What is the best chaff for my horse?

When I was growing up, there was only one type of chaff, a very sticky molassed one! Feeding horses has massively evolved, and a wealth of research has shown huge benefits to feeding a high fibre and low cereal diet. Feed stores now have shelves brimming with a wide variety of different types of fibre and for owners it can be a complicated minefield when it comes to choosing the right one for your horse. In this blog we aim to help you choose which fibre to look for when you’re next in store.

Generally, chaffs can be split into two categories – low calorie for good doers and higher calorie for poorer doers and those in harder work. For many owners this is a useful starting point for making decisions when it comes to feeding their horse. At SPILLERS we have three lower and three higher calorie fibres to choose from.

“I have a really good doer who lives off fresh air”

SPILLERS Fibre Lite Molasses Free is a low-calorie fibre which is great for bulking out the bucket feed and extending eating time. It contains no added vitamins and minerals so you will need to feed a multi-vitamin supplement or balancer, such as SPILLERS Lite & Lean Balancer, alongside to ensure the whole diet is nutritionally complete. 

“My horse is a good doer but prone to gastric ulcers. Which fibre should I choose?”

Due to the high fibre and low starch and sugar levels of all the SPILLERS fibres range, they are in fact ALL suitable for horses prone to gastric ulcers. That said we do tend to recommend some fibres more than others. 

If your horse is a good doer or you’re concerned about additional calories in the bucket feed then we would recommend SPILLERS Fibre Lite Molasses Free as a soft fibre option to bulk out the feed and encourage chewing alongside a balancer such as SPILLERS Ulca Balancer.

If your horse is working harder but doesn’t need the recommended amount of compound feed to hold their condition, you may wish to feed the SPILLERS Alfalfa-Pro Fibre alongside the SPILLERS Ulca Balancer. This is a high oil fibre, naturally high in calcium to further buffer stomach acid, it has the BETA® EGUS approval mark. The quality protein helps maintain topline and if fed in larger quantities can add significant extra calories too. 

“My horse struggles to maintain weight and I’m concerned about their digestive health”

For poorer doers, SPILLERS Ulca Fibre is the star of the show. With added vitamins and minerals this can be fed as a solo hard feed. High in oil, protein and fibre it provides non heating calories from the low sugar and starch recipe. It is also BETA® EGUS approved. 

“My horse is a poor doer and has a scoop of Conditioning Cubes (or mix) AM & PM, which chaff should I feed with it?”

SPILLERS Conditioning Fibre is the perfect complement to add extra vitamins, minerals, oil and calories to this sort of diet. This super tasty fibre is a firm favourite, it slows down eating time and the non-heating recipe is great for horses prone to excitability.

“My horse gets really sharp on traditional compound feeds but needs the calories they provide. Is a fibre alone enough?”

SPILLERS Ulca Fibre is! It can be fed as the whole bucket feed and is a great way to provide high quality nutrition without the fizz.

“I have a native pony/ horse and I’m concerned about laminitis”

SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF and HAPPY HOOF Molasses Free are great options for natives, those prone to laminitis and/ or in light work. Both low calorie fibres contain added vitamins and minerals to contribute towards a balanced diet and have added biotin for hoof health. Both options can also be used as hay replacers too. Ultra low sugar and starch levels help to promote a low insulin response.

Still confused? We know choosing a feed can be complicated. But don’t worry, our friendly team of nutrition specialists can be contacted on our Care-Line, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, and can ensure your horses is getting the right diet for their individual needs. We look forward to hearing from you on 01908 226626.