Firstly, the protein in Fibregenix balancers is fed in grams not kilograms. Therefore the amount does not equate to an extortionate amount of protein, rather the amino acids that your horse requires on a daily basis. Amino acids are the building blocks of muscle and are essential in your horse’s diet. Your horse will only use what he needs and the excess will be passed in urine. However, this depends on how well it is absorbed and utilized etc. As with most things, it’s not just the quantity that is important but also the quality. So, a quality protein source will be easily digested and have an amino acid profile similar to that needed by your horse.
Secondly, there is also a difference between crude protein and digestible protein. Digestible protein is the figure we are interested in and the balancers are formulated to ensure that the balance of digestible protein to carbs and fats is correct.
The “percent crude protein” found on the labels of feeds and supplements is a calculation of the nitrogen content of the product. Nitrogen is contained in the amino acids that serve as the building blocks of proteins. “Crude” means that not all the protein reported by this number is digestible.
It’s estimated that between 2% – 5% of many common protein sources aren’t absorbed. The percent crude protein number is helpful, but shouldn’t be the sole piece of information used when choosing a feed or supplement.
For instance, crude protein percentage doesn’t tell you the source of protein contained in the feedstuff or the amino acid makeup of that protein. Therefore it’s more useful when combined with information on the type of protein included in a product.
Fibregenix contains high quality protein sources with an excellent amino acid profile and bioavailability. The protein is derived from dehulled soya bean meal. Knowledge of the lysine and methionine content of a protein source is necessary when properly balancing your horse’s diet. Some labels will include these percentages. However, knowing what ingredients are good sources of lysine and methionine and identifying them in the ingredients list will also enable an informed decision.
Fibregenix will not make horses ‘hot’. The main reasons being
1) it is whole-cereal and molasses free so contains super low levels of sugar and starch. These are the 2 main culprits that cause fizzy behaviour
2) each balancer contains generous levels of magnesium – the anti-stress mineral. It helps keep horses and ponies settled and relaxed.
3) each balancer contains digestive aids that help to improve the health of the fore and hindgut. Bear in mind that a lot of ‘hot and fizzy’ behaviour is caused by poor digestive health.