For many horse owners, grains are a well-known source of starch—a form of quickly available energy. While starch can be useful for sport horses or horses with high energy requirements, many horses do not need this type of fast-release energy. This is especially true for horses that are prone to overweight, display nervous behaviour, or are sensitive to sugar and starch. But why choose grain-free horse feed, and what exactly does starch do in horse nutrition?

Are all parts of grains a source of sugar and starch in horse feed?

When reading a feed label and seeing grains or grain products listed, it’s easy to assume that the feed contains high levels of sugar and starch. However, this is not always the case.

Not all parts of a grain plant—and not even the entire grain—are rich in sugar and starch. The grain kernels, which are the seeds of the plant, are the primary source of starch. These kernels are often used in feeds designed for horses with high energy requirements (quick-release energy).

After harvesting the grain kernels, the remaining plant material becomes straw, such as wheat or barley straw. Straw is low in sugar and starch and is often used as a fibre-rich ingredient in horse feed.

The difference between grain kernels and grain by-products

After harvesting, grain kernels can be further processed—such as through extrusion, puffing, flaking, or roasting—to improve starch digestibility. Grains can also be dehulled. The fibrous outer layer of a grain kernel, such as oat hulls, actually contains very little sugar and starch.

When you see ingredients such as barley straw or oat hulls on a label, the feed can still be low in sugar and starch. This makes feeds without whole grains attractive for horses that are sensitive to sugar and starch.

Why not only look at sugar content?

Grains are mainly sources of starch, while their sugar content is often relatively low. That’s why it’s important to check not only the sugar content in horse feed, but also the starch content. Sugar and starch are digested in a similar way in the horse’s digestive system. Horses that benefit from a low sugar intake—such as easy keepers or horses with certain health conditions—also benefit from a low starch intake.

What makes Hartog Daily unique as a grain-free horse feed?

When formulating our base pellet, Hartog Daily, we chose fibre-rich ingredients such as lucerne and oat hulls. The recipe is completely free from whole grains, making it ideal for horses that are sensitive to sugar and starch. Hartog Daily contains up to 60% less sugar and starch compared to average base feeds on the market.

Would you like to learn more about the benefits of a low sugar and starch base feed for your horse? Check out our next article: Base feed for your horse: how to choose the right one?

Need help putting together your horse’s ration? We’re happy to help with a free feed advice.