Nanna Luthersson says: 30%. Research says up to 50% – what does that mean for your horse?

The debate after Nanna Luthersson's statements

There is currently a debate about the use of straw for horses, after Nanna Luthersson said in an interview “max. 30%. ” In the experiment she refers to, a 50/50 distribution of wrap and straw was actually used – and this naturally raises the question: How much straw can a horse actually thrive on?
They even used wheat straw – a type of straw that many people are otherwise reluctant to use.

Why are there different recommendations?

👉 30% is a cautious rule of thumb, which is especially relevant if you do not supplement with extra protein, fiber and minerals.
👉 Recent research (including Jansson 2018, Muhonen 2019) shows that healthy horses can handle up to 50% of the roughage dry matter as straw when the feeding plan is balanced correctly.

Straw and stomach ulcers – myth or fact?

One of the most common arguments against straw is the risk of stomach ulcers. Here it is important to distinguish:
• Studies show that straw in planned quantities does not increase the risk of stomach ulcers. On the contrary, it can extend chewing time and increase saliva production, which protects the stomach.
• The problem typically occurs when horses only have straw as bedding and therefore eat small amounts “on an empty stomach.” Here, chewing time and saliva are lacking, and the acid can irritate the stomach more easily.

It is therefore a completely different situation than using straw as a strategic part of a feeding plan.

Why do we use straw in Regulator Complete?

At Regulator Complete, we see straw as a strategic feed, especially in our Lighter Saturday concept, where frugal horses benefit from:
• Satiety and calmness without extra sugar and energy.
• Dilution of energy-rich or sugary wrap batches.
• Longer chewing time – and thus more saliva, which protects the stomach.
• Support for the intestinal flora when straw is combined with protein (e.g. alfalfa, soybean meal or mash) and fermentable fibers such as beet pellets.

The important thing to remember

Straw can never stand alone. It must always be supplemented with:
• Protein
• Fermentable fibers
• Vitamins and minerals
• Salt – so that the horse also drinks enough

Conclusion

There is no one number that applies to all horses.
• 30% is a conservative standard recommendation.
• Up to 50% can work fine for many horses if the feeding plan is composed correctly and takes into account protein, fiber and micronutrients.

👉 Straw is therefore not a risk in itself - but a valuable tool when used wisely and in the right context.