All horses need sugar for general good health and performance. Sugar delivers energy that the muscles need to work properly. No sugar, no performance. For healthy horses, normal quantities of sugar present no problem. However, too much sugar is not good for anyone. Balance is key. In this blog article we’ll discuss this topic in detail.
Sugar is a naturally occurring component of all feed rations, including those comprised solely of roughage, as grass contains sugar. As a result, both roughage and concentrate feeds contain varying amounts of sugar. Sugars and starches are types of short-chain carbohydrates, which are the primary natural energy source for horses.
All horses need sugar
So what’s the deal with sugar and horse feed?
To generate energy, a horse’s body processes sugar (carbohydrates) through various means. Sugar comprises fructose and glucose, with the former being broken down in the liver, while the latter is absorbed into the bloodstream and serves as fuel for the muscles. Therefore, horses require sugar to obtain sufficient energy for physical exertion.
While sugar is not inherently harmful to horses, excessive intake may lead to health complications. As such, it is natural for a horse’s feed to contain carbohydrates, including sugar, but it’s crucial not to provide more energy than necessary to your horse. Remember this important rule of thumb – don’t give your horse more energy than it needs.
What are sugar sources for my horse?
A major source of sugar for horses is found in cereals used in concentrate feeds. These are full of starches which are converted into glucose. Another sugar source in concentrate feed is molasses, which can be a source of glucose depending on how much is added (5-10%). Don’t forget that roughage also contains sugar.
The largest part of your horse’s feed ration is made up of roughage. Roughage’s sugar and starch content is something often overlooked in the attempt to design low-sugar rations. Horses actually get their basic sugar requirement from roughage.
| Sugar | Starch | Sugar and fructan | |
| Cereals (oats, maize, wheat, barley | 0.5 – 4% | 35-70% | |
| Molasses | 40 – 50% | ||
| Hay | 0.2 – 3% | 7 – 16% | |
| Haylage | 0.6 – 2.5 % | 7 – 11 % | |
| Fresh grass | 0.03 – 4 % | 4-14% > depending on the season |
While many horses can perform their normal work without requiring additional sugar, providing concentrated supplements to their diet may be necessary to achieve optimal athletic performance. In fact, concentrates play a vital role in the diet of high-performance sport horses.
Feed your horse no more than 2 g of sugar and starch per kilogram of body weight and per ration – again, remember our rule on that – don’t give your horse more energy than it needs.
How much sugar should my horse consume?
Most sport horses can eat a certain amount of sugar and starch – in fact, they need this energy source. Studies show that 1-2 grams per kg of body weight and per feed ration can be easily digested in the small intestine. This means that a healthy 600 kg horse should be given a maximum of 1.2 kg sugar and starch per concentrate feed ration.
It is also worth noting that a horse can take in a relatively large amount of nutrients without this leading to problems. However, digestion takes time, so give your horse’s small intestine the time it needs to absorb all nutrients, including sugar and starch. You can ensure this by feeding your horse several small meals daily.
An example:
A healthy horse (warmblood) weighing 600 kg in medium-level dressage training. He gets 9 kg hay (2% starch, 10% sugar), 1 kg Cavalor FiberForce, and 1 kg Cavalor Endurix, divided over five rations (hay – concentrate feed – hay – concentrate feed – hay). How many grams of sugar and starch is this rider giving his horse per ration?
| Feed | Sugar / starch % | Quantity | Total |
| Hay, 3 kg | 10% – 2% | 300 gr + 60 gr | 360 gr |
| 0.5 kg Cavalor FiberForce 0.5 kg Cavalor Endurix | 3% – 5% 4.5% – 27.5% | 15 gr + 25 gr 22.5 gr + 137.5 gr | 200 gr |
| Hay, 3 kg | 10% – 2% | 300 gr + 60 gr | 360 gr |
| 0.5 kg Cavalor FiberForce 0.5 kg Cavalor Endurix | 3% – 5% 4.5% – 27.5% | 15 gr + 25 gr 22.5 gr + 137.5 gr | 200 gr |
| Hay, 3 kg | 10% – 2% | 300 gr + 60 gr | 360 gr |
Would you like to know how much roughage/concentrate feed your horse needs based on their training intensity? Visit MyCavalor. With just a few clicks you can find out which feed ration is best for your horse.
When should you worry about sugar?
If your horse is healthy, there’s no need to worry. Just make sure that the energy intake corresponds with the energy requirement.
Which horses benefit from low-sugar feed rations?
- Horses that are often prone to gastrointestinal problems, including gastric ulcers, colic and watery stools
- Horses with metabolic problems, such as:
- Insulin dysregulation
- Obesity
- Laminitis
- EMS
- Muscle diseases (PSSM, RER)
Obesity and associated metabolic disorders like laminitis are primarily caused by excess sugar consumption in relation to physical activity. These horses are helped by low-sugar feeds and more exercise!
Recommendation from our feed experts – when to feed your horse low-sugar products from Cavalor
Cavalor FiberForce – for sensitive horses
Cavalor FiberForce is high in fiber and contains just 3% starch and 5% sugar, making it the ideal feed for horses with sensitive hooves.
Cavalor FiberForce Gastro – for horses prone to gastric ulcers
Cavalor FiberForce Gastro is an especially high-fiber and tasty müsli with acid buffers to neutralize gastric acid.
Cavalor Silhouette – for easy keepers and overweight horses
Cavalor Silhouette is a high-fiber, high-protein feed for maintaining healthy weight and muscle mass. Cavalor Silhouette is ideal for overweight horses and ponies and draught horses that gain weight easily. Cavalor Silhouette is low in sugar and starch, but high in protein.
Does your horse have sensitive hooves? Support your horse inside and out with Cavalor LaminAid and PodoSens.
If your horse is already experiencing sensitive hooves, it’s important to inform your veterinarian and modify your feed and exercise regimen accordingly. Opt for low-energy, long-stemmed roughage and eliminate concentrate feed and pasture grazing. Ensure your horse has a comfortable, cushioned surface to stand on and encourage movement to promote blood circulation and accelerate the healing process.
Sensitive hooves may be caused by a metabolic imbalance. You can support your horse’s metabolism with Cavalor LaminAid. This feed supplement supports equine metabolism and digestion and it was specially developed to bring the body back into balance quickly. You can treat your horse’s hooves externally with Cavalor PodoSens. This soothing hoof oil provides relief and reduces pressure.
Want to know more about the right feed for your horse? At MyCavalor.com you can easily configure your horse’s feed to meet its requirements. Would you rather ask us directly? No problem, you can! Send us an email cavaloramerica@cavalor.com or call our Consumer Line at 855-228-2567.
