Nutrena has just introduced its new LiteBalance™ controlled-calorie formula for overweight horses, easy keepers and horses on all-forage diets. The new formula, says Jim Ward, DVM and equine management consultant for Nutrena, is part of an ongoing commitment by Nutrena to bring new, more advanced solutions to everyday problems in equine care and nutrition.



“Every horse and situation is unique,” says Ward. “With the new LiteBalance™ formula, horse owners now have a ‘tool’ to manage their horse’s weight and nutrition. What we’re talking about is a healthy, well-balanced diet—and meeting the horse’s nutritional needs without excess calories.”
Balance is the key to equine health and nutrition, adds Nutrena Technology Development Manager Roy Johnson. “When a horse’s diet is out of balance with its needs, problems arise and the animal’s condition can suffer,” says Johnson. “That’s why we’re excited about the new LiteBalance™ formula and what it means to equine health.”
An overweight horse, explains Johnson, has consumed too many calories in its diet for its level of activity. An easy keeper, on the other hand, needs fewer calories to perform the same amount of work as other horses—and often times may not get the essential nutrients it requires when feeding rates are lowered to help manage its weight. And because forages fluctuate widely in their nutritional values, he adds, horses on all-forage diets often lack the essential nutrients they need for a well-balanced diet.
Three every day problems. One very advanced solution. LiteBalance™ premium horse feed is rich in essential nutrients and formulated with guaranteed amino acid levels, highly digestible fiber and a complete package of vitamins and minerals. This all-new controlled-calorie formula is scientifically balanced with only three percent fat and fewer calories than traditional maintenance rations. By weight, the LiteBalance™ formula contains approximately 20 percent fewer calories than oats and 25 percent fewer calories than the average high quality maintenance feed.
“Calories count,” says Ward. “When your horse takes in more calories than it needs for exercise and normal metabolic functions, problems can arise.”
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, excess weight puts a strain on virtually every system in the horse’s body and can be hazardous to the horse’s health. Problems range from increased stress on the heart and lungs to greater risk of laminitis or founder. More strain on joints and limbs, overheating, sluggish behavior and fatigue are other problems associated with excess weight.
Ward cautions that cutting the feeding rate for overweight horses and easy keepers isn’t always the right solution and, in some cases, can be harmful to the horse’s health and condition.
“People sometimes forget that when they cut calories by reducing the feeding rate, they’re also cutting back on the essential nutrients required for normal metabolic functions,” says Ward. “The LiteBalance™ formula has been scientifically designed to ensure that overweight horses and easy keepers on maintenance or light exercise diets get the essential nutrition they require without excess calories.”
The same nutritional balance that makes LiteBalance™ an ideal weight management formula also makes it an ideal choice for horses on all-forage diets. While horses that depend entirely on hay or pasture may appear fit, forages may lack the micronutrients required for a well-balanced diet.
The new LiteBalance™ formula contains 12 percent crude protein, three percent crude fat, and 15 percent crude fiber. Other important features include:
• Controlled-calorie design with high nutrient levels for a nutritionally balanced diet when fed with adequate hay or forage.
• Guaranteed amino acid levels to ensure proper balance for muscle maintenance and body condition.
• Enhanced selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C levels to support the horse’s immune system and provide anti-oxidant benefits.
• Added biotin and methionine to support hoof and hair growth.
• Added yeast culture and direct fed microbials to support digestion.
• Organic trace mineral complexes, including selenium, to provide a highly bioavailable source of critical nutrients for metabolic functions.
• High palatability for outstanding consumption.
The LiteBalance™ controlled-calorie formula is sold exclusively through a network of more than 2,800 Nutrena® brand dealers nationwide.
Article provided by Nutrena®. More information about LiteBalance™ and other advanced nutrition products from Nutrena is available online at www.NutrenaWorld.com.