FEED ADVICE – HEALTH
Youngstock Nutrition: A Comprehensive Guide
Selecting the correct youngstock feed is critical to supporting controlled growth, skeletal integrity, and long-term soundness in foals and yearlings. Nutrition during early life directly influences bone density, muscle development, and metabolic programming, with imbalances increasing the risk of developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD), including physitis and osteochondrosis.
A scientifically balanced approach to youngstock feeds focuses on optimising nutrient intake without promoting excessive growth rates, ensuring steady development and reducing physiological stress on immature skeletal structures.
Key Highlights
A youngstock is a young, growing horse, including foals, weanlings, and yearlings with elevated nutritional demands to support rapid and correct development
A youngstock feed is specifically formulated to meet these demands – providing controlled energy, high-quality protein, and balanced vitamins and minerals tailored to growth
Key considerations for youngstock include managing growth rate, supplying bioavailable protein and essential amino acids, and maintaining correct calcium: phosphorus ratios alongside key trace minerals
Always prioritise digestive health and feed quality – fibre-based diets that support hindgut development, while avoiding high sugar and starch levels, help promote steady, healthy growth
What Are Youngstock Feeds?
Youngstock or stud feeds are formulated to meet the precise nutritional requirements of growing horses, where demand for amino acids, minerals, and digestible energy differs significantly from that of mature horses.
Effective youngstock feeds must:
- Provide adequate but controlled digestible energy (DE)
- Deliver high-quality, bioavailable protein
- Maintain correct calcium: phosphorus ratios (typically 1.5–2:1)
- Supply essential trace minerals (copper, zinc, manganese) in bioavailable forms
- Support hindgut development and microbial stability
Nutritional Requirements of Growing Horses
Protein and Amino Acids
Protein quality is more critical than quantity in youngstock feeds. Lysine is the first limiting amino acid in equine diets and is essential for muscle protein synthesis and tissue development.
Deficiencies in lysine or overall protein quality can result in:
High-quality protein sources such as grass-based ingredients provide a more natural amino acid profile aligned with equine digestive physiology.
Pure Stud can contribute to youngstock diets by supplying quality protein alongside essential amino acids, supporting controlled growth and condition without excessive energy intake.
Energy Sources and Growth Regulation
Energy provision in youngstock feeds must be carefully controlled. Excessive digestible energy, particularly from high-starch and sugar sources, has been strongly associated with an increased incidence of DOD.
- Fibre (structural carbohydrates): Primary energy source, supporting hindgut fermentation and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production
- Fats: Provide energy density without increasing glycaemic response
- Starch and sugars (NSC): Should be minimised to avoid insulin spikes and altered cartilage development
Diets high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) can disrupt endochondral ossification, contributing to skeletal abnormalities. Therefore, youngstock feeds should prioritise low-starch, fibre-based energy systems.
Minerals and Skeletal Development
Correct mineral balance is fundamental in youngstock feeds, particularly for bone mineralisation and joint health.
Key considerations include:
Calcium & Phosphorus: Essential for bone formation; imbalances can impair skeletal development
Copper: Critical for collagen cross-linking and cartilage integrity; deficiency is linked to osteochondrosis
Zinc & Manganese: Support bone density and enzyme function
Oversupplementation or incorrect ratios can be just as detrimental as deficiencies, highlighting the importance of a balanced, formulated feed rather than ad hoc supplementation.
Digestive Development and Gut Health
In young horses, the hindgut microbiome is still maturing, making digestive stability a critical consideration when formulating youngstock feeds. A well-established microbial population is essential for fermenting fibre into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which provide a steady source of energy and support overall metabolic health.
Fibre intake encourages microbial colonisation and stabilises fermentation, promoting gut maturation and preventing rapid fluctuations in pH that can lead to hindgut acidosis.
Prebiotics and probiotics help maintain a balanced microbial population, enhancing nutrient absorption, improving immune function, and reducing the risk of digestive disturbances during periods of growth or dietary transition.
Abrupt dietary changes or high-starch feeds can destabilise the hindgut environment, leading to dysbiosis, colic, diarrhoea, and inefficient nutrient utilisation, all of which can negatively impact growth and overall health.
Feeds within the Pure Feed Complete range are specifically designed to support digestive health during critical growth phases, incorporating pre- and probiotics alongside fibre-rich ingredients. This combination encourages stable microbial communities, enhances nutrient uptake, and helps youngstock achieve steady, healthy growth without compromising gut integrity.
