on complex carbohydrates from fibre sources.
Fats: Offer a concentrated source of energy and are ideal for slow-release energy, helping to maintain endurance without causing spikes in energy levels.
Proteins: Crucial for muscle development and repair. Show horses benefit from high-quality protein sources that supply essential amino acids necessary for muscle tone, recovery, and overall condition.
Key Components of a Show Horse’s Diet
Forage
High-Quality Hay: The foundation of any horse’s diet should be good-quality forage. For show horses, this means providing hay that is clean, free from dust, and rich in nutrients. Timothy and alfalfa are popular choices, offering a balance of fibre and protein.
Grass: If available, fresh grass provides a natural source of nutrition. However, it’s essential to monitor grazing to prevent overconsumption, especially in lush fields that may cause weight gain or exacerbate the risks of laminitis.
Hard Feed
Balancers: A high-specification feed balancer can be an excellent way to ensure that a show horse receives all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and amino acids without adding too many calories. Did you know that all our complete feeds already contain a balancer?
Conditioning Feeds: For horses that need to build or maintain condition, conditioning feeds are designed to provide extra calories through fats and fibres rather than starches, which can lead to excitability
Key Components of a Show Horse’s Diet
Protein Sources
Soybean Meal: High in essential amino acids, ideal for supporting muscle tone and recovery.
Linseed: Offers a balance of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting both muscle health and coat condition.
Fat Sources
Oils: linseed oil provides a dense source of calories without increasing starch intake. It also contains a rich source of omega 3 for enhancing coat gloss!
Rice Bran: A popular feed additive, offering high fat content with additional protein and fibre.
Full-Fat Soya: Provides a combination of protein and fat, helping to support both muscle and energy levels.
Key Components of a Show Horse’s Diet
Supplements
Electrolytes: Especially important during the competition season, electrolytes help replenish salts lost through sweat during intense work.
Joint Support: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and other joint supplements can help support the long-term health of a horse’s joints, crucial for horses in demanding disciplines.
Skin and Coat Conditioners: Supplements rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can promote a shiny coat, while also supporting skin health. Adding a small amount of micronized linseed each day can help improve coat shine – check out our micronized linseed here!
Hydration
Always ensure that fresh, clean water is available. Hydration is critical, especially when travelling to shows or during warm weather.
Pure Feed has two different routes for hydration help – Meadow Mash and ReFuel! Both are made from micro quick soaking pellets that form tasty mashes! Meadow Mash can be fed at high volumes and only contains a pre and probiotic, whereas ReFuel is fed in smaller concentrated doses and contains all the ingredients your horse needs for recovery!
Feeding Tips for Show Horses
Energy Management: Opt for feeds that provide slow-release energy, helping to sustain your horse through long training sessions without causing spikes in energy levels.
Consistency is Key: Horses thrive on routine. Feed your show horse at the same times each day, and avoid sudden changes in diet, which can cause digestive upsets.
Monitor Body Condition: Regularly assess your horse’s body condition score (BCS). Adjust the diet as needed to maintain the ideal weight.
Manage Stress with Diet: If your horse becomes stressed during travel or at shows, consider feeds that include magnesium or other calming ingredients. However, always consult with your vet before adding new supplements.
Hear from the Expert – Ellis Grierson
Ellis Grierson is a successful show rider whose thoughtful approach to feeding plays a big part in her horses’ performance. In 2023, she and her 16-year-old pony Hummy took an impressive second place at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Known for her dedication and strong bond with her horses, Ellis pays close attention to every part of their care – especially their nutrition.
Feeding to Support Performance
To keep Hummy in top condition throughout a busy show season, Ellis combines good-quality forage with carefully chosen hard feed. She feeds Pure Performance – our highest energy feed – to give Hummy the stamina and sparkle needed in the ring.
Oats give quick-release energy for instant performance.
Oil provides long-lasting, controlled power for stamina.
Fibre supports digestive health – essential during busy show days.
All-in-one formula keeps feeding simple and balanced.
Pure Performance also supports topline and muscle tone – vital for horses in the show ring where condition and appearance matter just as much as performance.
