Rice

Rice refers to the edible grain of the Oryza sativa plant and is used in equine nutrition in various processed forms, including whole rice, rice bran, rice hulls, and rice flour. In feed formulations, rice serves primarily as a carbohydrate source, offering readily digestible starch that can provide a quick source of energy for horses.

The nutritional profile of rice varies by form. Whole rice and rice flour are high in starch and low in fiber, making them suitable for horses requiring energy-dense diets. Rice bran, a byproduct of rice milling, contains more fat and fiber and also supplies moderate levels of B vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus. Rice hulls, on the other hand, are mostly indigestible fiber and are used as a roughage source or filler in pelleted feeds.