Risks of High Sugar and Starch Diets in Youngstock
Feeding high levels of sugar and starch is one of the most significant nutritional risks for growing horses. Diets high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose and post-prandial insulin, which not only affects metabolic stability but also interferes with normal cartilage and bone development. Excessive insulin and glucose can disrupt the endochondral ossification process, increasing the risk of developmental orthopaedic diseases (DOD) such as physitis and osteochondrosis. High-NSC diets can also contribute to digestive upset, including hindgut acidosis, and may promote excitability or behavioural issues due to rapid energy fluctuations.
Because of these risks, youngstock feeds should be carefully formulated with controlled starch and sugar levels, relying primarily on fibre and fats as the main energy sources. Fibre supports stable, slow-release energy through hindgut fermentation, while fats provide dense energy without the rapid glycaemic spikes associated with high-NSC feeds, helping to maintain steady growth, skeletal integrity, and a calm, healthy temperament.
Key Components of Youngstock Feeds
Grass chaff: Provides long fibre to support gut motility and microbiome development, essential for young horses’ digestion and nutrient absorption. Slow-fermenting fibre helps prevent colic and maintains a steady energy supply.
Vitamin E & Selenium: Crucial antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage during rapid growth. Selenium supports muscle function and immune health, while vitamin E works synergistically to maintain healthy tissues and immunity.
Linseed: A source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain development, anti-inflammatory processes, and skin/coat health. Also contributes a modest amount of digestible energy.
Grass Pellets: A concentrated fibre source that is palatable and easily digested, helping meet daily fibre requirements without excess bulk. Supports gut health and provides some slow-release energy for growth.
Balancers: Ensure youngstock receive all essential vitamins and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, trace elements) in the correct ratios, supporting bone growth, joint development, and metabolic functions.
Feeding Management Strategies for Youngstock
Promote steady growth rates: Avoid rapid weight gain or excessive condition
Prioritise fibre-based diets: Support gut health and metabolic stability
Minimise starch intake: Reduce risk of DOD and metabolic disruption
Use balanced feeds: Select youngstock feeds that provide integrated nutrition rather than relying on multiple supplements
Monitor body condition and development: Adjust feeding rates based on growth stage and workload
Conclusion
Feeding young horses requires a precise and scientifically informed approach. The correct youngstock feeds support controlled growth, skeletal integrity, and long-term soundness, while reducing the risk of developmental disorders associated with nutritional imbalances.
By prioritising fibre-based energy sources, high-quality protein, and correctly balanced minerals, breeders can ensure optimal development. Carefully formulated feeds such as Pure Stud and the Pure Feed Complete range provide a practical, all-in-one solution, delivering consistent nutrition while avoiding the risks associated with high sugar and starch diets.
Establishing correct nutrition during early life stages is one of the most important factors in producing healthy, resilient, and high-performing horses.
What we recommend for youngstock:
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Thousands of people love our feeds
Most horse feeds are built around adding things in. At Pure Feed, we built ours around taking the confusion out 🩵
No separate chaff.
No balancing products.
No complicated feed charts stuck to the tack room wall.
Just scientifically balanced, fibre-based nutrition designed to support the horse as a whole 👉 from gut health and energy metabolism to muscle recovery and condition.
What makes us different? 👇
✔️ Complete nutrition in every feed
So every mouthful contributes towards a balanced diet; not just calories.
✔️ Low sugar & starch, no molasses, no alfalfa
Carefully formulated to support horses needing a more controlled, fibre-focused diet.
✔️ Gut-first formulation
With high fibre levels, pre & probiotics, and highly digestible ingredients to support the hindgut microbiome.
✔️ Real-world feeding that actually works
From happy hackers to top-level competition horses, we create feeds that are practical, consistent and easy to feed correctly.
Because feeding well shouldn’t mean feeding more products 👀
🏇 Worked hard. Sweated hard. Recovered properly?
When your horse exercises, they don`t just lose water. They also lose electrolytes, burn through nutrients and create muscle fatigue that needs supporting before the next ride.
That`s why we created Pure Refuel 🩵
Refuel combines:
⚡ Electrolytes to replace what`s lost through sweat
💪 Essential amino acids to support muscle recovery
🦠 Live yeast to support gut health
🍒 Cherry for to tempt the fussiest of horses
🌱 Low sugar & starch formulation
💧 Quick-soaking mash to encourage fluid intake
Whether you`ve just finished a competition, a training session, a fun ride or a long day travelling, Refuel helps support recovery from the inside out 🩵
🚨 Good doers need nutrients too 🚨
One of the biggest feeding myths we see? 👀
"My horse gains weight easily, so they don`t need hard feed."
The reality is that calories and nutrition aren`t the same thing.
