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Understanding protein supplements for horses
Protein constitutes a crucial component of the diet for performance and exercising horses. It plays a pivotal role in building and preserving muscle mass, which is paramount for athleticism.
Why is Protein for Horses so Essential?
An adult horse can comprise up to 55% muscle mass, and protein is the primary constituent of muscle. Proteins are intricate molecules comprised of smaller units known as amino acids. Among the 21 amino acids that create proteins, some are synthesized by the body, while others are not and are labelled as essential amino acids, necessitating dietary intake.
Proteins serve numerous functions in the body beyond muscle development. They are present in collagen, skin, hair, hooves, and in every cell, playing a critical role in metabolic processes, molecule transport, cellular repair, and healing.
Understanding ‘Crude Protein’ in Horse Feed
Many horse owners are familiar with the protein percentage in their horse’s feed (for example, 10, 12 or 14 % feeds). However, this figure represents the percentage of “crude protein,” which assesses all nitrogen sources in the feed and does not necessarily reflect the actual protein content. Nevertheless, it provides a general guide. The amount of protein fed in your horse’s diet should affect his/her work rate with growing horses and those with higher intensity exercise regimes, like racing thoroughbreds, racing Arabians or endurance horses requiring more quality protein than horses at rest.
The protein content in hay can vary significantly, depending on when the grass was cut to make the hay. Early-season hay tends to have a higher protein content. To ensure your horse receives an adequate protein intake, especially if you are concerned about their diet, consider an equine-specific daily protein supplement like Muscle Prep.
What Matters for Protein in Your Horse’s Diet?
It’s crucial to remember that all proteins are not created equal. Evaluating your horse’s diet based solely on protein content is insufficient. Protein quality and digestibility are equally important to ensure your horse gets what it needs.
Protein Quality: The composition and concentration of amino acids in proteins significantly affect their quality. Some amino acids are less abundant in the natural equine diet and are considered essential. In cases where these amino acids are scarce, they become “limiting amino acids,” restricting overall protein production. Soya bean meal is an example of a high-quality protein source for horses, rich in these essential amino acids—lysine, threonine, and methionine.
Protein Digestibility: Not all proteins are easily digested, and the crude protein percentage does not equate to the digestible protein percentage. Proteins that can be digested before reaching the large intestine are considered to have good digestibility.
Muscle Prep: Our Muscle Prep product contains high-quality, easily absorbed amino acids, alongside antioxidants and vitamins that support muscle growth and function while optimizing protein utilization.
Why Young and Performance Horses Need Protein
For young horses, the primary limiting nutrient for growth is dietary energy content. However, a diet deficient in protein content or one with poor-quality, poorly digestible protein can significantly hinder growth rates. Studies show that supplementing weanlings or younger horses’ diets with limiting amino acids can enhance their growth rates.
Performance horses undergoing training also require increased protein intake to support muscle development, which is a direct result of exercise. Endurance horses that work over long distances will have a much higher protein requirement to optimize their muscular health. After muscle mass increases, a higher protein intake remains necessary for maintaining muscle structure.
Best Protein Supplements in Your Horse’s Diet
When selecting a protein supplement for horses, it’s essential to consider protein content, quality, and digestibility. Muscle Prep is a daily liquid protein supplement for horeses featuring high-content, high-quality, hydrolyzed plant protein, specially designed to promote muscle development in horses. Hydrolyzed plant protein is pre-digested, ensuring it’s readily available for the horse. Additionally, Muscle Prep includes Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant for horses that aids muscle health and recovery, as well as B Vitamins that optimize protein utilization.
For personalized guidance on your horse’s dietary requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to the knowledgeable Foran team.
References:
- Mok CH, Urschel KL. Amino acid requirements in horses. Asian-Australas J Anim Sci. 2020 May;33(5):679-695. doi: 10.5713/ajas.20.0050. Epub 2020 Mar 12. PMID: 32164055; PMCID: PMC7206390.
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Nicolas Gaumerais
Group Commercial Manager GCC Region
Based in the UAE, Nicolas Gaumerais is the Commercial Manager of the Connolly's RED MILLS Group which includes Foran Equine supplements and Connolly's RED MILLS horse feed in the GCC region. Nicholas regularly travels across the Gulf.