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Protein Sources for Horses

View nutrition analyses for protein sources used in horse feed ingredients in the Mad Barn Equine Feed Database. This category includes high-protein ingredients that contribute amino acids to the equine diet, such as soybean meal, canola meal, alfalfa meal, flaxseed meal, peas, lupins, distillers dried grains, whey protein, yeast products, and other plant- or animal-derived protein sources.

Compare nutrient profiles for different protein sources to understand their crude protein content, amino acid contribution, digestibility, fiber level, fat content, mineral values, and role in supporting muscle development, topline, growth, lactation, and tissue maintenance. Use this database to evaluate protein-containing ingredients used in horse feeds and supplements.

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Protein 116 entries
Alfalfa Meal – 17% CP 44% NDF
FiberFiber
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Alfalfa meal is made by finely grinding dried alfalfa hay. Alfalfa meal is commonly added to equine feeds as a palatable, high-protein, high-calcium grain-free ingredient.
Alfalfa Meal – 20% CP 40% NDF
FiberFiber
Gut HealthGut Health
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Alfalfa meal refers to dried and ground alfalfa. Depending on the growth stage at which the plant was harvested, alfalfa meal will have varying protein and fibre content. The meal is a highly palatable ingredient commonly added to equine feeds.
Animal Plasma
Amino AcidAmino Acid
IngredientIngredient
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Animal plasma is a dried protein ingredient made from the plasma portion of animal blood. It provides highly digestible protein, amino acids, and functional proteins.
Barley Malt Sprouts
FiberFiber
GrainsGrains
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Barley Malt Sprouts are made from spent barley grain that is leftover from processing for beer production. The spent grains are then sprouted, resulting in a nutritious feedstuff that is very high in protein and energy.
Blood Meal
Blood CellsBlood Cells
Gut HealthGut Health
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Blood meal is a by-product of meat processing. It is very high in protein and iron. Blood meal tends to be unpalatable and is not commonly fed to horses.
Brewer’s Yeast
DigestionDigestion
Mineral BalanceMineral Balance
VitaminsVitamins
YeastYeast
Brewer's yeast is a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast that is a byproduct of the beer brewing industry. It is heat-treated to make the yeast cultures inactive and is a source of B vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Brewers Grain – Dry 24% CP
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
VitaminsVitamins
Brewers grain is the spent grain that remains after beer production. It is commonly used as a cost-effective high-protein feed for cattle, but can also be formulated into equine diets.
Brewers Grain – Dry 29% CP
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
Mineral BalanceMineral Balance
ProteinProtein
VitaminsVitamins
Brewers grain is a by-product of beer production that is commonly used as a livestock feed. Brewers grain is a high protein, low starch feed that may be suitable for growing horses.
Brewers Grain – Wet
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
VitaminsVitamins
Wet brewers grain refers to undried spent grain that remains following beer production. It is mostly fed to cattle and not commonly used in equine diets.
Canola Meal – Mechanically Extracted
Amino AcidAmino Acid
FatFat
GrowthGrowth
ProteinProtein
Mechanically extracted canola meal is a by-product of canola oil processing. Mechanical extraction of the oil is less common than solvent extraction. Canola meal has a similar nutritional profile to soybean meal and is a suitable protein source for horses.
Canola Meal – Solvent Extracted
Amino AcidAmino Acid
FatFat
IngredientIngredient
ProteinProtein
Canola meal is a by-product of canola oil production that utilizes a solvent. It has a similar nutritional profile to soybean meal and is a suitable protein source for horses.
Chia Seeds
Gut HealthGut Health
IngredientIngredient
Omega 3-6-9Omega 3-6-9
Organic Trace MineralsOrganic Trace Minerals
Chia seeds are sometimes added to equine diets as a source of fatty acids. Chia is high in the omega-3 fatty acid, ALA, which can provide some anti-inflammatory benefits.
Condensed Distillers Solubles (Syrup)
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FatFat
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Condensed distillers solubles syrup is a by-product of the production of ethanol from grains, such as corn. It consists of the nutrients and protein that remain after grains are fermented to make ethanol.
Copra Meal
Coat QualityCoat Quality
FatFat
Low NSC FeedsLow NSC Feeds
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Copra meal is a by-product of coconut oil production. This high-fat, high-protein feed is used to increase the energy density of the equine diet in horses that need to gain weight.
Corn Germ
EnergyEnergy
IngredientIngredient
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Corn germ is the nutrient-rich inner portion of the corn kernel. It provides fat, protein, and energy.
