Why do you include by-products such as wheatfeed in horse feeds?

Wheatfeed, and oatfeed, are excellent sources of fibre for horses. A product not used by one industry can be really beneficial for another and in a sustainable world it’s more important than ever not waste or discard items or label them a ‘by-product’ when they can be so useful elsewhere. Horses have successfully been fed wheatfeed and oatfeed for decades and they are valuable ingredients.

How do I know if my horse is allergic to alfalfa or another ingredient?

Although commonly suspected, true feed allergies in horses are in fact very rare and when true feed allergies do occur, they are usually in response to a specific type of protein. Unfortunately, allergy tests in horses are unreliable so if a feed allergy is suspected, an elimination diet is the best option. This involves removing all feed from the diet for at least 4-6 weeks and monitoring the ‘reaction’. If it stops/ disappears, individual feeds or ingredients need to be reintroduced one at a time for a period of 2-3 weeks to see if the reaction comes back; this stage is essential to rule out the possibility of coincidence.

Does my horse need any feed at all? Can’t they just eat grass and hay?

Technically yes of course, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll receive a balanced diet. UK grass and forages are hugely variable in their nutritional content and therefore for most horses and ponies feeding either a full ration of compound feed, balancer or a vitamin and mineral supplement is the best way to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need to thrive long term.

Should I be worried about any ingredients used in horse feeds?

Feed ingredients used today by reputable feed companies have been carefully chosen for their benefits and used effectively for decades. Feed manufacturers in the UK who are accredited to the BETA® NOPS (Natural and Other Prohibited Substances) scheme follow very strict manufacturing processes which ensure that high quality and safety standards are met at every step of the way of your horse’s feed production. These processes are of particular importance for horses competing under affiliated rules but should provide all horse owners with peace of mind we’re voluntarily working under strict industry guidelines. At SPILLERS we are totally transparent about the ingredients in all our feeds and supplements and declare information clearly on our website.

We are here to help...

At SPILLERS, we are dedicated to providing expert support and guidance for your horse’s nutritional needs. Whether you have a question about our products, need advice on feeding, or would like to speak to one of our Nutrition Advisors, we're here to help.

The team are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 01908 226626.

If you would like to request a call back, contact us via email, book a yard visit or have another enquiry, please use the links below.

FAQs

All Questions understanding feeds

Why do you include by-products such as wheatfeed in horse feeds?

Wheatfeed, and oatfeed, are excellent sources of fibre for horses. A product not used by one industry can be really beneficial for another and in a sustainable world it’s more important than ever not waste or discard items or label them a ‘by-product’ when they can be so useful elsewhere. Horses have successfully been fed wheatfeed and oatfeed for decades and they are valuable ingredients.
How do I know if my horse is allergic to alfalfa or another ingredient?

Although commonly suspected, true feed allergies in horses are in fact very rare and when true feed allergies do occur, they are usually in response to a specific type of protein. Unfortunately, allergy tests in horses are unreliable so if a feed allergy is suspected, an elimination diet is the best option. This involves removing all feed from the diet for at least 4-6 weeks and monitoring the ‘reaction’. If it stops/ disappears, individual feeds or ingredients need to be reintroduced one at a time for a period of 2-3 weeks to see if the reaction comes back; this stage is essential to rule out the possibility of coincidence.
Does my horse need any feed at all? Can’t they just eat grass and hay?

Technically yes of course, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll receive a balanced diet. UK grass and forages are hugely variable in their nutritional content and therefore for most horses and ponies feeding either a full ration of compound feed, balancer or a vitamin and mineral supplement is the best way to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need to thrive long term.
Should I be worried about any ingredients used in horse feeds?

Feed ingredients used today by reputable feed companies have been carefully chosen for their benefits and used effectively for decades. Feed manufacturers in the UK who are accredited to the BETA® NOPS (Natural and Other Prohibited Substances) scheme follow very strict manufacturing processes which ensure that high quality and safety standards are met at every step of the way of your horse’s feed production. These processes are of particular importance for horses competing under affiliated rules but should provide all horse owners with peace of mind we’re voluntarily working under strict industry guidelines. At SPILLERS we are totally transparent about the ingredients in all our feeds and supplements and declare information clearly on our website.