What We Recommend for Show Horses
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You don’t have to take our word for it, just listen to the people who use it every day!
Our brand ambassadors share what makes Pure Feed different: it’s simple, time-saving, and gives their horses everything they need in one complete feed. No endless supplements, no complicated routines, just proven results and happier horses.
If you’re ready to simplify your feeding routine, start with a free Pure Feed diet plan today and see the difference for yourself 🩵
You don’t have to take our word for it, just listen to the people who use it every day!
Our brand ambassadors share what makes Pure Feed different: it’s simple, time-saving, and gives their horses everything they need in one complete feed. No endless supplements, no complicated routines, just proven results and happier horses.
If you’re ready to simplify your feeding routine, start with a free Pure Feed diet plan today and see the difference for yourself 🩵
Looking for a cosy winter mash? ❄️
Here’s the difference between Meadow Mash and Refuel so you can pick the perfect warm-up for your horse:
🌱 Meadow Mash - Mint-flavoured, high-fibre hay replacer with pre- & probiotics to support normal gut function. Perfect for frosty fields, box-rest horses, or those needing extra fibre and hydration.
🍒 Refuel - Cherry-flavoured recovery mash with electrolytes, antioxidants & amino acids. Supports muscle recovery, hydration, and overall system balance after work or competition, or if your horse needs an immune system boost!
🐴 Tried either of these? Share on your story and tag us!
Looking for a cosy winter mash? ❄️
Here’s the difference between Meadow Mash and Refuel so you can pick the perfect warm-up for your horse:
🌱 Meadow Mash - Mint-flavoured, high-fibre hay replacer with pre- & probiotics to support normal gut function. Perfect for frosty fields, box-rest horses, or those needing extra fibre and hydration.
🍒 Refuel - Cherry-flavoured recovery mash with electrolytes, antioxidants & amino acids. Supports muscle recovery, hydration, and overall system balance after work or competition, or if your horse needs an immune system boost!
🐴 Tried either of these? Share on your story and tag us!
Seeing as it`s a bit chilly this week, you might reach for the kettle to make your horse a delicious warm mash. But avoid using boiling water!
All our complete feeds contain live yeast, a beneficial microbe that:
🩵 Supports a balanced gut microbiome, keeping helpful bacteria thriving
🩵 Aids the digestion of fibre and nutrients
🩵 Helps maintain overall gut stability
As yeast is a living organism, exposing them to high temperatures (around 100°C) denatures their proteins and disrupts their cell membranes, effectively killing them. Once the yeast is dead, it can no longer support digestion or gut health, so all the benefits in your feed are lost.
✅ Tip: always use warm or cool water to soak your feed. This keeps the live yeast alive, ensuring your horse gets the full digestive and gut-supporting benefits of their Pure Feed!
Seeing as it`s a bit chilly this week, you might reach for the kettle to make your horse a delicious warm mash. But avoid using boiling water!
All our complete feeds contain live yeast, a beneficial microbe that:
🩵 Supports a balanced gut microbiome, keeping helpful bacteria thriving
🩵 Aids the digestion of fibre and nutrients
🩵 Helps maintain overall gut stability
As yeast is a living organism, exposing them to high temperatures (around 100°C) denatures their proteins and disrupts their cell membranes, effectively killing them. Once the yeast is dead, it can no longer support digestion or gut health, so all the benefits in your feed are lost.
✅ Tip: always use warm or cool water to soak your feed. This keeps the live yeast alive, ensuring your horse gets the full digestive and gut-supporting benefits of their Pure Feed!
