Muscle supplements for horses – what's in a special product?

There are many specialty products on the market that promise extra muscle for horses. One of these is often mentioned in various horse forums. But what does it actually contain – and is it worth the money?

In this post, we will go through a concrete example step by step so that you can learn to assess what is in the bag and whether it is suitable for your horse.

Why write about protein?

Protein is one of the most discussed nutrients in the equine world. Many horse owners know that horses need it – but not always in what quantities or from what sources.

When you learn to read the table of contents, you can much more easily assess:

• Which raw materials provide real protein?

• Is there added sugar/starch that the horse doesn't need?

• Are you getting value for money in terms of protein content and digestibility?

Ingredients in the product

(Swedish → Danish)

• Potato protein → Potato protein

• Wheat bran → Wheat bran

• Lucerne → Lucerne

• Wheat → Wheat

• Pressad betmassa → Pressed beet pellets

• Beet molasses → Beet molasses

• Oat bran → Oat bran

• Oats → Oat

• Obearbetad vegetabilisk olja från rapsfrö → Unprocessed rapeseed oil

• Calcium carbonate → Calcium carbonate (lime)

What does this mean for your horse?

Potato protein
The main protein source in the product. Has a reasonable amino acid pattern, but is not as well documented as, for example, soy meal when it comes to digestibility in horses. Often more expensive per gram of digested protein.

Wheat bran and oat bran
Contributes fiber and phosphorus. The challenge is that it can shift the calcium-phosphorus balance, which therefore requires added calcium. Not rich in essential amino acids.

Lucerne
Well-documented, good source of protein and calcium. Supports digestion.

Wheat and oats
Contributes primarily with energy (starch), not protein. May be unsuitable for frugal horses or horses with metabolic problems.

Pressed beet pellets and beet molasses
Provides easily digestible fiber and energy. Molasses increases the sugar content, which can be problematic for sensitive horses.

Rapeseed oil
Good source of energy, but without protein.

Calcium carbonate
Added to balance the high phosphorus content from bran products.

Our rating

The product contains protein, but it is important to look at where the protein comes from. The main source is potato protein, which can be used, but is not as well documented or affordable as, for example, soy. The rest of the content is primarily fiber, starch and added sugar.

When calculating the price per 100 g of protein ingested, it turns out that products such as soy meal are often both cheaper and more effective because they provide the essential amino acids the horse needs – in a well-documented form.

What can you use this for?

👉 When you are standing with a product, always turn the bag over and read the table of contents. That way you can assess:

• Which raw materials really provide value?

• Is it the right protein source for your horse?

• Are you getting the most protein for your money?

By asking these questions, you can make a conscious choice yourself – and avoid paying dearly for marketing rather than nutrition.

📌 In short: Specialty products can be used, but you often pay more for alternative protein sources and added ingredients than you would by choosing a clean and well-documented protein source like soy.

If you want to read more about which protein sources exist — and what the difference is between them — you can find more right here protein sources for horses – what's the difference?