Staying on the Right Side of the Regulatory Authorities.

This research reports on the main regulatory laws governing horse feed products in the United States and Europe, providing guidance on how to achieve and maintain compliance. It reviews key safety, labeling and antidoping regulations, and discusses natural substances often found in feeds that are not allowed. This study is important for anyone involved in equine nutrition or horse feeding practices, including veterinarians, nutritionists, researchers, competitive riders, racehorse trainers, and direct feeders.

Regulatory Frameworks for Horse Feed Products

The research begins with a thorough discussion on the main regulatory frameworks governing the supply of horse feed products in the United States and Europe. These include:

• Various federal, state, or country requirements designed to ensure that products are safe for consumption and accurately labeled, thereby protecting the health of horses and maintaining a fair marketplace where consumers can make informed decisions.
• The differences in regulatory frameworks between the US and Europe, providing guidance for international businesses aiming to be compliant in multiple jurisdictions.

Antidoping Rules

The article gives special attention to antidoping rules within the horse feed industry. It reviews:

• The restrictions in place to prevent the use of performance-enhancing substances in horse racing and other equine sports.
• Naturally occurring prohibited substances that can be found in feedstuffs, which may inadvertently lead to positive doping tests despite not being intentionally administered to enhance performance.

Implications for Industry Stakeholders

The authors also discuss the implications of these regulations for various stakeholders in the horse feed industry, including:

• Brand holders of equine nutrition products, who must ensure their products meet all regulatory requirements.
• Practicing veterinarians and independent nutritionists, who advise on feeding strategies and nutritional supplements for horses.
• Competition riders and racehorse trainers, who need to be aware of the risks of inadvertent doping through contaminated feedstuffs.
• Those responsible for direct feeding of horses, who are tasked with ensuring horses get a balanced diet that complies with the feeding regulations.