[horsesneverlie]

Okay, I'm starting to see more and more references to ration balancers. If anyone out there is up to it, could they explain what this is, how they work and any other important information regarding this feed plan.

I'm always looking to increase my horses health, mentally and physically, through feed and may be interested in looking into switching my "conventional" diet to a healthier and better quality feed program.

Thanks!!

[ryu2832]

With most pelleted horse feeds you most feed 6-8lbs a day to recieve the intended nutritional benefit from feeding the feed.

With a ration balancer it is concentrated so that 1-2 pounds is all that is needed to be fed to get the 'complete' nutrition. The ration balancers are usually lower in in sugar and starch as well.

[Sue B]

In addition to feeding less, there are numerous other benefits to feeding fation balancers. They are generally forage-based, no grain pellets that are low in NSC and therefore safe to feed to horses that might be at risk for colic, laminitis, ulcers and other chronci digestive upset problems. They are nutrient dense and generally higher in most nutrients than most conventional feeds. But, they are more than just a vit/min supplement. They offer things like amino acids and prebiotics that are helpful in the digestion/utilization of other nutrients. They also generally contain some caloric value...around 1300 cal/lb....nearly that of some sweet feeds...but, of course, much less is fed.

Ration balancers are also more geared to complement your hay/pasture. Conventional feeds are generally formulated to the old NRC guidelines that provide RDAs that are not meant to sustain health and function, but rather to sustain life....IOW enough nutrients are provided to keep the horse from developing nutritional deficiencies that would ultimately result in death. However, ration balancers are formulated to provide more optimal nutrition...even for working horses and most companies have two formulations that complement either grass hays or alfalfa based diets. You will also note that the biggest difference between these formulations is the amount of protein provided (generally 20-30% for grass and 10% for alfalfa)....these numbers are more in keeping with the new NRC guidelines that recognize that we are not supplying enough protein in our horses diets. This combination of increased protein levels and complementary amino acids that are necessary to utilize the protein shows up on the outside in improved hoof, coat and skin quality....likewise there is improved interior health as well.

While being the ideal feed for easy and normal keepers, ration balancers also are easily complement with rice bran, BOSS, alfalfa pellets/cubs and beet pulp to provide extra calories for harder keepers. The improtant factor is that while you can control caloric intake, you are not altering nutritient intake like you would with conventional feeds. For example if you have an easy keeper and a hard keeper...convention feeding programs would most likely mean that you would limit feed intake for the easy keeper and increase it for the hard keeper...but at the same time, you are also altering nutrient intake in the same manner. Many times, it is this alteration in nutrient uptake that causes a horse to be an abnormal keeper...especially when it comes to hard keepers.

Ration balancers are also economical. Depending on what you feed as your conventional program, it can cost up to 2x as much per bag. However, you will probably feed at least 1/2 to much less than you have been feeding...thus making it no more...and most likely less to feed. Additionally, from my experience with ration balancers....you will also find that most or all of your supplements will no longer be necessary because the ration balancer contains many of the same things or more than what those supplements do....generally, there are no "gaps" to fill like there is with some conventional feeds.

[horsesneverlie]

Wow!! I am currently "supplementing" my complete feed with enhancers such as beet pulp, flax seed, ACV, BOSS and smidgen of oats (considering adding rice bran in place of the oats). They are also on freechoice bermuda/bahia grass hay with about 10+ lbs daily at feeding time of alfalfa. How would one choose the proper ration balancer? The only reason I feed the complete feed is to make sure they have a balanced diet. So, it sounds like this is the way to go.
Is this also feed 2x daily? I feed appr 2.5 - 3lbs of Safechoice at each feeding. Are their any links that could help me make a decision on whether or not to consider changing.

[Sue B]

OK...those things that you are supplementing I don't really consider "supplements"...they are simply good sources of added nutrition....and often some of those things are fed with ration balancers. By "supplements" I was considering things like commercial preparations of coat and hoof enhancers, weight and muscle builders, vit/min mixes and other similar things.

It sounds like you have nearly a half-n-half mix of alfalfa/grass hays. In that case, if it doesn't make any recommendations on the brand(s) that you are interested in, then I would recommend that you contact the manufacturer and get their recommendations. In general, my guess would be that you would feed the lower amount (1 lb/day) of ration balancer to complement grass hay. But, that is based on the brand that I use. Other companies may make different recommendations based on their formulations.

Here's a link to a recent thread that provides links to all the major brands of ration balancers.
Ration Balancers: Specific Products

[horsesneverlie]

I agree they are not supplements, however, I "supplement" their complete feed with these natural enhancers/nutrients .

I'm gonna go read all about it now...
Thanks soooo very much for your information....its great knowing that you can count on priceless information and endless resources on this board!!!!

[horsesneverlie]

I have read and researched a little information. I did a comparison of the Triple Crown 12% (because I feed alfalfa/grass mix) and it compares relatively well to the Dynamite. Is Dynamite considered a ration balancer? I use to use Dynamite and liked it, just to hard to get around here. I have to order it from Washington State.

[ryu2832]

Originally Posted by horsesneverlie

I have read and researched a little information. I did a comparison of the Triple Crown 12% (because I feed alfalfa/grass mix) and it compares relatively well to the Dynamite. Is Dynamite considered a ration balancer? I use to use Dynamite and liked it, just to hard to get around here. I have to order it from Washington State.

Is TC12% a ration balancer, I thought TC's ration balancer was 30%, called TC30?

[Sue B]

JB and Rio will probably stop by later...or you can PM her.....she can fill you in on the Dynamite. I've never used it, so I am not that well versed on it. They may have a ration balancer...not sure.

[haunani]

Originally Posted by ryu2832

Is TC12% a ration balancer, I thought TC's ration balancer was 30%, called TC30?

TC12 is their ration balancer for horses on alfalfa diets, since they're getting the protein from the hay, they don't need it in the feed.