Well, it finally feels like winter might be on its way! With the cold snap increasing calorie demands, now is the perfect time to make a change with your horse`s diet. Our winter favourites help keep weight on, support topline and shine, and provide balanced nutrition 🩵
Well, it finally feels like winter might be on its way! With the cold snap increasing calorie demands, now is the perfect time to make a change with your horse`s diet. Our winter favourites help keep weight on, support topline and shine, and provide balanced nutrition 🩵
Is your older horse:
🐴 Quidding hay
🐴 Losing muscle or condition
🐴 Struggling to maintain weight
…even though everything else hasn’t changed? These are classic signs it’s time for a veteran feed! Feel like you aren`t sure which of our feeds is the best choice for your horse? Simply fill out our diet plan quiz and we`ll send you free, personalised plan! Use the link in our bio to get started 💙
#equinenutrition #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove
Is your older horse:
🐴 Quidding hay
🐴 Losing muscle or condition
🐴 Struggling to maintain weight
…even though everything else hasn’t changed? These are classic signs it’s time for a veteran feed! Feel like you aren`t sure which of our feeds is the best choice for your horse? Simply fill out our diet plan quiz and we`ll send you free, personalised plan! Use the link in our bio to get started 💙
#equinenutrition #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove
Why does every Pure Feed contains salt?
Salt might sound simple, but it plays a vital role in keeping horses performing and feeling their best. Sodium and chloride, the two minerals that make up salt, are essential electrolytes. They help maintain hydration, muscle function, and nerve signals, and are lost every day through sweat, urine and even breathing.
Every Pure Feed includes salt to replace these daily losses and help support your horse’s natural electrolyte balance. It also helps stimulate thirst, encouraging horses to drink enough to stay hydrated which is especially important after work or during colder months when water intake can drop.
By including salt in every Pure Feed, we make sure your horse’s basic electrolyte needs are met without you needing to add table salt or a separate supplement to the bucket.
It’s one of those simple, clever details that keeps things easy for you and balanced for your horse
Why does every Pure Feed contains salt?
Salt might sound simple, but it plays a vital role in keeping horses performing and feeling their best. Sodium and chloride, the two minerals that make up salt, are essential electrolytes. They help maintain hydration, muscle function, and nerve signals, and are lost every day through sweat, urine and even breathing.
Every Pure Feed includes salt to replace these daily losses and help support your horse’s natural electrolyte balance. It also helps stimulate thirst, encouraging horses to drink enough to stay hydrated which is especially important after work or during colder months when water intake can drop.
By including salt in every Pure Feed, we make sure your horse’s basic electrolyte needs are met without you needing to add table salt or a separate supplement to the bucket.
It’s one of those simple, clever details that keeps things easy for you and balanced for your horse
Why Veteran feeds are different 👴
As horses age, their bodies change, and so do their nutritional needs. That’s why our Veteran range is formulated differently from our standard feeds:
🔬 Fibre: softer chaff in the Mix, and pellets that soak into a mash, making them easier to chew and digest.
🔬 Protein: higher levels to support muscle maintenance, as older horses can lose muscle tone more easily.
🔬 Balancer: extra vitamins and minerals to compensate for reduced digestive efficiency.
Why Veteran feeds are different 👴
As horses age, their bodies change, and so do their nutritional needs. That’s why our Veteran range is formulated differently from our standard feeds:
🔬 Fibre: softer chaff in the Mix, and pellets that soak into a mash, making them easier to chew and digest.
🔬 Protein: higher levels to support muscle maintenance, as older horses can lose muscle tone more easily.
🔬 Balancer: extra vitamins and minerals to compensate for reduced digestive efficiency.
Did you know we make a pelleted feed specifically for older horses? Pure Veteran Pellets make it easy:
🌾 Soft & soakable so easy on worn teeth
⚡ Slow-release energy from fibre & oil
🧪 Built-in vitamin & mineral balancer specifically for older horses
💚 Gut-friendly for maximum nutrient absorption
✅ Complete feed, so no extra supplements needed
Did you know we make a pelleted feed specifically for older horses? Pure Veteran Pellets make it easy:
🌾 Soft & soakable so easy on worn teeth
⚡ Slow-release energy from fibre & oil
🧪 Built-in vitamin & mineral balancer specifically for older horses
💚 Gut-friendly for maximum nutrient absorption
✅ Complete feed, so no extra supplements needed
Ever wondered what the Pure Feed team use with their own horses? Meet Tara, Elise (Head of Nutrition ) Irish Sport Horse.
Since arriving three years ago, Tara has been fed on Pure Balance. She’s a classic good doer with plenty of natural energy, so Pure Balance provides everything she needs without unnecessary calories or any fizz. Elise always jokes that the only part of Tara that’s ID is her ability to gain weight … and the mountain of hair she grows each winter!
