Optrimal X explained

Good nutrition for a sport horse does more than simply provide energy. It supports the body from within, helping the horse stay healthy and perform at its best. It is from this vision that Cavalor developed OPTRIMAL X: the nutritional concept behind the Cavalor sport feeds.

During development, our nutritionists and veterinarians started with one central question: what does a sport horse truly need? The answer is not the same for every horse. OPTRIMAL X is therefore not one fixed recipe, but a system with three pillars that are tailored to each feed.

1. Smart starch

Highly digestible sources, focus on safe starch for effective fuel without compromising on digestion and health.

2. Strong & healthy gut

Microbiome (biotics) and gut support, especially relevant under high-intensity training and stress.

3. Tailored vitamins & minerals

Covering a broad base of nutrients, in the correct ratios, and smart use of chelates when workload demands it.

The strength of OPTRIMAL X lies in the interaction between its three pillars. A healthy gut helps the horse use nutrients more
effectively. Carefully selected energy sources provide an appropriate energy profile. Tailored micronutrients support processes such as muscle function, recovery and immunity. The result is nutrition that matches the horse, the workload and the desired feel in the saddle.

Does Cavalor love mueslis?

You may already have noticed that many Cavalor feeds come in the form of a muesli. We love mueslis for several reasons, but above all because muesli encourages your horse to chew for longer and eat more slowly, stimulates saliva production, contains readily digestible nutrients and, thanks to its visible ingredients, shows exactly what you are feeding. Structure is the greatest advantage of muesli. It benefits the stomach and gut.

Did you know that one kilogram of muesli results in around 900 chewing movements, compared with 600 for one kilogram of pellets? Your horse therefore has to chew muesli for longer, which slows eating and increases saliva production. Saliva contains sodium bicarbonate, a useful buffer that neutralises excess stomach acid. With muesli, you can also see what you are feeding: the individual ingredients are generally clearly visible, so you know exactly what your horse is eating.

Nutritional support for performance built on 3 pillars

STRONG & HEALTHY GUT

A healthy gut is essential for a sport horse’s health and performance. Nutrients are absorbed and energy is used in the gut. This is closely linked to overall condition and performance.

Fiber plays an important role in this. Structurally rich fibers stimulate chewing and saliva production, helping to keep the gastric and intestinal environment stable. Pre-, pro- and postbiotics also support balance in the gut. A healthy gut helps a horse use its feed more efficiently.

TAILORED VITAMINS & MINERALS

Vitamins and minerals support processes such as energy supply, muscle function, recovery and immunity. A horse’s requirements change with training intensity. It is therefore not only the amount that matters, but also the right proportions and bioavailability. A horse in intensive training has different nutritional requirements from a sensitive or recreational horse.

Where relevant, highly bioavailable trace elements are used, including chelated forms of zinc, copper and manganese. This gives the horse targeted support tailored to its activities.

SMART STARCH

A sport horse needs energy to perform. Starch is a commonly used energy source, but not every starch source is used equally efficiently. Scientific studies show that grain processing affects starch digestibility. Puffing and extrusion open up the grain structure, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more effectively.

This reduces the risk of undigested starch reaching the hindgut. Puffed and extruded ingredients also create more volume and
encourage longer chewing, which benefits digestion.