Alternative Fibre Sources for Horses: A Practical Guide

Every horse and pony, regardless of breed, needs sufficient fibre in their diet. Research shows that insufficient fibre often leads to digestive problems like colic and can also cause behavioural issues such as crib biting, a frustrating vice. Hay and grass remain the primary fibre sources, but alternative options are valuable, especially when hay is unavailable or unsuitable.

Responsible horse owners should be aware of safe, effective alternative fibre sources to maintain their horse's digestive health and overall wellbeing. This article explores five practical alternatives backed by recent findings and feeding advice for UK horse owners.

Understanding Fibre's Role in Equine Health

Fibre is essential for proper gut function in horses. It supports the fermentation process in the hindgut, provides energy, and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Without adequate fibre, horses are prone to colic, ulcers, and undesirable behaviours caused by hunger or frustration. Ensuring a consistent daily fibre intake tailored to your horse's needs is critical for long-term health.

1. Haycubes

Haycubes are compressed cubes formed from chopped hay, usually timothy or mixed grasses. They are widely available at quality UK feed merchants and offer several advantages over traditional baled hay:

• Lower dust levels: This benefits horses prone to respiratory issues.
• Reduced wastage: Haycubes minimise mess compared to loose hay, making feeding more cost-effective.

Horses may eat more haycubes than baled hay if unrestricted, so monitor intake carefully. A general rule is to replace the weight of hay with an equal weight of haycubes, adjusting amounts to maintain a healthy body condition. Since haycubes are denser and heavier than baled hay, measuring by weight rather than volume is important for accuracy.

It's vital to ensure your horse’s daily forage intake meets at least 1.5-2% of their body weight on a dry matter basis, adjusting haycube amounts accordingly.

2. Complete Fibre Feeds

Modern complete feeds combine high fibre content with balanced nutrients to meet most of a horse's dietary needs. These feeds typically contain 16% or more crude fibre and can even replace hay wholly if fed in controlled, small amounts throughout the day.

Complete feeds are convenient, especially where hay storage or availability is limited. However, strict adherence to manufacturers’ feeding guidelines is essential to avoid overfeeding and nutritional imbalances.

Scheduling multiple small meals helps mimic natural grazing patterns and supports digestive health. Discuss with your vet or an equine nutritionist before switching exclusively to complete feeds.

3. Sugar Beet Pulp

Sugar beet pulp is a highly digestible, palatable fibre by-product commonly used in horse feeds. It can safely make up to 55% of a horse's diet, providing an excellent alternative when hay supplies are low.

This fibrous pulp is often soaked before feeding to ensure softness, which benefits older horses or those with dental problems. Its high digestibility means horses absorb energy efficiently, but care is needed to balance the overall diet, especially fibre type and intake.

4. Bran (Rice and Wheat)

Bran is an emergency fibre source when hay is unavailable but comes with caveats. Rice bran and wheat bran contain fibre but also high levels of phosphorus, requiring calcium supplementation in at least a 1:1 ratio to prevent nutritional imbalances.

Rice bran is rich in fat, making it unsuitable for overweight or obese horses. Due to these factors, bran should be used sparingly and ideally under veterinary guidance.

5. Other Fibre By-products

Additional fibre by-products like grain hulls or oat hulls can provide emergency options but tend to be dusty and less nutritionally balanced. They require wetting or mixing with other feeds to reduce dust inhalation risks and should never replace the bulk of a horse's fibre intake.

Feeding Tips and Responsible Practices

• Always gradually introduce any new fibre source over 7 to 10 days to avoid digestive upset.
• Maintain clean water availability at all times, as fibre intake increases water needs.
• Monitor your horse’s weight, condition, and behaviour regularly when changing diets.
• Consult your vet or an equine nutritionist if you're unsure about fibre replacements or feeding amounts.
• Purchase feeds from reputable sources to ensure quality and safety.

Conclusion

Running out of hay or dealing with poor-quality hay can be stressful, but alternative fibre sources like haycubes, complete feeds, and sugar beet pulp offer safe, effective options to keep your horse healthy and comfortable. Haycubes often provide the best cost-benefit comparison and ease of use. Bran and other by-products are best reserved for emergencies and require careful balancing with calcium supplementation.

Prioritising proper fibre intake is crucial for digestive health, behavioural stability, and overall wellbeing. If you have any questions or concerns about your horse’s fibre consumption, please consult your vet to tailor the best nutritional plan.