Despite being in full work and competing up to BE Novice and BS Foxhunter, Pure Balance supplies all the vitamins and minerals Tara needs. It’s a great reminder that the label on a feed bag is a guide, not a rulebook - the right choice depends on the horse in front of you!
Wondering which Pure Feed is the right choice for your horse? Our free diet plan tool can help! Click the link in our bio to start 🌱
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove #dietplan
Ever wondered what the Pure Feed team use with their own horses? Meet Tara, Elise (Head of Nutrition ) Irish Sport Horse.
Since arriving three years ago, Tara has been fed on Pure Balance. She’s a classic good doer with plenty of natural energy, so Pure Balance provides everything she needs without unnecessary calories or any fizz. Elise always jokes that the only part of Tara that’s ID is her ability to gain weight … and the mountain of hair she grows each winter!
Despite being in full work and competing up to BE Novice and BS Foxhunter, Pure Balance supplies all the vitamins and minerals Tara needs. It’s a great reminder that the label on a feed bag is a guide, not a rulebook - the right choice depends on the horse in front of you!
Wondering which Pure Feed is the right choice for your horse? Our free diet plan tool can help! Click the link in our bio to start 🌱
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove #dietplan
Do you know how much your horse actually weighs?
There are a few different ways to find out:
• Weighbridge – the most accurate method.
• Weigh tape – handy and affordable, but results can vary.
• Measurements & calculations – a useful estimate if no other tools are available.
👉 Knowing your horse’s weight can help you:
• Feed the correct daily ration
• Dose wormers accurately
• Track changes in condition over time, for example, spotting weight loss before it’s obvious.
However, weight isn’t the whole picture. A horse’s health and performance are better reflected by a combination of weight, body condition scoring, and muscle tone. A fit eventer and a good doer native might weigh the same but look very different!
📏 Do you regularly weigh your horse or use a weigh tape?
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Do you know how much your horse actually weighs?
There are a few different ways to find out:
• Weighbridge – the most accurate method.
• Weigh tape – handy and affordable, but results can vary.
• Measurements & calculations – a useful estimate if no other tools are available.
👉 Knowing your horse’s weight can help you:
• Feed the correct daily ration
• Dose wormers accurately
• Track changes in condition over time, for example, spotting weight loss before it’s obvious.
However, weight isn’t the whole picture. A horse’s health and performance are better reflected by a combination of weight, body condition scoring, and muscle tone. A fit eventer and a good doer native might weigh the same but look very different!
📏 Do you regularly weigh your horse or use a weigh tape?
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your horse isn’t sweating!
Recovery mashes aren`t just a summer gimmick; winter training pushes muscles, burns energy, and makes your horse lose vital nutrients, just like in summer. Your horse still loses essential electrolytes in sweat, muscles still burn, and the whole body is working hard.
Pure Refuel is formulated to give your horse the support they need after training hard:
Electrolytes to replace what sweat takes out and keep hydration balanced.
Antioxidants to combat exercise-induced stress and speed recovery.
Key amino acids to maintain muscle, support strength, and keep your horse in peak condition.
Plus Refuel tastes irresitble, soaks in 5 minutes, and is suitable for horses with EMS, ulcers and Cushings! 🍒
#allyoufeedislove #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean your horse isn’t sweating!
Recovery mashes aren`t just a summer gimmick; winter training pushes muscles, burns energy, and makes your horse lose vital nutrients, just like in summer. Your horse still loses essential electrolytes in sweat, muscles still burn, and the whole body is working hard.
Pure Refuel is formulated to give your horse the support they need after training hard:
Electrolytes to replace what sweat takes out and keep hydration balanced.
Antioxidants to combat exercise-induced stress and speed recovery.
Key amino acids to maintain muscle, support strength, and keep your horse in peak condition.
Plus Refuel tastes irresitble, soaks in 5 minutes, and is suitable for horses with EMS, ulcers and Cushings! 🍒
#allyoufeedislove #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
As horses get older, their digestion slows down. This can mean:
⚠️ Harder to get nutrients from forage
⚠️ Weight loss & reduced topline
⚠️ Deficiencies in key vitamins & minerals
Teeth wear and reduced gut efficiency make it even trickier.
