Where does the energy come from when the horse is fed low starch and sugar?

Your horse needs energy to work – but without becoming “hot” or restless.
How do you achieve that when you avoid grains, oats and muesli?

The answer is simple: fiber and oil – sources that provide stable, blood sugar-neutral energy.

1. Fiber – the horse’s natural fuel

Horses are designed to live on high-fiber feed like grass, hay, and wrap. When the fiber reaches the large intestine, something special happens:

• Microorganisms break down the fibers into short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, butyrate)

• These fatty acids are absorbed through the intestinal wall and become stable energy for muscles, organs, cells – and the brain.

• Up to 60–70% of the horse's energy needs can be covered by fiber

Advantages:

• Energy is released slowly → calm, stable energy

• Contributes to healthy intestinal flora and proper digestion

• Healthy digestion is important for the horse's well-being

Good sources of fiber:

• Quality wrap or hay

• Alfalfa and beet pellets (without molasses)

• +Fiber Mash → a tasty supplement that provides calm energy, supports digestion and increases the horse's well-being

2. Oil – concentrated energy without sugar

Oil contains approximately 2.5 times as much energy as starch/sugar – without causing blood sugar fluctuations.

Advantages:

• Stable energy for the muscles → better endurance

• Contributes to concentration and calm focus

• A gentle alternative to grains

Good sources of oil:

• Rapeseed oil

• +Energy Fiber Mash → combines fiber and oil in one blend, perfect for horses that need extra energy without getting “hot”

3. Protein and natural sugar

The rest of the energy comes from:

• Protein in roughage or supplements (soybean meal, alfalfa) → important for muscles and tissues

• Natural sugar from grass, hay or wrap – preferably in small amounts

4. More energy – without weight gain

If you want to increase your horse's energy without causing it to gain weight, choose easily digestible fibers and good fatty acids.

Examples:

• Increase the amount of easily digestible fiber (+Fiber Mash, alfalfa, beet pellets)

• Supply omega-3 from RC O3 Algae Oil → contributes to a shiny coat, supports mobility and general well-being

• Avoid large amounts of sugar/starch, which can cause restlessness and imbalances in feeding.

5. Energy and calories – for horses that need to gain weight

Some horses need more calories – without compromising their calmness and well-being.

Obvious choices:

• Rapeseed oil

• +Energy Fiber Mash → provides concentrated energy and helps the horse to maintain balance in a calm manner

Conclusion

Horses can work efficiently and thrive on a diet low in starch and sugar.
Fiber and oil provide calm, sustained energy that supports performance, digestion, intestinal flora, concentration and general well-being – without major fluctuations in energy, blood sugar or mood.

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