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Energy Sources for Horses

View nutrition analyses for energy sources used in horse feed ingredients in the Mad Barn Equine Feed Database. This category includes dietary components that contribute calories to the equine diet, including fat, fiber, starch, sugar, and protein.

Compare nutrient profiles for different energy sources to understand how ingredients supply calories, support body condition, and fit into a balanced feeding program. Use this database to evaluate ingredients by calorie contribution, digestibility, fiber content, fat content, starch and sugar levels, and their role in meeting your horse’s energy requirements.

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Energy Sources
Psyllium (Mad Barn)
FiberFiber
Gut HealthGut Health
HindgutHindgut
StressStress
Psyllium by Mad Barn is a powdered psyllium supplement that supports digestion and gut health in horses. It absorbs water in the digestive tract, helping support normal gut motility and manure consistency, and is beneficial for horses exposed to sandy conditions, environmental stress, or dietary changes.
w-3 Oil (Mad Barn)
Coat QualityCoat Quality
FatFat
JointsJoints
Omega 3-6-9Omega 3-6-9
w-3 Oil by Mad Barn is an essential fatty acid supplement fortified with the omega-3 DHA and natural Vitamin E. W-3 Oil helps to support joint health, coat quality, cardiovascular health and weight maintenance.
Peas – Dry
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
HealthHealth
MuscleMuscle
ProteinProtein
Dried peas are a highly palatable, high-energy, and protein feed. They contain roughly 23% protein and energy from starch and fiber. The protein content helps support muscle growth and recovery, skin and coat health, and hoof health.
Potato By-Product Meal
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Potato by-product meal is derived from potato processing. Potato products should be avoided in equine diets as they may be toxic for horses.
Potato Pulp
EnergyEnergy
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Potato pulp refers to the dry matter residue that remains after potatoes are processed to extract starch. The pulp is high in protein, starch and fiber.
Potatoes
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Potatoes are a high-starch feed sometimes used in animal agriculture. Potatoes are not commonly fed to horses and may be toxic to them.
Psyllium Husk
ColicColic
FiberFiber
Gut HealthGut Health
Toxin BinderToxin Binder
Psyllium husk is the outer layer of the psyllium seeds from Plantago ovata. It is commonly fed to horses to support digestive function, including improving sand clearance in horses at risk of sand colic.
Rapeseed Cake Cold Pressed
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Cold-pressed rapeseed cake refers to seeds of the oilseed rape plant that are pressed into a cake format at a low temperature (60° C).
Rapeseed Cake Xylose Treated
FatFat
FiberFiber
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Rapeseed Cake refers to the pressed form of the product produced by pressing rapeseed seed into a cake. Xylose treatment preserves the amino acid composition of the rapeseed allowing for greater protein utilization by livestock.
Raw Apples
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
ExerciseExercise
FlavorFlavor
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Raw apples can be fed as treats to horses. However, caution should be taken when fed to horses with metabolic syndrome.
Rice Bran
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Rice bran is a high-fat feed commonly used in equine diets. It is relatively high in phosphorus, which must be appropriately balanced with calcium in the diet.
Rice Hulls
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
IngredientIngredient
NutritionNutrition
Rice hulls are the outer covering of rice grains. They are high in fiber and are mainly used as a low-calorie filler.
Rice Mill Feed
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Rice mill feed refers to a mixture of by-products from rice milling containing both rice bran and hulls. It can be a suitable feed additive for livestock.
Rolled Barley
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
IngredientIngredient
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Rolled barley is barley grain that has been flattened through rolling. It is a source of starch and energy.
Rye Grain
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
GrainsGrains
ProteinProtein
Rye is a cereal grain commonly used for pasture or hay. It is high in starch and susceptible to ergot (fungus) contamination.
Safflower Meal
Amino AcidAmino Acid
FatFat
ProteinProtein
ToplineTopline
Safflower meal is a by-product of safflower seed oil production. Following extraction of the oil, the remaining meal is high in protein and provides some fatty acids.
Safflower Oil
Coat QualityCoat Quality
EnergyEnergy
FatFat
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Safflower oil is a plant-based oil used to provide calories in the equine diet. It is a suitable energy source for performance horses and hard keepers.
Senior Weight Accelerator (Manna Pro)
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FatFat
SeniorSenior
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Senior Weight Accelerator from Manna Pro is a high-fat supplement intended to promote weight gain. Senior Weight Accelerator contains 3% crude protein, 80% crude fat, and 5% crude fibre.
Sesame Meal (Solvent Extracted)
BroodmareBroodmare
ExerciseExercise
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sesame meal (solvent extracted) is a high-protein feed ingredient produced after most of the oil has been removed from sesame seeds. It provides protein, fiber, and minerals to support horse nutrition.
Solution Crimped Oats (Tucker Milling)
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
GrainsGrains
PerformancePerformance
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Solution Crimped Oats by Tucker Milling are processed oats that provide energy and protein to equine diets.
Sorghum Grain Brazil Finely Ground
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sorghum is a popular grain and forage for livestock. Sorghum grain must be processed by grinding, cracking, or flaking before being fed to animals.
Sorghum Grain Brazil Flaked
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sorghum is grown worldwide as a grain or forage source. Flaking is a processing method used to improve nutrient digestibility.
Sorghum Grain Brazil Whole
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sorghum is a tall annual grass that is grown for grain or forage. The waxy bran covering results in low digestibility of whole sorghum grain. It is typically processed to improve digestibility.
Sorghum Grain Cracked Brazil Coarse
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sorghum grain is produced worldwide as a high-energy feed for livestock. Processing by methods such as cracking is required prior to feeding to improve nutrient digestibility.
Sorghum Grain Cracked Brazil Medium
