Nutrition Comparison
The Nutritional Content Comparison table provides select macro and micro nutrient content for representative types of forages, roughages, and a grain product for comparison. The macro and micro-nutrients selected are those that AAFCO model bill identified for horse feed labels with two exceptions.
(1) The database used for this data (Equi-Analytical Interactive Common Feed Profile) doesn’t include measures of Selenium or Vitamin A.
(2) The database does include Starch and Simple Sugars.
It should also be noted, and emphasized, that this data is calculated on a, “dry matter” basis. The Guaranteed Analysis on feed packaging is on an, “as fed” basis. That means the two are not directly comparable because the, “as fed” includes the water content. The purpose of the following table is to provide a general comparison of representative ingredients.
Comments on table:
Fats and oils contribute a considerable amount of Digestible Energy; 4 megacalories per pound compared to 1.19 Mcal per pound for Alfalfa, and 1.52 for Wheat Mids (see Nutrient Content Comparison in the Grains and Grain Product ingredient page).
Oils seed meals contribute some fat, but even greater amount of protein as well as fiber, starches, sugars and minerals