Lo-Cal Balancer is a top specification nutrient-dense pelleted balancer, containing all a horse or pony needs for health and well-being, without the calories associated with a traditional mix or cube. Quality protein sources supply essential amino acids to build and repair muscle and other tissues, including tendons and hooves, while added linseed contributes essential Omega 3 fatty acids for supple skin and a super-shiny coat. Lo-Cal's formula has been subtly amended to accomodate this, and the other improvements, which have no effect on the overall calorie (DE) content of the original LOw CALorie balancer!
Lo-Cal’s superior vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content supports good health and includes chelated minerals, which are more easily absorbed by the horse’s body. It has always contained health levels of biotin, alongside other nutrients known to encourage healthy hoof growth, and now biotin levels have been boosted to 30mg/kg (from 20mg/kg) to deliver those positively identified, by recognised research, of 3mg/100kg bodyweight/day ie. 15mg/500kg horse/day, just to be (even more) sure!
In addition, Lo-Cal Balancer now has even lower starch and sugar levels, meaning it is even more suitable for equines prone to laminitis, while protected probiotic yeast and Digest Plus prebiotic support fibre-digesting bacteria, general gut health and digestive efficiency. This is of particular importance in the aftermath of a laminitic episode as a disruption in the gut microbial population will have occurred.
Lo-Cal has just been accredited by BETA as suitable for equines prone to gastric ulcer syndrome, as increasing numbers of “leisure” horses and ponies are being identified as, or suspected of, suffering, especially those whose forage intake is restricted. Lengthy periods without access to forage can leave the stomach walls vulnerable to acid attack so calorie-control should not come at the expense of fibre or other essential nutrients.
Lo-Cal Balancer can be fed as the sole concentrate, alongside forage, or added to reduced quantities of other hard feeds, to ensure a fully balanced diet. May also be fed with straights, like oats, for those who need a little extra sparkle. While it can be fed on its own, Light Chaff or Speedi-Beet can be added to provide low calorie bulk and increase chew-time.