Sugar and starch
Sugar and starch are the quickly digestible carbohydrates in feed, together also known as non-structural carbohydrates or NSC. They provide quick energy, but too much at once is risky.
General information, not individual feeding or ration advice. For your own horse, consult your vet or a nutritionist.
How does it work?
Sugar and starch are broken down by enzymes in the small intestine and taken up as glucose, which provides quick energy. The small intestine can only process a limited amount at a time, though. If too much starch ends up in a meal, the undigested part flushes through to the large intestine, where it ferments quickly and lowers the acidity. As a cautious guideline, about 1 gram of starch per kilo of bodyweight per meal is often mentioned as an upper limit.
Why it matters
It is not about sugar and starch as the enemy, but about the amount at a time. Small, spread-out portions stay within what the small intestine can handle; large portions upset the gut flora.
Common misconceptions
- Sugar and starch are not always bad; the problem is mainly too large an amount at once.
- Low-sugar feed is not automatically low in calories; fat and fibre also provide energy.
What to watch for
A high intake of sugar and starch plays a role in laminitis and in conditions such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and PSSM. This is a referral, not treatment advice: with a sensitive horse you decide the ration together with your vet.
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Sources: Kentucky Equine Research · Merck Veterinary Manual. Figures are guide values from the source; provisional and not individual advice.