Even the best feed money can buy is only as good as its bioavailability. In other words, if your horse can’t digest it easily or readily absorb its nutrients into his system, the feed does little for him. And that’s where form matters!
The most technologically advanced method of equine feed processing, extrusion utilizes heat, moisture and pressure to rapidly cook the feed ingredients into a form with significant advantages to your horse. In fact, extrusion has been proven in numerous studies to yield the most nutritional benefits of any feed form—a measurable improvement over ground and pelleted feeds.
How does extrusion work? First, the heat during cooking breaks the starch and protein bonds in the raw feed ingredients. Combined with increased moisture, this creates optimal digestibility and nutrient availability. Next, the formula is forced through a die that forms it into a certain size and shape. Also during this stage, the pressure is released and the starch molecules expand. The result: a lighter, airier, extruded feed nugget bursting with bioavailable goodness!
With extruded feed, you’re looking at not only healthier eating and a happier horse, but more volume of feed per pound: a win-win for both horse and owner.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Extruded feed offers your horse many additional benefits and is particularly appropriate for horses in certain life stages or with certain conditions. To learn more, watch for our next installment!
