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Is your horse struggling to build muscle? Or do you want to improve your sport horse’s performance? Muscle building is essential to the health, vitality and performance of any horse. A well-muscled horse is better able to prevent injuries, performs better and simply feels better in his skin. Proteins play a crucial role in this, but what are the right proteins and how do you feed them optimally? In this blog, we dive deep into the world of muscle building in horses, so you can help your horse thrive with the right nutrition.
Muscles not only provide movement and stability, but also protect your horse’s organs. Good muscle building contributes to better performance in disciplines such as dressage, jumping and endurance. In addition, a muscular horse is often more resistant to injury and generally feels healthier and more energetic.
Proteins are essential nutrients made up of long chains of amino acids, which are fundamental to the growth and repair of muscle tissue. During digestion, proteins are broken down into amino acids, which are then used by the body for various vital functions, such as repairing tissues, hormone production, and supporting the immune system.
A horse’s protein needs vary depending on age, weight, activity level and life stage (such as gestation or lactation). It is crucial that horses receive quality protein that is highly digestible and contains a complete amino acid profile. The digestibility and amino acid profile of proteins are important factors that determine how efficiently a horse can use them.
Amino acids serve as building blocks for proteins. There are essential and nonessential amino acids. Essential amino acids must be ingested through the diet, while nonessential can be produced by the horse itself. The most crucial amino acids for muscle development are lysine, methionine and threonine. Lysine is essential for muscle growth and recovery, methionine plays a role in the production of creatine, and threonine supports the immune system and muscle function.
Scientific research has shown that protein supplementation contributes to better muscle building, especially if the timing of intake is carefully managed, such as immediately after exercise. Soy, alfalfa, and peas are examples of protein sources that can have a positive impact on muscle building. However, lesser-known protein sources such as potato protein also have an extremely suitable protein profile for horses.
Fiber-rich protein sources such as alfalfa, soy, and peas are excellent choices for your horse’s diet. Alfalfa offers many benefits, but be mindful of the sugar content. It is essential to calculate the daily protein content in the ration to meet your horse’s needs.
Potato protein is a protein extracted in the processing of potatoes. In that process, starch and other substances are extracted from the potato. The pure protein remains and we then incorporate it into several of our products.
Florian Horsefood offers a range of products designed to support muscle building. Fibre Protein Helps with the recovery and growth phase of muscle. Power Fit is ideal for sport horses that perform frequently. Vimi Protein and Basic Growth are suitable for various life stages and activity levels. Also try Multipower from Duval for a comprehensive amino acid profile.
For example, young horses in growth require higher levels of protein for development, while sport horses are focused on optimizing strength and endurance. Older and rehabilitating horses benefit from diets that support and restore muscle mass.
There are many misconceptions about protein for horses, such as that protein is bad for the kidneys or that horses get too “hot” from protein. These statements are often debunked by scientific research and experience. Too much protein can be bad, so it is important to match the protein feed to your horse’s needs. And when in doubt, ask our advisors to think with you.
And another persistent myth is that laminitis, a painful and often serious condition in horses, is caused by excess protein in the diet. This misconception has led to confusion among horse owners about how best to feed their horses. In reality, there is no direct link between a high-protein diet and laminitis. Scientific research indicates that the causes of laminitis are more likely to lie in high sugar levels, such as fructan in grass, especially in the spring, or from hormonal and digestive disorders. It is important to focus on balancing the diet with the proper ratio of sugars and energy intake to minimize the risk of laminitis, while providing adequate protein to support muscle recovery and growth.
Muscle building is crucial to your horse’s overall health, performance and well-being. By understanding how proteins work and which nutrients are essential, you can create a ration that perfectly meets your horse’s needs. Whether you have a young horse in growth, a sport horse that needs to perform at its best, or a senior who could use some extra support, the right proteins make a world of difference. Remember, a balanced diet with adequate forage is the foundation of a healthy horse.
Wondering which Florian Horsefood products best suit your horse’s needs? Check out our range of protein products such as the Fibre Protein , Power Fit, Vimi Protein, Basic Growth and Multipower from Duval on our website!
Do you have questions about muscle building in horses or would you like advice on putting together the ideal ration for your horse? Feel free to contact us! We are ready to help you. You can reach us via our advice app.
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