When choosing the right horse feed, looking at the guaranteed analysis can help you determine if the nutritional content of that feed is appropriate for the age and activity level of your horse. However, the tag doesn’t tell the whole story. You’d think that two products that both contain 14% protein, 6% fat, etc. would be pretty much the same feed. But different formulation strategies can drastically change the quality.
Here is a breakdown of the three main strategies:
- Least-Cost Formulation: This method allows a manufacturer to adjust the ingredients in the formula based on cost. While this keeps prices down, a major change in ingredients can dramatically alter the effectiveness of the diet.
- Fixed Formulation: With fixed or locked formulas, the same ingredients and amounts of ingredients are used every time the feed is made. This sounds great, but ingredients vary in quality. If the formula is completely locked… the level of nutrition provided in the finished product will vary.
- Constant Nutrition: This is the superior strategy used by Purina. “Constant Nutrition” formulation is a key component of the Purina FeedGuard™ Nutrition System.
Under the Purina FeedGuard™ Nutrition System, stringent quality standards are set for ingredients. We test ingredients upon arrival and make small adjustments to ensure consistent nutrient concentrations in the finished product. So, this means horse owners always get exactly what they pay for.
Visit your local Steinhauser’s for all your equine needs.
Karen E. Davison, Ph.D., Manager- Equine Technical Services, Land O’Lakes Purina Feed