Corn Germ Meal
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
EnergyEnergy
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Corn (maize) germ meal is a byproduct of oil extraction from corn germ. It is a high-protein, high-starch product sometimes added to equine feeds.
Corn Gluten Feed – Dry
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
EnergyEnergy
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Corn gluten feed is derived from corn wet-milling corn, which is the process used to extract starch from corn. Corn gluten is a high-protein feed that can be fed to horses. It is high in phosphorus and low in calcium, which must be balanced if added to equine diets.
Corn Gluten Feed – Wet
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
EnergyEnergy
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Corn gluten feed is a byproduct of wet-milling corn to extract starch. It is a high-protein feed used in equine diets. Wet corn gluten feed may be prone to mold contamination.
Corn Gluten Meal – 60%
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
EnergyEnergy
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Corn gluten meal is a byproduct of corn starch and syrup production. This product is higher in protein than corn gluten feed. It can be added to equine diets as a protein source.
Cottonseed – Fuzzy
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
MuscleMuscle
ProteinProtein
Fuzzy cottonseed is a highly digestible fibre and protein source commonly fed to cattle. The fuzzy seeds have strands of cellulose bound to the cottonseed.
Cottonseed Delinted
FatFat
FiberFiber
ProteinProtein
ToplineTopline
Delinted cottonseed refers to polished cottonseeds commonly used for planting grain. The seeds are high in fat (19.5%) and fibre, but are not commonly fed to horses.
Cottonseed Meal Brazil Coarse Grind
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Cottonseed meal is a by-product of cottonseed oil production that provides a good source of fat and protein. It is commonly used in cattle rations.
Cottonseed Meal Brazil Fine Grind
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Cottonseed meal is a by-product of the extraction of oil from cottonseeds. It is abundant in fats and protein and is a quality feed ingredient found in cattle diets.
Cottonseed Meal-42% CP
Amino AcidAmino Acid
FatFat
MuscleMuscle
ProteinProtein
Cottonseed meal is a by-product of cottonseed oil production. The meal is what remains following the extraction of the oil. Although high in protein, cottonseed meal is low in the amino acid lysine and not commonly used as a protein source in equine diets.
Cottonseed Whole Brazil With Hay
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Whole cottonseeds are a valuable fat, fibre, and protein source for dairy cattle. Cottonseeds are not commonly used in equine diets because of the low lysine content.
Cottonseed Whole Brazil Without Hay
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Whole cottonseeds are a rich source of fat, protein and fibre. This feed is a highly valued energy source for lactating dairy cows. Cottonseeds are not commonly fed to horses because of their amino acid profile.
Cottonseed Whole with Lint
FatFat
FiberFiber
ProteinProtein
ToplineTopline
Whole cottonseed with lint refers to cottonseeds with the "fuzzy" lint attached. The seeds are high in fat, protein and fibre but have low palatability for horses. They are more commonly used as feed for dairy cattle.
Dakota Gold Cold Processed Distillers Grains (POET)
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
GrainsGrains
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Dakota Gold DDGS is a cold-processed distillers grain feed additive that provides digestible fiber, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It is commonly used in swine, poultry, and dairy feed.
Distilled Corn Dark Spirits
EnergyEnergy
FatFat
IngredientIngredient
ProteinProtein
Distilled corn dark spirits refer to corn or maize distillers grain, which is a byproduct of alcohol production. Distilled grains from darker spirits have lower NSC (sugar & starch) content.
Distilled Corn Ethanol
EnergyEnergy
FatFat
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Distilled corn is an ethanol byproduct that remains after the starch is extracted from corn or maize grain. Corn distillers grain is high in protein and is a moderate source of fat and fibre.
Distilled Corn Light Spirits
EnergyEnergy
FatFat
IngredientIngredient
ProteinProtein
Distilled corn light spirits are distillers grains from light coloured spirits. Distillers grains are commonly used in food animal rations.
Distilled Corn Medium Spirits
EnergyEnergy
FatFat
IngredientIngredient
ProteinProtein
Distilled corn medium spirits are a by-product of the alcohol industry. These distillers grains are an energy source in food animal rations.
Distilled Corn Very Dark Spirits
EnergyEnergy
FatFat
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Distilled corn from very dark spirits is a byproduct of alcohol production that remains following the extraction of starch. Corn distillers grain is a good source of protein, fibre, and fat with lower sugar content.