A horse can be carrying plenty of condition while still falling short on important nutrients needed for healthy hooves, muscle function, immunity, coat quality and overall wellbeing 🌱
That`s where a feed balancer comes in 🩵
Designed to provide concentrated nutrition without unnecessary calories, a balancer helps support your horse`s diet when they don`t need large bucket feeds.
Why do owners choose Pure Balance? 👇
✔️ Low calorie, nutrient-dense formulation
✔️ Vitamins & minerals to help balance forage and grazing
✔️ Added amino acids to support topline and muscle maintenance
✔️ Pre & probiotics for digestive support
✔️ Biotin for healthy hooves
✔️ No molasses or added sugar
Think of it like this...
Your horse may not need more feed 👉 they may just need more nutrition. 🧬
Perfect for good doers, native types, horses on restricted grazing, and anyone looking to support a balanced diet without adding unnecessary calories 🩵
The hard work doesn’t end when the ride stops.
Whether it’s a competition, a schooling session, travelling, or simply coping with hot weather, giving your horse the right support afterwards can make all the difference to how they feel the next day.
Hydration, muscle function, digestive support and replenishing what’s lost through sweat all play a huge role in keeping horses comfortable, healthy and ready to go again.
That’s why we created Pure Refuel 💧🐴
An easy-to-feed recovery mash designed to support horses after work; without relying on cereals or unnecessary sugar 🍒🩵
Your horse’s feed should do more than just fill a bucket 👀
At Pure Feed, our complete range is formulated to be just that: complete. Meaning your horse gets balanced nutrition in every bite, without the need for endless extras and complicated feeding plans 🌱
Each feed combines:
✔️ High-quality fibre for digestive health
✔️ Added vitamins & minerals for daily balance
✔️ Essential amino acids to support topline & muscle
✔️ Linseed & rapeseed oil for slow-release energy
✔️ Pre & probiotics to support the gut microbiome
Because feeding your horse shouldn’t feel like solving a science equation every day 🧪
Whether you have a happy hacker, competition horse, veteran or good doer, the goal stays the same:
➡️ Simple feeding
➡️ Consistent nutrition
➡️ Healthy horses
☀️ Grass might look like the perfect summer feed… but appearances can be deceiving.
Lush grazing can provide plenty of calories, but it doesn’t always provide the balanced nutrition your horse actually needs to support:
⬇️ Muscle function
⬇️ Hoof quality
⬇️ Gut health
⬇️ Recovery
⬇️ Energy levels
⬇️ Overall performance & condition
As grass grows rapidly through summer, nutrient levels can fluctuate massively, and key vitamins, minerals, quality protein and electrolytes are often still lacking.
That’s why at Pure Feed all of our feeds are designed as complete feeds 🩵
Meaning every scoop contains:
✔️ High-quality fibre
✔️ Added vitamins & minerals
✔️ Pre & probiotics for gut support
✔️ Linseed & rapeseed oil for slow-release energy
✔️ Essential amino acids to support topline & muscle
No complicated feed rooms. No balancing guesswork. Just simple, complete nutrition that works with your horse`s gut not against it 🌱
It’s a really common misconception that Pure Feed has “higher feeding rates” than other brands. That perception usually comes from how different feeds are structured, not how much nutrition the horse is actually receiving.
Firstly, many traditional feeding systems are built across multiple separate products: a chaff for fibre, a balancer for vitamins and minerals, a mix or cube for energy, and then additional supplements for gut health, hoof condition, or muscle support. Because these elements are often purchased individually, it’s easy not to fully register just how many separate feeds are being used to build the daily ration.
Secondly, when you compare feeding rates in isolation, it can also be misleading. A single product, such as a chaff, may appear to have a lower recommended intake on its own, but that’s because it’s only contributing one part of the overall diet. The rest of the nutrition comes from other bags, buckets, and supplements.
Our Complete feeds are formulated differently. Everything is already built in; a balanced fibre base, carefully selected energy sources, a full vitamin and mineral profile, plus targeted functional support for gut health, muscle function, and hoof strength. Because of that, the feeding rate can look slightly higher when compared directly to a single-component product like a chaff, but you’re actually seeing the full ration in one place rather than just part of it.
It simplifies the whole routine, reduces the need to juggle multiple products, and ensures consistency in every mouthful 🩵
Final week ⏳
£5 off Pure Stud ends soon!
If you’re looking for a complete, balanced feed to support youngstock, mares or stallions, now is the time to try!
With higher protein levels, a full balancer, and a formulation free from cereals, molasses, soya and alfalfa, Pure Stud offers a simple and effective feeding solution.
