Why did you decide to make a molasses-free version of Healthy Hooves? What type of horse is it most suitable for?
We listened to feedback from customers, who are increasingly asking for a molasses-free complete feed because there isn’t anything else available. It’s suitable for those prone to laminitis, those with Cushing’s syndrome, EMS cases and horses and ponies with poor hoof condition.
How would you decide whether to feed Healthy Hooves or Healthy Hooves Molasses Free to a horse?
It often comes down to palatability because some horses prefer a slightly sweeter taste. Healthy Hooves is still very low in sugar, at just 5%, which is half the level found in hay – so, if horses prefer it, then it is still absolutely fine to use. Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is now available for owners who simply don’t want to use molasses.
Molasses is one way to help improve the palatability of a feed. With the molasses-free version, what’s been added to make sure the horse loves it?
We use garlic to aid palatability and, in feeding trials, it has performed well for a molasses-free product.
Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is, obviously, free from molasses, but it does still contain sugar. Why is this?
The base plant materials in Healthy Hooves Molasses Free, alfalfa and straw, contain some sugar, so it is impossible to produce a sugar-free feed. We just don’t add any more sugar to the feed, so it is as low-sugar as possible.
What’s included in Healthy Hooves Molasses Free to help promote healthy hooves?
Alfalfa is a source of calcium that is much more bio-available than that supplied from limestone. Calcium has been shown to help improve the structural integrity of hoof horn. There is also a full range of B vitamins, including biotin. When recommended feeding rates are used, the biotin level supplied for a horse is 15mg, which is the level research has shown to be effective at promoting improved hoof growth. It is unusual to find this level of biotin in feeds because many contain a basic maintenance level of about 2-3mg.
Can Healthy Hooves Molasses Free be used as a sole bucket feed or does it need a balancer/additional vitamin and mineral supplement?
If the recommended quantities are fed, then, yes, it can be used as the sole bucket feed for horses at rest or in light work. If you feed less than recommended quantities or your horse is in harder work, we would recommend topping up with a balancer or supplement to ensure the diet is balanced.