LIMIT STARCH AND SUGAR
Cubes tend to be lower in starch than a mix with an equivalent energy level, but they’re not the only option. The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has introduced a feed accreditation mark to help customers identify those feeds suitable for horses prone to gastric ulcers. This means their starch and sugar contents are low enough that, when fed according to recommendations, they will deliver very low levels, according to parameters identified by specific research. When looking at feed labels, ‘low starch’ would probably be 10–12% and below; ‘reduced starch’ 12–22%; and typical competition mixes around 30% starch. As with so many aspects of equine nutrition, it’s important to look at the whole diet, rather than focusing only on one aspect or nutrient. This is when talking to an experienced nutritionist can prove invaluable.