Equine Balanced Support

04/24/2026

Most people look at NSC… But HC is often the number that matters more.

We get this question all the time, and the difference is important.

NSC stands for Non-Structural Carbohydrates.
HC stands for Hydrolyzable Carbohydrates.

Both relate to sugar and starch, but they measure slightly different things.

Here’s where it starts to click:

WSC (Water-Soluble Carbohydrates):
Includes sugars + fructans. Fructans are not absorbed the same way as sugar, but they still contribute to total intake.

ESC (Ethanol-Soluble Carbohydrates):
This is the simple sugar portion only. The part most directly tied to glucose and insulin response.

That’s why many nutritionists look closer at HC:
It focuses on the carbohydrates most likely to impact metabolic horses.

Formulas:
NSC = WSC + Starch
HC = ESC + Starch

For many horses, especially those with metabolic concerns,
keeping HC below ~10% is recommended.

Grazers Nutri-Treats are:
💚 HC & NSC below 10%
💚 Third-party tested
💚 Recognized by ECIR as safe for metabolic horses

When you understand the difference, feeding starts to make a lot more sense.

Have a topic you want us to break down next? Let us know.

04/22/2026

Vitamin E Deficiency in Horses on Stall Rest or Limited Pasture

Horses kept on stall rest due to injury, rehabilitation, or management decisions often have prolonged periods without access to fresh pasture. Pasture grazing is the principal natural source of vitamin E, and once hay is dried and stored, vitamin E content declines dramatically. Without routine grazing, stall‑rested horses become much more reliant on supplemental sources or fortified feeds to maintain adequate vitamin E status.

Vitamin E deficiency in these horses can manifest as increased muscle stiffness, slower recovery times, and poor tissue repair following injury. Lack of physical activity combined with reduced antioxidant intake makes stall‑rested horses prone to oxidative stress at a cellular level, potentially increasing susceptibility to musculoskeletal degradation. Their immune systems may also be less robust, reducing resilience to secondary infections or inflammatory conditions.

Given these risks, nutrition plans for stall‑rested horses should include thoughtful supplementation of natural, bioavailable vitamin E. This helps offset the lack of pasture access and supports muscle maintenance, nerve health, and overall well‑being during periods of limited movement. Incorporating vitamin E into the rehabilitation nutrition strategy can make the difference in recovery outcomes and long‑term soundness.

04/21/2026

Hay Forms — Flakes, Cubes, Pellets, and More

Hay isn’t just offered in traditional bales — multiple hay forms meet different management needs, including hay cubes, pellets, and compressed bales. Each form has advantages depending on feeding logistics, storage space, and the specific needs of the herd.

Hay flakes are the most common; they are unprocessed and mimic natural forage. Their fiber integrity supports chewing and saliva production. Hay cubes are compressed chunks of chopped hay, ideal for reducing waste or when space is limited. They rehydrate well and are convenient for travel or stall rest. Hay pellets are further processed and are particularly useful for horses that must consume forage but have trouble chewing hay due to dental issues.

While cubes and pellets provide convenience, caretakers must feed enough volume to meet fiber requirements. Because processing increases density, portion control ensures horses get adequate roughage and don’t overconsume calories. Additionally, offering water with hay forms that rehydrate in the mouth supports digestive health.

Choosing a hay form is a balance between practicality of management, horse preference, and nutritional goals. Understanding each form’s role enhances both digestive function and quality of life.

04/20/2026

🥳🥳 Happy birthday to everyone celebrating this week 🎊🎊

04/19/2026

Here are some of this week's top-selling items.

04/14/2026

When Stress, Antibiotics, or Poor Gut Health Disrupt B‑Vitamin Synthesis

One of the greatest strengths of the equine digestive system is the hindgut — a large cecum and colon where microbial populations ferment fiber and produce B‑vitamins. In healthy horses on high‑fiber diets, this microbial synthesis typically meets daily B‑vitamin requirements. However, this balance is delicate. Stress — whether from illness, competition, transport, dietary change — as well as antibiotic treatments or digestive upsets can disrupt the microbial community, reducing B‑vitamin production.

When synthesis drops, and given that B‑vitamins are water‑soluble and not stored significantly, the horse’s circulating levels can fall rapidly. The first signs might be subtle: decreased stamina, reduced hoof or coat quality, slower recovery, slight nervousness, or decreased appetite. Over time, more serious issues like hoof horn problems, poor hair coat, fatigue, or metabolic inefficiency may arise.

During and after stressors — illness, colic, antibiotics, heavy training — it is therefore prudent to consider B‑vitamin supplementation or feeding a balanced ration fortified with B‑vitamins. Doing so provides a nutritional safety net, supporting energy metabolism, tissue repair, hoof and coat health, and overall welfare during periods when natural synthesis may be compromised

04/13/2026

🎉🎊 Happy birthday to everyone celebrating this week 🥳🎉

04/12/2026

Hello everyone! We are looking for your help! Tag your favorite tack store here - we are looking to connect with more stores across America to get Grazers Nutri-Treats on the shelves at your local stores.

Looking for Equine Balanced Support products near you? Find local retailers carrying Grazers Nutri-Treats, Tiny Hands Nutri-Treats, and premium equine supplements.

04/12/2026

Take a look at this week's top-selling products.

04/11/2026

Today presents an ideal opportunity for attending the Farmland Preservation Festival, featuring numerous vendors, culinary options, live musical performances, miniature horses, goats, rabbits, and puppies. We will all be here until 3:00pm

04/10/2026

Folate (Vitamin B9) and B‑vitamins During Growth, Repair, and Pregnancy

Folate — also known as vitamin B9 — is essential for processes involving rapid cell division, DNA synthesis, and tissue growth. In horses, these needs increase significantly during periods such as growth (foals), heavy training (muscle repair), pregnancy and lactation in mares, or after injury. Without sufficient folate, processes like red blood cell production, tissue regeneration, and immune cell turnover may be compromised.

In growing foals or pregnant/lactating mares, the demand for building blocks for tissues is high; adequate folate supports efficient DNA synthesis and cell division, promoting healthy development, fetal growth, and reproduction. Similarly, in horses recovering from injury, illness, or heavy workloads, folate supports the repair of muscle, skin, and other tissues — aiding a return to sound condition.

Horses typically obtain folate through microbial synthesis in the hindgut and from their forage diet. However, when gut health is disrupted by antibiotic treatment, digestive upset, or abrupt dietary shifts, folate synthesis and absorption may be impaired. In such cases, dietary folate or B‑complex supplementation can provide support, helping maintain red blood cell formation, promote healing, and support overall metabolic demands.

Because folate works in tandem with other B‑vitamins, ensuring a balanced B‑vitamin intake supports broad systemic health — from blood and immune cell production to tissue growth, recovery, and reproductive success.