👉 That’s where Pure Veteran Mix comes in:
✅ Highly digestible fibre & oil for slow-release energy
✅ Built-in balancer with essential vitamins & minerals
✅ Gut balancer to optimise digestion
✅ Soft, easy-to-chew pellets for worn teeth
💡 It’s a complete feed, no extra supplements needed. Just feed alongside forage and help your older horse stay strong, shiny, and comfortable into their senior years.
As horses get older, their digestion slows down. This can mean:
⚠️ Harder to get nutrients from forage
⚠️ Weight loss & reduced topline
⚠️ Deficiencies in key vitamins & minerals
Teeth wear and reduced gut efficiency make it even trickier.
👉 That’s where Pure Veteran Mix comes in:
✅ Highly digestible fibre & oil for slow-release energy
✅ Built-in balancer with essential vitamins & minerals
✅ Gut balancer to optimise digestion
✅ Soft, easy-to-chew pellets for worn teeth
💡 It’s a complete feed, no extra supplements needed. Just feed alongside forage and help your older horse stay strong, shiny, and comfortable into their senior years.
Worried about fireworks this autumn? Here are our top tips:
1. Plan Ahead
Check local fireworks schedules and speak with neighbours or your council to know when displays are expected. Planning turnout, stabling, and feeding around these dates can reduce stress.
2. Create a Safe Environment
If possible, move your horse away from fireworks. Check fencing and your fields for hazards. For stabled horses, ensure the stable is secure, ventilated, and free from sharp objects. Leaving boots on overnight can help protect legs.
3. Distraction is Key
Keep horses occupied with ample forage, toys, or treat balls. Pure Meadow Mash or Pure Treats in a treat ball can be fed in larger portions to distract and comfort horses. Soft background sounds, like classical music or nature tracks, can help mask fireworks.
4. Use Calming Products Wisely
Discuss with your vet about calming supplements such as magnesium or herbal remedies. Pheromone sprays can also reduce stress by mimicking natural calming signals.
5. Maintain Consistent Routines
Stick to normal feeding, turnout, and exercise schedules. Familiarity is reassuring. Leaving a light on in the stable can help reduce the impact of flashing fireworks.
6. Stay Calm and Reassuring
Horses pick up on handler emotions. Stay relaxed, use gentle strokes, and avoid loud voices or sudden movements. Remember that frightened horses can act unpredictably.
7. Observe and Adapt
Each horse reacts differently. Some may benefit from early feeding, others from larger soaked fibre portions before fireworks start. Adjust based on behaviour and stress levels.
8. Consult a Professional if Needed
If your horse shows severe anxiety, speak to your vet as they can offer alternative solutions to help keep your horse calm.
Worried about fireworks this autumn? Here are our top tips:
1. Plan Ahead
Check local fireworks schedules and speak with neighbours or your council to know when displays are expected. Planning turnout, stabling, and feeding around these dates can reduce stress.
2. Create a Safe Environment
If possible, move your horse away from fireworks. Check fencing and your fields for hazards. For stabled horses, ensure the stable is secure, ventilated, and free from sharp objects. Leaving boots on overnight can help protect legs.
3. Distraction is Key
Keep horses occupied with ample forage, toys, or treat balls. Pure Meadow Mash or Pure Treats in a treat ball can be fed in larger portions to distract and comfort horses. Soft background sounds, like classical music or nature tracks, can help mask fireworks.
4. Use Calming Products Wisely
Discuss with your vet about calming supplements such as magnesium or herbal remedies. Pheromone sprays can also reduce stress by mimicking natural calming signals.
5. Maintain Consistent Routines
Stick to normal feeding, turnout, and exercise schedules. Familiarity is reassuring. Leaving a light on in the stable can help reduce the impact of flashing fireworks.
6. Stay Calm and Reassuring
Horses pick up on handler emotions. Stay relaxed, use gentle strokes, and avoid loud voices or sudden movements. Remember that frightened horses can act unpredictably.