Available in-store and online 🩵
Molasses is commonly used in horse feeds as a cheap palatability enhancer, effectively adding sweetness to make heavily processed or less naturally palatable ingredients more appealing.
The issue is that this approach also increases the overall sugar content of the diet, while encouraging reliance on flavouring rather than formulation quality. For some horses, this can contribute to unnecessary spikes in dietary sugar intake and inconsistent energy levels, particularly in more sensitive types.
That’s why the Pure Feed range is completely molasses-free.
We don’t rely on added sweetness or masking agents to make our feed tastier. Instead, we focus on naturally palatable, fibre-led formulations with slow-release energy sources, supporting steadier intake, more consistent condition, and a more transparent approach to nutrition.
Want to learn more about our molasses free feeds ? Link in bio 🩵
Feeding shouldn’t feel like building a puzzle every morning 🧩
A complete feed brings everything together in one consistent, carefully formulated ration; designed to deliver fibre, energy, vitamins, minerals and protein in the right proportions, every time.
Instead of relying on multiple buckets, supplements, and guesswork, you’re giving the horse a single, balanced foundation that supports gut health, condition, and performance as one joined-up system.
Because when nutrition is already complete, everything else becomes simpler, keeping them feeling their best, day in, day out🐴 🩵
A complete feed should do more than just “fill a gap”; it should actively support the horse from the inside out, every single day.
That’s why the Pure Complete range goes further, building in targeted support through Gut Support, Muscle Support, and Hoof Support packages as standard = not as add-ons, not as extras, but as part of the formulation itself.
So instead of juggling separate supplements and hoping everything adds up, you’ve got a fully balanced feed that supports digestion, topline, strength, and hoof health in one simple system.
Complete nutrition, complete support = all in one bucket 🩵
When it comes to youngstock and breeding horses, nutrition plays a key role in long-term development 🩵
Pure Stud provides higher levels of protein and a full balancer, while remaining low in sugar and starch, supporting a more controlled rate of growth.
Formulated without cereals, molasses, soya or alfalfa, it offers a clean, consistent approach to feeding, with a lower-risk profile for developmental concerns such as OCD.
Available in-store and online 👉 and now £5 off throughout May!
A complete feed is more than just a bucket of feed thrown together; it’s a carefully balanced system designed to support your horse from the inside out.
Each component plays a role: high-quality fibres for gut health and steady energy release, essential oils for slow-release fuel, and a fully balanced vitamin and mineral profile to remove the need for additional supplements. Add in digestible protein for topline and muscle repair, and you’ve got nutrition that works in harmony with the whole horse.
No gaps. No guesswork. Just everything they need, all in one place.
That’s the idea behind a Pure Feed complete feed = simplicity, balance, and performance you can see. 🐴
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient involved in a range of key physiological processes in the horse. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, particularly important during periods of work, growth, or recovery. It is also essential for collagen synthesis, supporting the integrity of connective tissues, including tendons, ligaments, skin, and blood vessels, all of which are under constant strain in the athletic horse. In addition, vitamin C contributes to normal hormone synthesis, supporting overall metabolic balance and physiological function.
Because of its importance across multiple systems, vitamin C is included as part of the carefully balanced formulation in our Complete feeds. This ensures horses receive consistent, appropriate levels as part of their daily nutrition, supporting health, resilience, and performance without the need for additional supplementation 🩵
Pre-ride feeding has a real physiological impact on how the horse’s body copes once exercise starts.
A small fibre-based feed before work helps support digestion by keeping hindgut fermentation active and gut function stable, rather than asking the digestive system to switch focus while blood flow is redirected to working muscles during exercise. It also supports steady energy by encouraging slow, microbial fibre fermentation in the hindgut. This produces a gradual, sustained release of energy substrates, rather than the quick spikes and drops associated with starch digestion.
And importantly, it helps protect the stomach by creating a fibre layer within the stomach contents, which reduces acid movement and splashing onto the unprotected stomach lining when the horse is in motion and abdominal pressure increases.
The great news is that, as Pure Feed is high in fibre, you can use a small handful of your chosen feed to give to your horse before you set off 🩵
Sending @elphick.event.ponies and her stunning greys all the best over the next few days 🩵
It’s finally here!! Badminton week! We’re wishing our brand ambassador @ellah.orses the biggest luck and can’t wait to cheer her down the centreline at 14:36 today! 🍀🩵
May just got better 🌱
£5 off Pure Stud, all month long!
Complete nutrition for youngstock, mares & stallions… without the extras you don’t want.
✔ No cereals
✔ No molasses
✔ No soya or alfalfa
✔ Low sugar & starch
Available in-store & online 🩵
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