What does ‘low carb’ mean?  Lower than what? “There are several analytical procedures that measure sugar, and each one measures a slightly different fraction,” says Kathryn Watts, owner of Rocky Mountain Research & Consulting, Inc. and Safergrass.org.  “Samples analyzed by different testing labs may not provide a fair comparison for consumers looking for lower carbohydrate horse feeds.  There is also a lot of confusion about definitions, which makes it difficult to shop smarter for feeds lower in nonstructural carbohydrates; which include sugar, starch and fructan. “   Very few feed companies routinely test for sugar and starch.  Even when they do, questions arise:  Has the manufacturer provided us with an average ‘per batch’ number, with a large variation between bags?   How much variation is there from one batch to another? Do they always use the same testing lab and testing procedure?   “Those of us caring for horses and ponies with carbohydrate intolerance ask these questions every day, and they deserve to be answered” says Kathryn.  

 

To eliminate all the guessing, Safergrass.org will provide a service to consumers, horse feed companies and hay producers to provide independent testing of horse feeds for carbohydrates at the same, approved professional laboratory.  Results will be posted on www.safergrass.org so consumers may make more informed feed choices.  Horse feed companies who have done a better job of keeping non structural carbohydrates reliably lower deserve to have this information readily available for comparison by the consumer.

 

Searching for low sugar hay can be an expensive and frustrating experience.  It is rare that growers or brokers marketing horse hay test for sugar and starch.  A horse owner may waste a lot of time and money testing hay that ends up being inappropriate.  “Horse owners at my seminars say they would spend $5-10/ton more for hay that was already tested. Hay growers need to take advantage of this value-added concept.”  There is a growing market for low sugar hay, and these consumers already look to Safergrass.org for advice on management of carbohydrate intolerant horses.  Horse owners are becoming educated that color isn’t important, when tests results look good, and hay is free of mold. Hay growers can now sell that off color hay for a premium price if the hay test numbers come out right.  Your new customers will find you when you list your low sugar hay on Safergrass.org in the CertiCarb program.