Understanding Horse Feed Tags: Guaranteed Analysis Explained

Purchasing horse feed often seems straightforward—protein percentages and price tags are the primary considerations. However, there’s valuable information on the white perforated tag at the bottom of your feed bag, hidden beneath colorful marketing tactics.

Educating yourself on this can make a significant difference in your horse’s health. This is Part 1 of our 3-part series designed to demystify feed tags.

What You'll Learn in This Series:

• Part 1: Decoding the Guaranteed Analysis
• Part 2: Interpreting the Ingredient List
• Part 3: Integrating the Information for Informed Feeding Choices

What Information is on a Feed Tag?

Feed tags must comply with federal and state regulations, so you’ll find similar information across different brands. Here's what to look for:

1. Product Name and Brand Name
2. Purpose Statement: Specifies the species and classes of animals for which the feed is intended.
3. Guaranteed Analysis: Includes:
   • Minimum percent Crude Protein (CP)
   • Minimum percent Crude Fat (Fat)
   • Maximum percent Crude Fiber (CF)
   • Minimum and Maximum percent Calcium (Ca)
   • Minimum percent Phosphorous (P)
   • Minimum Copper (Cu) in parts per million (PPM)
   • Minimum Selenium (Se) in parts per million (PPM)
   • Minimum Zinc (Zn) in parts per million (PPM)
   • Minimum Vitamin A (International Units (IU) per pound)
4. Feed Ingredients

What Does the Guaranteed Analysis Reveal?

The Guaranteed Analysis lists the minimum and maximum levels of nutrients. Understanding this analysis helps you become a better advocate for your horse’s nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of key components:

Minimum Percent Crude Protein

Crude Protein (CP) indicates the minimum amount of protein in the feed. Protein is essential for muscle and tissue development and supports enzyme and hormone production. Young horses, pregnant or lactating mares, and senior horses have varying protein needs:

• Growing Horses: 14-18%
• Mature Horses: 9-12%
• Senior Horses: 12-14%

More protein is not always better, as excess protein can convert to urea and ammonia, which may contribute to respiratory issues. The quality of protein, including essential amino acids like lysine, is crucial for optimal growth. This will be discussed further in Part 2.

Minimum Percent Crude Fat

Fat is a significant energy source, providing about 2.5 times the energy of carbohydrates and protein. High-fat feeds (6-12% fat) are beneficial for horses needing extra energy. These are often used for growth and high-intensity work. Properly balancing fat intake can enhance energy levels while minimizing the need for large feed quantities.

Maximum Percent Crude Fiber

Fiber supports digestive health and is primarily derived from forage. Feed with less than 7% fiber is energy-dense and should be fed cautiously. Conversely, feeds with more than 12% fiber provide lower energy. Understanding fiber types and digestibility will be covered in Part 2.

NSC Levels: Starch Content

Nonstructural Carbohydrates (NSC) reflect starch levels in feed. Low-starch options are beneficial for weight management:

• NSC > 35%: High-starch feed
• NSC 20%-35%: Moderate starch feed
• NSC < 20%: Low-starch feed

Vitamins

Vitamins are divided into water-soluble (B-complex) and fat-soluble (A, D, E, K). Horses synthesize some vitamins, so deficiencies are rare. Vitamin A is often included due to its common deficiency in non-commercially fed horses. Excess fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate to toxic levels, so balance is essential.

Minerals

Minerals, essential for various bodily functions, are listed as percentages for macrominerals like calcium and phosphorus, and trace minerals like copper, zinc, and selenium:

• Calcium and Phosphorus: Maintain a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (1:1 to 2:1) to support bone health.
• Trace Minerals: Provided in PPM (parts per million) to meet daily requirements, adjusted for the horse’s age and status.

Understanding your horse’s specific mineral needs helps in selecting the right feed. Most commercial feeds are formulated to meet these requirements for different horse categories.

By mastering the feed tag's details, you can make informed choices that enhance your horse’s health and performance. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will dive into interpreting the ingredient list and further refine your feed selection skills.

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