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sorghum grain is a high-starch feedstuff fed worldwide to poultry, swine, and ruminants. Cracking improves nutrient digestibility of the grain compared to whole sorghum.
Sorghum Grain Cracked High Tannins
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Breeding techniques have reduced tannins in most modern varieties of sorghum. However, traditional varieties with high tannin content can result in reduced feed intake in livestock.
Sorghum Grain Mexico Finely Ground
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sorghum is a popular grain and forage grown worldwide. Sorghum grain must be processed before feeding to animals. Grinding is an inexpensive, effective method for improving digestibility.
Sorghum Grain Mexico Flaked
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sorghum is grown worldwide as a grain or forage source. Flaked sorghum grain has improved digestibility over whole sorghum.
Sorghum Grain Mexico Whole
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sorghum is a tall annual grass grown for grain or forage. Whole sorghum grain has low digestibility due to the waxy bran covering that surrounds the grain.
Sorghum Milo Popped
EnergyEnergy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sorghum/milo grain can be heated and the kernels can be popped to improve starch digestibility. Sorghum/milo grain is a high-starch feed for beef cattle.
Sorghum Residue Honduras Coarse
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sorghum residue is what remains in the field after grain harvest. It can be grazed by cattle or it can be ground for improved digestibiility.
Sorghum Residue Honduras Fine
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Sorghum residue remaining after grain harvest can be grazed by cattle or can be ground for improved digestibility.
Sorghum/Milo – High Moisture
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Sorghum grain, also known as milo, is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. High moisture sorghum is used in cattle and swine diets as an energy source.
Sorghum/Milo Grain
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Sorghum grain, also known as milo, is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Sorghum grain is not easily digestible and is high in starch which can cause hindgut issues in the horse.
Sorghum/Milo Grain – Dry Rolled
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Dry rolled sorghum is an African grain that is made more digestible through the process of rolling. Sorghum is not readily used in horse feed as it is high in starch and not easily digestible.
Sorghum/Milo Grain – Steam Flaked
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Steam flaked sorghum is processed by steaming and rolling to increase its digestibility. Sorghum is a tropical grain commonly grown for human and food animal production.
Sorghum/Milo Ground Coarse
EnergyEnergy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Coarse ground sorghum/milo grain is a high-starch feed for livestock. Grind size affects digestibility and feed efficiency.
Sorghum/Milo Ground Fine
EnergyEnergy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
VitaminsVitamins
Fine ground sorghum/milo grain is a high-energy feed primarily used in cattle diets. It provides high starch content which supports weight gain in beef cattle.
Sorghum/Milo Ground Medium
EnergyEnergy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
VitaminsVitamins
Sorghum/milo grain is a high-energy feed for cattle. Fine and medium grind sorghum has higher feed efficiency compared to coarse ground grain.
Sorghum/Milo High Moisture 22%
EnergyEnergy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
High moisture sorghum/milo is fed to beef cattle as an energy-rich feed. It is preferable to harvest at 30% moisture content compared to 22% moisture for storage purposes.
Sorghum/Milo High Moisture 30%
EnergyEnergy
GrainsGrains
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
High moisture harvested sorghum/milo is used in ruminant diets. Feed efficiency is greater for high moisture sorghum compared to dry grain sorghum.
South African Hominy Chop
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Chopped hominy is a by-product of maize milling. It is a source of energy, protein and fiber, for horses, cattle, and sheep.
Soy 70
MuscleMuscle
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
ToplineTopline
Soy protein concentrate 70 is an amino acid supplement made from purified soybean meal. It is refined to improve digestibility and to remove anti-nutritive factors.
Soy Meal Xylose Treated
EnergyEnergy
MuscleMuscle
ProteinProtein
ToplineTopline
Soy meal is fed as a protein source to dairy cattle. Soy meal can be treated with xylose to protect protein from rumen degradation and improve crude fiber digestibility in lactating cattle.
Soy Whole Full Fat Extruded
FatFat
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Whole full fat extruded soybeans are extruded to destroy anti-nutritional factors that are present in unprocessed soybeans. This process increases protein bioavailability, but does not remove the oil content.
Soy Whole Full Fat Formal Dehydetreated
FatFat
ProteinProtein
ToplineTopline
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Full fat soybeans are a high-energy feed for cattle. Formaldehyde treatment is used to protect unsaturated fats from hydrogenation in the rumen.
Soya Meal Formaldehyde Treated
EnergyEnergy
ProteinProtein
ToplineTopline
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Soy meal provides a source of protein to livestock species. Treatment with formaldehyde can increase the bioavailability of protein and the absorption of essential amino acids.
Soybean Grain Brazil Finely Ground
FatFat
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Fine ground soybeans are an energy-dense feed for all classes of livestock. Raw soybeans can be fed to cattle, however, horses should only be fed heat-treated soybeans.
Soybean Grain Brazil Medium Grind
FatFat
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Medium ground soybeans are a high-energy feed for all classes of livestock. When intended for non-ruminants, soybeans should be heat-treated prior to feeding.
Soybean Grain Brazil Whole
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FatFat
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Whole soybeans are a high-energy feed for cattle. They are usually cracked, roasted, or ground for improved digestibility. Horses should not consume raw, whole soybeans due to antinutritive factors.
Soybean Hulls – Ground
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Ground soybean hulls are the milled by-product of soybean processing. They are a low-NSC and highly-digestible fibre choice for horses needing additional energy. Soybean hulls are also used as a supplement carrier.
Soybean Hulls – Pellet
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Soybean hull pellets are the seed coat of soybeans compressed into a pellet. They are a byproduct of soybean processing and are a highly digestible low-NSC fibre source.
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