Distilled Corn with Solubles
EnergyEnergy
FatFat
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Distilled corn with solubles is a byproduct of ethanol production. It is commonly fed to cattle but should not be fed to horses. This feed is prone to developing mould which is toxic to horses.
Exceller Meal (Quality Roasting, Inc.)
FatFat
FiberFiber
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Exceller meal is a soybean meal feed product made by expeller mechanical processing of soybeans. This is a high-quality protein source primarily targeted to high-producing dairy cattle.
Faba Bean
MuscleMuscle
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
ToplineTopline
Faba beans (Vicia faba) are a high-protein feed intended for livestock and horses. The beans have low fat and high starch content.
Fish Meal – Menhaden
FatFat
NutrientsNutrients
Omega 3-6-9Omega 3-6-9
ProteinProtein
Fish Meal is a feed product made from Menhaden and other fish species. It consists of the bones and offal of by-catch fish. Fish meal is calorie-dense and a rich source of protein.
Flaked Lupins (Thompson & Redwood)
DigestionDigestion
FiberFiber
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Flaked Lupins by Thompson & Redwood are steam-cooked and rolled lupin seeds. They are intended to be digestible and provide a high level of protein (33.3%) for animals.
Flax Seed – Fresh Ground
Coat QualityCoat Quality
FatFat
Omega 3-6-9Omega 3-6-9
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Fresh ground flaxseed is a source of the omega-3 fatty acid, Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA). Flaxseed is low in sugars and starches and provides cool energy. To prevent rancidity, fresh ground flaxseed should be fed immediately after grinding.
Flaxseed, Whole (Modesto Milling)
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
GrainsGrains
Omega 3-6-9Omega 3-6-9
Modesto’s whole organic flaxseed is a feed that provides a high level of fat, protein, and energy. Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid. It is beneficial to grind whole flaxseed while fresh to improve digestibility.
Hempseed Meal
Easy KeeperEasy Keeper
FiberFiber
Omega 3-6-9Omega 3-6-9
ProteinProtein
Hempseed (cannabis sativa) meal is a byproduct of the hemp industry that remains after the oil is extracted from the seeds. Hempseed meal is a good fibre source for animals.
Hydrolyzed Casein
IngredientIngredient
MetabolismMetabolism
ProteinProtein
ToplineTopline
Hydrolyzed Casein is a milk protein product that provides a complete amino acid profile. Casein can be a high-quality protein source for broodmares, equine athletes, and growing horses.
Linseed Meal – Expelled
Coat QualityCoat Quality
FatFat
FiberFiber
Omega 3-6-9Omega 3-6-9
Expelled linseed (flaxseed) meal is a byproduct of linseed oil production. After the fat has been expelled, the remaining dry matter is rich in fiber and protein.
Linseed Meal – Solvent Extracted
Coat QualityCoat Quality
FatFat
ProteinProtein
ToplineTopline
Linseed meal is a byproduct of linseed oil (flax oil) production, which remains following extraction of the oil. Linseed meal is a good source of protein, but is low in lysine content.
Linseed Meal Heat Treated
Amino AcidAmino Acid
Coat QualityCoat Quality
FatFat
Omega 3-6-9Omega 3-6-9
Linseed Meal (also called flaxseed meal) is a good source of digestible fiber and fat. Heat-treating linseed meal can reduce cyanogenic compounds produced after the seed is ground.
Lupin Hulls
FatFat
FiberFiber
Gut HealthGut Health
ProteinProtein
Lupin Hulls are the fibrous coating of lupin seeds removed during processing. They provide a highly digestible source of fiber with moderate levels of protein and are low in sugar and starch.
Lupin Meal
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
NutrientsNutrients
ProteinProtein
Lupin meal is made from ground lupin seeds after processing. It is a protein-rich ingredient that also provides fiber and energy.
Lupins
FatFat
FiberFiber
HindgutHindgut
ProteinProtein
Lupin beans are a legume sometimes used in horse feeds, providing high levels of protein and moderate levels of fat. Lupins supply high fibre content but have low levels of starch.
Lupins Sweet
FiberFiber
MuscleMuscle
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Sweet Lupins (also called lupini beans) are a yellow legume seed that are a low-starch source of protein (28-34%) and digestible fiber. Compared to soybean meal, sweet lupins are lower in lysine and methionine but tend to be more palatable.
NexPro Protein Supplement (POET)
Feed EfficiencyFeed Efficiency
GrowthGrowth
ProteinProtein
YeastYeast
NexPro is a protein source derived from dry-milled ethanol production. It can be fed to cattle, poultry, swine, fish and pets.
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