Avoiding molasses and cane sugar in horse feed

Why is molasses added to horse feed?

Molasses is a by-product of sugar production and has been used in horse feed for decades. It is inexpensive, gives pellets a sweet flavour that horses find appealing, and helps bind loose ingredients together. Manufacturers also add it to reduce dust in dry mixes. Cane sugar serves a similar purpose but is slightly less sticky. The problem is that both ingredients have a high glycaemic value: they are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, causing blood sugar and insulin levels to rise rapidly. In a healthy horse that gets plenty of exercise, this is generally not a major issue. In a horse with metabolic problems, it is a risk factor you ideally want to eliminate entirely.

Reading labels: how to recognise sugars

Manufacturers are required to list ingredients in order of weight. Watch out for the following names, all of which indicate added sugars:

• Molasses (sugar beet molasses or cane molasses)
• Cane sugar, beet sugar or sucrose
• Dextrose and glucose syrup
• Corn syrup or high-fructose corn syrup
• Dried molasses beet

NSC content: the number that matters

The term NSC stands for Non-Structural Carbohydrates and is the sum of starch and sugars in the feed. For horses with insulin resistance or laminitis, nutritionists recommend a total NSC of no more than 10–12% in the daily ration. Many common pellets are well above 15%, especially when molasses has been added. Always request the analysis certificate from the manufacturer showing separate values for sugar and starch — this information is not always printed on the packaging. In the EquiSight horse profile you can record and compare nutritional data, giving you an at-a-glance view of whether your horse is staying within safe limits.

At-risk groups: which horses are particularly sensitive?

• Horses with EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome) or PPID (Cushing's disease)
• Ponies and cold-blood breeds with a naturally low energy requirement
• Horses that have experienced a laminitis episode
• Horses in light or no work with limited grazing
• Older horses with reduced insulin sensitivity

Practical alternatives without added sugars

Fortunately, there is a wide choice of low-sugar feed available. Keep the following in mind during your search:

• Choose pellets based on dried grass, alfalfa or sugar beet pulp without molasses
• Use soaked hay as your basic forage (soaking reduces sugar content by 20–30%)
• Add linseed meal for healthy omega-3 fatty acids without a sugar spike
• Choose a mineral lick or loose mineral mix instead of sugar-containing treats
• Also keep an eye on apples and carrots: 100 grams of carrot contains around 5 grams of sugar — dose consciously

Transitioning to a low-sugar ration step by step

Adjust the ration gradually over a minimum of 10 to 14 days to prevent digestive problems. Start with 25% new feed alongside 75% current feed and shift the ratio every three days. Weigh portions rather than estimating — a coffee mug can hold anywhere from 150 to 400 grams depending on the product. Record your adjustments in the EquiSight calendar; this gives you a clear log if your vet or nutritional advisor has questions about the transition. If you notice changes in weight, hooves or behaviour after the transition, that is valuable information to share with your feed advisor.

EquiCoach helps with nutrition questions

Not sure about a specific product, or wondering whether your current ration is suitable? EquiCoach in the app can guide you through interpreting nutritional analyses and provides concrete suggestions based on the data in the horse profile. Enter your horse's weight, activity level and any relevant health information for personalised advice tailored to your situation.