We are going Soya-Free!

We are proud to announce that over the next month, our range of feeds will become GMO free.

There are numerous reasons why we have taken this step, not least of which is feedback from you, our customers. We hugely value the input of our customers on our products and services. We have taken the time to listen and have worked hard to re-formulate and improve the Chestnut range. Whilst there will be limited nutritional changes within the range, you may see some visual changes in the feeds but please be assured that each feed continues to be the high quality you would expect from us whilst providing the same nutritional values.

Over the next month the key change we are making is removing all soya-based ingredients from our range of feeds and here are the reasons why:

Customer Feedback

One of the main drivers for this change has been customer feedback, over the last few months we have had an increasing number of enquiries regarding the inclusion of GMO ingredients within our formulations and questions around potential alternatives. We have been working with our independent nutritionist to re-formulate and improved our range of feeds whilst maintaining the nutritional specification.

Genetically-Modified (GMO) Sources

Soya is one of the most commonly genetically modified (GMO) crops and it is often used with horse feed. As a feed ingredient, it is very difficult to source soya as non-GMO. One of the main concerns around GMO within feed comes from horses kept on sites with organic status or the removal of muck heaps to be spread on land that is certified with organic status. In order to maintain organic certification the waste spread on the land must not contain GMO material that can still be present when a horse has been a diet containing GMO ingredients.

Level of Omega 6

Soya is high in Omega 6 Fatty Acids.  Whilst these types of fatty acids are an essential component in our horse’s overall diet, they are generally present in higher than desirable amounts in soya. We always limited the quantity within our previous formulations for this reason.

A key consideration in any horses diet is the percentage of Omega 6 fatty acids in proportion to Omega 3 fatty acids. High levels of Omega 6 fatty acids with accompanying low levels of Omega 3 fatty acids are known to promote inflammation. Adding large amounts of soya products to a ration already high in Omega 6 fatty acids further accentuates the shift towards a pro-inflammatory tendency.

This can potentially have wide-ranging effects from impairing recovery from training, competition, and exercise; compromising immune function; and exacerbating already existing inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis and laminitis.

Phytoestrogen Activity 

Excessively high intakes of phytoestrogens have the potential to decrease testosterone levels, an important consideration in stallions and colts. (Note:- Soya certainly isn’t the only source of phytoestrogens commonly found in horse diets: clover grass is rich in phytoestrogens for example).

 
If you have any questions or would like a free diet plan for your horse just get in touch, we are more than happy to help