Posted by Jennifer Hojnacki, Tue, Mar 27, 2012
If you’re like most horse owners, you’ve read or heard something (or maybe a lot of things) about the benefits of fat in an equine diet and how Stabilized Rice Bran (SRB) is a great way to get it. Well, the rumors are true: high-fat diets have been shown to be very effective for horses as a safe and efficient way of delivering the energy they need.
- Fat. Whether you’re trying to maintain or increase your horse’s weight, add healthy calories to their diet for more energy without the carbs, or improve the quality of their coat, rice bran is a simple and excellent solution. Fat is the most energy-dense nutrient available to horses, and SRB has fat levels of 15% or higher. The Manna Pro® Max-E Glo® and Natural Glo® brands of SRB have a fat content of 18% derived from natural, plant-based and digestible fat sources, providing a great source of “cool energy” for your horse. Natural Glo Rice Bran Oil is 98% fat and fed at a rate of 2–8 oz per day depending on your objectives.
- Omega Essential Fatty Acids. Because it’s such an excellent fat source, SRB provides horses with the most essential fatty acids: Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9. These acids have numerous benefits, including improved hair coat and cell integrity.
- Vitamin E. This proven antioxidant is in good supply in SRB. Vitamin E boosts the immune system and has been shown to prevent “tying up.”
- Gamma Oryzanol. Not familiar with this one? This unsung hero of a compound is believed to help with the repair and rebuilding of muscle, and Stabilized Rice Bran is an excellent source for it.
- Fiber Content. The higher fiber levels in SRB (Max-E Glo and Natural Glo have a fiber content of 8.5%) make it less likely to lead to digestive issues than other, more starchy calorie sources.
Do you use Stabilized Rice Bran as part of your horse’s diet? If so, leave us a comment here to tell us how it’s made a difference.
