Saracen Horse Feeds have researched and formulated a comprehensive range of highly digestible feeds so that every type of horse is catered for in any given circumstance.

CONSISTENCY
Only the highest quality materials, all of vegetable origin are used, and every ingredient is carefully selected by following strict quality control procedures, before being included in any batch. Animal derivatives are not included in any of our feeds. The formulations for the rations are fixed, so that quality and consistency are maintained throughout, and the company's "Open Declaration" policy means that each ingredient is listed on the bag label in order of inclusion.

BALANCED DIETS
Every Saracen Horse Feed diet is made entirely from individual feedingstuffs, each of which the horse would eat if fed separately. These ingredients are then balanced with a high profile vitamin and mineral specification, so that all the nutrients are present in the correct amounts when fed according to recommendations. This means that optimum levels can be achieved for the horse's health and performance.

VALUE FOR MONEY
The feeds are designed to match the needs of specific types of horses, therefore each of the compounds contains the level of protein, energy, fibre, vitamins and minerals that is relevant to the horse it is intended for. Particular attention is paid to the digestibility of the ration, and consequently, the main base for the feeds is alfalfa, which provides a valuable source of highly digestible and nutritious fibre, unlike cereal by-products that are indigestible in comparison. This added digestibility makes Saracen diets very efficient and cost effective giving excellent value for money.

BENEFITS
Alfalfa is used extensively throughout Saracen diets. Alfalfa is a rich source of bio-available calcium and contains numerous micronutrients which aid improved hoof growth. Perhaps more importantly, the alfalfa that we use provides the horse with a rich source of highly digestible fibre. Horses evolved as wandering grazers with digestive tracts designed for the continual consumption of forage. Consequently, horses are very efficient at extracting energy and other nutrients from digestible fibre sources, which are also critical for maintaining a healthy digestive system. A lack of fibre in the horse’s diet will increase the risk of psychological problems such as crib biting, and physiological problems, such as gastric ulcers. Recent research has shown that horses offered multiple forage sources were less likely to perform abnormal behaviours. The use of alfalfa in Saracen diets is a valuable addition to the horse’s fibre intake and will help avoid these problems thereby contributing to the horse’s well-being and overall health.

ENERGY
Energy is the nutritional factor most influenced by exercise; the amount of energy, source of energy and time of feeding it affect performance. There are various types of energy sources as follows:

• OILS
Research has shown that horses can readily digest and utilize fat in their diet, which can provide several benefits such as improved stamina and endurance, reduced fatigue and less heat production during digestion. Adding oil increases the energy density of the diet so that less cereals and feed are required to maintain body condition and support the work being done. Replacing some of the cereals with oil can help reduce the fluctuations in blood glucose and insulin levels and help make excitable horses manageable, as well as reducing the risk of colic, laminitis, tying up and OCD’s. Soya oil is included in all Saracen diets and a high fat stabilized rice bran is in selected special needs diets.

• FIBRES
Digestible fibre sources such as alfalfa, Soya hulls and sugar beet are included in the range of feeds to provide slow release energy. This complements the processed cereals and high oil levels to ensure sustained, controlled performance. The digestible fibre sources used in the range of feeds enhance the energy value, enabling a further reduction in levels of cereals in the diet. Sugar beet for example is about 80% digestible fibre compared to about 50% for average hay. For performance horses on reduced long forage rations, diets high in digestible fibre can help to maintain digestive health and reduce the risk of colic and gastric ulcers.

• CARBOHYDRATES
Cereals containing starch are included in the range of feeds as an additional source of energy. To help the digestion of starch in the small intestine, Saracen have processed the cereals by micronising or extruding. This maximizes the amount of starch that is digested and reduces the risk of undigested starch reaching the hindgut, and predisposing the horse to digestive disorders. Starch digestion is relatively quick so that the end product, glucose, is made available to the horse as an energy source quickly. Diets high in cereals may exaggerate an excitable temperament.

PROTEIN
Protein is 80% of the horses structure on a fat and moisture free basis. Protein and amino acids are essential for cell and tissue renewal, muscle repair, growth and development, as well as for the synthesis of enzymes and hormones. Only if protein is fed in excess or if food is sparse does the horse use it as an energy source. There is no evidence to suggest that feeding high levels of protein can enhance performance. Apart from growing and older horses, and lactating mares, protein is not needed in great amounts but it is important to have a combination of good quality, digestible vegetable protein. The main sources used in Saracen diets are alfalfa, Soya and peas.

MICRO-NUTRIENTS
The vitamin and mineral supplementation in the rations is extensive, assuring the provision of a balanced and optimum micronutrient supply. All the diets are fortified with a totally unique trace elements formula supplied exclusively to Saracen Horse Feeds by Kentucky Equine Research. This enhances the overall nutrient supply and ensures the maintenance of the health and well-being of your horse. Herbs are also included in some of the rations, which provide a natural source of vitamins and minerals lacking from pasture, as well as aiding respiration, digestion and natural healing processes.