People wanted to know........

Q: In the low starch and sugar line (Essential K/GC), how much starch and sugar are actually in there? I have a low insulin resistant horse and that number is crucial.

-From Jaime in Ohio  (Quarterhorses)

A: The Essential K GC contains 9% starch and 5% sugar. As you may be aware, most traditional sweet feeds or pellets contain more than 35%, with oats containing about 45%. About half of the "sugar" in Essential K is actually pectin, which acts more like fiber than sugar. It is digested in the hindgut like fiber, making volatile fatty acids instead of glucose, thus there is no insulin response. The great thing about our Essential K products is that you only feed a small amount per day. The low feeding rate (average 2 lbs. per day) is another way of drastically lowering the total intake of sugars/starches. There are a few other feeds on the market that have starch levels that are close to this but they require that you feed 4-6 lbs per day, which obviously will more than double the amount of starch in your horse's diet.

 Q: Which of your products would be suited to feed a 20 month old Friesian stud colt? We currently feed 6 of our horses your 100% extruded and we feed our Paso your Kalm N' EZ. We have had wonderful results with your products and want to stick with them. We want him developed correctly to his fullest potential.

- From Kimberly in Michigan (Friesian) 

A: We recommend you feed your Friesian stud colt our Essential K product. Essential K is a condensed form of vitamins and minerals in a protein carrier...so you feed a small amount and yet are meeting all of the nutrient requirements of your large horse. You would need to feed him 3 lbs per day of Essential K. Then, we also recommend using the Cool Omega 40 (a 40% fat product) along with it. You will feed as much or as little of this product that you need to keep your colt in the body condition that you desire. My estimation is that it will be a few ounces per feeding. The Cool Omega 40 is strictly to provide calories, but will also improve hair coat and skin condition. Friesians, as I'm sure you know, are highly susceptible to EPSM. Essential K is extremely low in starch and you also drastically reduce the amount of starch in the diet by feeding a smaller amount. This is the same diet we would recommend for a horse who was suffering from EPSM.

Q: I have an 8 year old Friesian that works 5-6 days a week at 3rd level dressage. He's been on show formula for a few years and has done really well. Due to product availability and cost, I was recommended to you. My biggest concern is that feed not contain corn as Friesians are overly sensitive to it and don't digest it well. I wouldn't mind something that gave hima little more "sane" energy. I supplement with oats and red cell to give him a bit of an energy boost.

- From Alaina in Dublin, OH (Friesian) 

A: Our Maturity product or the Kalm Performer will work for your horse. I prefer the Kalm Performer because it is higher in fat (calories) and thus you could discontinue feeding the oats with it. However, the Maturity product is more comparable to the show formula you had been feeding. Neither product contains corn.

Q: I have a horse who is extremely allergic to corn. Is the fat content derived from oils with corn in them? I'm looking for a totally corn free feed.

- From Sandi in Michigan (Thoroughbreds and Pintos)

A: ALL of our feeds are made with soy oil, not corn oil. As long as you are using one of our corn-free diets, your horse should do well.

Q: I have a 4 year old who had wobbler surgery at 10 months old. What product do you have that is closest to Gro N Win?

- From Michaela in Illinois (Warmbloods)

A: Our comparable product is Essential K.

Q: Do you have a salt product?

- From Heather in Indiana (TWH and AQH)

A: Yes, we have a free choice salt product in granular form. We will have blocks available soon.

Q: Could you tell me the digestible energy for your Solutions 14?

- From Christie in Odenton (Thoroughbreds)

A: The digestible energy for our Solutions 14 is 1.4 Mcal per pound.

Q: What is the potassium level in your Kalm 'N EZ?

- From Tammy in Ohio (Quarterhorses)

A: The potassium level in Kalm 'N EZ is 1.0%.

Q: Do you use animal protein and by-products in your feeds?

- From Julia in Michigan (Westphalian, Holsteiner, Oldenburg)

A: No, we do NOT use animal proteins or by-products in our Equine products. There is a concern of disease when these type of products are used. If a company does use these ingredients in their products, they would be listed on the ingredient list on the feed tag attached to the bag.