7. Observe and Adapt
Each horse reacts differently. Some may benefit from early feeding, others from larger soaked fibre portions before fireworks start. Adjust based on behaviour and stress levels.
8. Consult a Professional if Needed
If your horse shows severe anxiety, speak to your vet as they can offer alternative solutions to help keep your horse calm.
Wishing you and your horses a spook-tacular Halloween from all of us here at The Pure Feed Company!
Let us know what you`re doing to celebrate in the comments below ⬇️
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #happyhalloween
Wishing you and your horses a spook-tacular Halloween from all of us here at The Pure Feed Company!
Let us know what you`re doing to celebrate in the comments below ⬇️
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #happyhalloween
With Halloween coming up, may horse owners want to know "Can Horses Eat Pumpkins?" 🎃
Want your horse to join in the Halloween fun? Or perhaps you have a few pumpkins going spare after carving. But yes, your horse can eat pumpkin! Pumpkins are mostly water and fibre, low in starch, and packed with beta-carotene (a pro-vitamin A). ✅ That makes them a crunchy, gut-friendly snack!
But seeds in huge quantities can be difficult for your horse to digest! We recommend cutting up a few chunks of the Pumpkin and feeding it seed free.
Got a question regarding equine nutrition? Leave it in the comments, we would be more than happy to help 😊
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #halloween #faq
With Halloween coming up, may horse owners want to know "Can Horses Eat Pumpkins?" 🎃
Want your horse to join in the Halloween fun? Or perhaps you have a few pumpkins going spare after carving. But yes, your horse can eat pumpkin! Pumpkins are mostly water and fibre, low in starch, and packed with beta-carotene (a pro-vitamin A). ✅ That makes them a crunchy, gut-friendly snack!
But seeds in huge quantities can be difficult for your horse to digest! We recommend cutting up a few chunks of the Pumpkin and feeding it seed free.
Got a question regarding equine nutrition? Leave it in the comments, we would be more than happy to help 😊
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #halloween #faq
Not sure if your horse is getting exactly what they need from their feed? 🩵
Every horse is different - from workload and temperament to medical history and grazing - so there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all diet. That’s why a personalised feeding plan can make all the difference.
📋 Whether your goal is to build top line, maintain weight, support performance, or manage a condition - we can help you get there.
💬 Comment “DIET PLAN” below or click the link in our bio to start your free, tailored feeding plan today.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
Not sure if your horse is getting exactly what they need from their feed? 🩵
Every horse is different - from workload and temperament to medical history and grazing - so there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all diet. That’s why a personalised feeding plan can make all the difference.
📋 Whether your goal is to build top line, maintain weight, support performance, or manage a condition - we can help you get there.
💬 Comment “DIET PLAN” below or click the link in our bio to start your free, tailored feeding plan today.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
🎃 Trick or Treat… But Watch Out for Hidden Sugars!
Halloween is here, and your horse might be expecting a few treats. But beware… not all treats are as innocent as they look. Some hide sinister sugars under friendly names like molasses, glucose syrup or cane sugar!
Why care? These sneaky sugars are non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which can spike blood glucose and insulin. For sugar-sensitive horses, ponies prone to laminitis, or those with EMS or Cushing’s, that’s a recipe for a very scary vet bill. 💀
Molasses is especially sneaky: sweet, sticky, and rapidly fermentable in the hindgut. Too much, and it can disrupt digestion, alter gut microbes, and even cause colic.
Pure Feed treats, on the other hand, are all treat and no trick. Low-starch, fibre-rich, and free from hidden sugars, they support the hindgut function while still being delicious!
You can find out more about Pure Treats on our website!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition
🎃 Trick or Treat… But Watch Out for Hidden Sugars!
Halloween is here, and your horse might be expecting a few treats. But beware… not all treats are as innocent as they look. Some hide sinister sugars under friendly names like molasses, glucose syrup or cane sugar!
Why care? These sneaky sugars are non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which can spike blood glucose and insulin. For sugar-sensitive horses, ponies prone to laminitis, or those with EMS or Cushing’s, that’s a recipe for a very scary vet bill. 💀
Molasses is especially sneaky: sweet, sticky, and rapidly fermentable in the hindgut. Too much, and it can disrupt digestion, alter gut microbes, and even cause colic.
