Protein
Protein provides the building blocks for muscle, skin, hooves and repair. What matters is not just the amount, but above all the quality.
General information, not individual feeding or ration advice. For your own horse, consult your vet or a nutritionist.
How does it work?
Protein is made up of amino acids, and the horse needs the right amino acids, not just a high crude-protein percentage. Lysine is the first-limiting amino acid: once lysine runs out, the horse can no longer build protein, even if there is plenty of the rest left. Methionine and threonine come next. The quality of the protein, that is the balance of amino acids, therefore counts for more than the sheer amount.
Why it matters
Protein is needed for growth, repair and the maintenance of tissue. A well-balanced protein in a smaller amount is more useful than a lot of low-quality protein.
Common misconceptions
- Protein does not make a horse 'hot' or fizzy; that behaviour usually comes from too many calories or too much starch.
- Protein is not an important source of energy: the horse gets its energy mainly from fibre, fat and carbohydrates.
Discover more
Sources: Penn State Extension · Iowa State University Extension.