Carbohydrate versus Fat

Energy comes in two basic forms when it comes to feed: CARBOHYDRATE (sugars) and FAT.

Carbohydrates provide horses with readily-available energy. Horses on a high-carbohydrate diet tend to be more hyperactive. The primary source of carbohydrate for horses is sweet feed and grains. Alfalfa hay is also somewhat high in carbohydrates. Increasing carbohydrate consumption is an easy and effective way to boost your horse's energy level.

Fat, on the other hand, is generally stored after consumption. It is later broken down into sugar as energy is required, but does not make energy readily available to the horse. Therefore, decreasing the carbohydrate/ starch percentage of the diet and increasing fat while maintaining a comparable caloric intake may prove beneficial for excessively active or hyper horses.

The Atlanta Equine Clinic - 2011
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