When it comes to feeding our horses, ensuring they receive the best possible nutrition is a top priority and we rely on good quality feeds to provide this. However, navigating the world of horse feeds can be challenging, especially when terms like “fillers,” “binders” and “molasses” come into play.

While these ingredients are common in many horse feeds, not all horses tolerate them well. So, in our latest blog post, we’ll dive into what these ingredients are, why they are used, and why some horses may struggle with them:

What Are Fillers, Binders and Molasses?

Fillers
Fillers are ingredients in horse feed that add bulk or ‘fill’ but contribute little to no nutritional value. They are often used to make the feed more palatable or to reduce the overall cost of production. Common fillers include by-products like wheat feed and oat feed, and soya hulls. Whilst they are not inherently harmful and can provide a source of ‘fibre,’ fillers are typically lower in nutrients compared to other feed components like cereals, nutritious digestible fibre, or forages.

Binders:
Binders are substances used to hold the feed particles together, giving pellets or cubes their shape and consistency. They ensure that the feed holds up during manufacturing, transport, and storage. Binders can include ingredients like lignin, bentonite, or certain types of gums. These ingredients are often necessary for creating a durable, stable feed but can sometimes interfere with digestion in sensitive horses.

Molasses:
Molasses is a thick, sweet syrup that’s added to horse feeds primarily for taste. It also helps reduce dust and can provide a quick energy source due to its high sugar content.

While many horses love the sweet taste of molasses, if it’s fed in high levels, its high sugar content can be problematic, especially for horses with metabolic issues and those who are more sensitive to sugars.

Why Are These Ingredients Used?

The primary reasons for including fillers, binders and molasses in horse feeds are cost, palatability, and practicality:

• Cost Efficiency: Fillers reduce the overall cost of feed production. By using less expensive by-products, manufacturers can create a more affordable product.
• Palatability: Molasses and certain fillers make feed more appetising to horses. A sweet, appealing flavour can encourage fussy eaters to consume their entire feed.
• Feed Structure: Binders ensure that pelleted or cubed feeds maintain their shape, making them easier to handle and store.

While these benefits can be significant in terms of feed production and cost, they can also come at a cost to some horse’s health, causing discomfort and irritation in more sensitive horses.

Why Some Horses Can’t Tolerate Them

Digestive Sensitivity:                                                                                                                                   
Some horses have particularly sensitive digestive systems and may struggle to process low-quality fillers. Fillers that are not well digested have the potential to cause digestive upset, including diarrhoea, or an increased risk of impaction, alongside the potential to imbalance the hindgut microbial population. Horses with conditions like ulcers or colitis may also react poorly to certain binders that can irritate the gut lining.

Metabolic Disorders:
Horses with metabolic disorders like Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Equine Cushing’s Disease (PPID) can be especially sensitive to high-sugar feeds. Molasses, due to its high glycaemic index, can exacerbate these conditions, leading to insulin resistance, laminitis, or uncontrolled weight gain.

Allergies and Intolerances:
Just like people, horses can have food allergies or intolerances. Certain fillers or binders might trigger allergic reactions, resulting in skin issues, respiratory problems, or other allergic symptoms. Fillers like wheat and oat feed can also contain mycotoxins which can have negative effects on horse health.

Behavioural Issues:
For some more sensitive horses, the high sugar content in molasses, if fed in higher amounts, can lead to behavioural issues. Excessive sugar intake can cause excitability and fizzy behaviour, making the horse more difficult to manage. This is more concerning in performance horses or those used in competitive disciplines where focus and calmness are crucial, so if your horse is reactive to sugar its best to look for lower sugar, higher fibre feeds to help maintain calmness.

What Are the Alternatives?

For horses that can’t tolerate fillers, binders or molasses, there are plenty of naturally nutritious alternative feed options:

• Forage-Based Diets: High-quality hay or pasture is always the best foundation for any horse’s diet

Providing a forage-based diet fed alongside a comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement fed in some unmolassed chaff or a fibrous mash like CoolStance Copra will provide a more natural and digestible option for sensitive horses, whilst ensuring they receive a fully balanced diet.

• Low-Sugar Feeds: Look for feeds that have lower levels of NSC (starch and sugar) like that will help provide nutrition for horses with metabolic issues and sugar sensitivity. CoolStance Copra is naturally low in NSC, and higher in nutritious digestible fibre to support nutrient needs without compromising health.
• Naturally, Nutritious Feeds: If your horse is sensitive to fillers, binders and molasses, focusing on providing naturally nutritious feeds is key in maximising their health and nutrition. Feeds like Copra meal (CoolStance Copra) are completely natural. Made from the white parts of coconuts, and baked, dried and ground, CoolStance Copra provides only essential nutrients without unnecessary additives.

While fillers, binders and molasses may have their place in the production of horse feeds, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your horse. If your horse has a sensitive digestive system, a metabolic disorder, or other health concerns, carefully selecting their feed to reflect these needs can make a big difference to their well-being. By understanding what goes into your horse’s feed and why, you can make informed decisions that contribute to their long-term health and happiness.

If you have any questions about creating the best diet and nutrition for your horse or pony, please contact 01488 73322 or info@boomerangnutrition.co.uk