Pure Feed treats, on the other hand, are all treat and no trick. Low-starch, fibre-rich, and free from hidden sugars, they support the hindgut function while still being delicious!
You can find out more about Pure Treats on our website!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition
How do I choose the right calorie level for my horse? 🤷
To get this right, it helps to look at the numbers.
Baseline energy needs ⚡️
An average 500 kg horse at rest needs around 65–70 MJ (megajoules) of digestible energy (DE) per day just to maintain bodyweight.
Add light work (e.g. hacking 3–4 times a week), and this rises to 75–85 MJ/day.
Moderate work (e.g. regular schooling, low-level eventing) pushes it to 90–100 MJ/day.
Harder workloads (e.g. advanced eventing, racing) can exceed 120 MJ/day.
Winter factor ❄️
Once temperatures dip below the horse’s lower critical temperature (around 0–5°C for a horse with a winter coat), requirements increase by ~2–2.5% for every degree drop. That means on a frosty night at –5°C, a horse may need an extra 15–20 MJ/day simply for staying warm.
What does that look like in feed?🐎
Grass (summer grazing): Good grass provides ~10 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. A horse can easily meet 80–100 MJ/day on grass alone.
Hay: Average meadow hay sits around 7–9 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. To meet 80 MJ, a horse would need 9–11 kg of hay (dry weight) daily, which is achievable but often limited by hay quality or feeding practices.
Why does this matter? 🤔
If the diet falls short, the horse mobilises fat (and eventually muscle) to make up the difference, which is why condition loss is so common in winter. On the other hand, oversupplying calories can lead to unwanted weight gain and metabolic strain in good doers.
How Pure Feed helps 🩵
Because our complete feeds combine fibre, oil, and a full balancer in every bag, they deliver calories in the same slow-release form the horse’s gut evolved to use. That means:
You can top up forage rations with controlled calories.
You know vitamins and minerals are always covered.
You can choose the right calorie level across our range, from Pure Easy for good doers to Pure Condition Mix for horses needing more support. With no hidden ingredients, preservatives or molasses, there`s a Pure Feed for your horse.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
How do I choose the right calorie level for my horse? 🤷
To get this right, it helps to look at the numbers.
Baseline energy needs ⚡️
An average 500 kg horse at rest needs around 65–70 MJ (megajoules) of digestible energy (DE) per day just to maintain bodyweight.
Add light work (e.g. hacking 3–4 times a week), and this rises to 75–85 MJ/day.
Moderate work (e.g. regular schooling, low-level eventing) pushes it to 90–100 MJ/day.
Harder workloads (e.g. advanced eventing, racing) can exceed 120 MJ/day.
Winter factor ❄️
Once temperatures dip below the horse’s lower critical temperature (around 0–5°C for a horse with a winter coat), requirements increase by ~2–2.5% for every degree drop. That means on a frosty night at –5°C, a horse may need an extra 15–20 MJ/day simply for staying warm.
What does that look like in feed?🐎
Grass (summer grazing): Good grass provides ~10 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. A horse can easily meet 80–100 MJ/day on grass alone.
Hay: Average meadow hay sits around 7–9 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. To meet 80 MJ, a horse would need 9–11 kg of hay (dry weight) daily, which is achievable but often limited by hay quality or feeding practices.
Why does this matter? 🤔
If the diet falls short, the horse mobilises fat (and eventually muscle) to make up the difference, which is why condition loss is so common in winter. On the other hand, oversupplying calories can lead to unwanted weight gain and metabolic strain in good doers.
How Pure Feed helps 🩵
Because our complete feeds combine fibre, oil, and a full balancer in every bag, they deliver calories in the same slow-release form the horse’s gut evolved to use. That means:
You can top up forage rations with controlled calories.
You know vitamins and minerals are always covered.
You can choose the right calorie level across our range, from Pure Easy for good doers to Pure Condition Mix for horses needing more support. With no hidden ingredients, preservatives or molasses, there`s a Pure Feed for your horse.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
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