Wheat Germ Soybean Oil Blend

Adding fat to top dress a feeding program is an excellent way to improve body condition for those hard keepers, high performance, special needs and senior horses. Fat is energy dense and provides more than twice the kcals per gram (9kcal per gram) compared to carbohydrates and protein, (both provide 4 kcals per gram). In essence, a horse would have to consume more than twice the volume in grain to gain the equivalent calories provided by fat. 1 cup oil (250ml) = 4000kcal, 1cup of oats = 1350 kcal, 1 C commercial feed 1450 kcal The average sized horse (360 to 540 kg [800 to 1,200 lb]) has a stomach capacity of around 8-15 L (eight quarts or two gallons), By nature, horses are meant to graze 24/7, consuming approximately 1-1.4 pounds (0.5-0.6 kg) of grass per hour as opposed to hay 15-20lbs a day and grain(6-10lbs of grain (2.7-4.5kg) split into 2 feedings, for a horse performing moderate activity. This amount of feed at one time can cause digestive concerns, especially if the horse eats fast, has history of colic, laminitis, polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), characterized by severe muscle cramping and tying up).

Adding fat will reduce the amount of grain required, will improve digestibility of fat soluble vitamins as well as the slowing down the flow of food from the stomach into small intestines where digestive enzymes take action to further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. By improving nutrient absorption in the small intestines (foregut), less will reach the hind gut (large intestines and caecum), therefore less fermentation, gas, bloating and possible digestive upset. Feeding smaller amounts of grain more frequently and top dressed with fat, would be better suited to maintain body condition and support the sensitive digestive capacity of the horse.

Mix 28 - 56 ml in the horse's daily ration.