13/04/2026
🐴 Sugar in horses: what do you really need to know?
Sugar is everywhere – including in your horse's feed. Our experts Caroline & Fenna answer the most frequently asked questions. Here are the key takeaways:
✅ Roughage = biggest sugar source
It's not the concentrate, but hay that delivers the most sugars on a daily basis. Expect 1000–1500g of sugars from roughage vs. 500–1000g from concentrate.
✅ Overweight ≠ insulin resistant
A horse with excess weight is not automatically insulin resistant. Always have a vet make a diagnosis through a blood test.
✅ Short grass isn't always safer
Overgrazed, short pastures can actually contain more sugar. Good pasture management is essential!
✅ Dry hay ≠ automatically low in sugar
Sugar content depends on many factors: fertilisation, cut, storage… Have your roughage analysed for certainty.
✅ Straw = safe supplement
For horses that need to lose weight, straw is a safe addition – it provides satiety without unnecessary calories.
✅ Avoid nutritional deficiencies
When feeding a low-sugar diet, opt for a low-sugar concentrate or a balancer to ensure your horse gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs.
Want to know more? Read the full article here: https://loom.ly/pHREQTE
Cavalor experts Caroline Loos and Fien Demeyere answer the most frequently asked questions about sugar for horses. Read on quickly!