Feeding Beyond the Basics: Helping Horses Thrive
Feeding Beyond the Basics: How Equine Balanced Support Bridges the Gap Between NRC Requirements and Thriving Nutrition
Most feeding programs focus on meeting the NRC (National Research Council) requirements — a science-based baseline that defines the minimum nutrients needed to prevent deficiency. That’s essential, but it’s only part of the picture. Horses can survive on minimums; they don’t always thrive.
Equine Balanced Support (EBS) was developed to go beyond the minimum — without going too far. It bridges the gap between baseline safety and optimal health using scientific evidence and field-proven strategies.
NRC vs Thriving: The Core Distinction
📏 NRC = Don’t Fail
Prevents deficiency, but doesn’t necessarily optimize performance, comfort, or recovery.
🌿 Thriving = Do Better
Focuses on energy metabolism, immune resilience, digestion, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.
How EBS Does It Differently
🧱 1) Built on a Solid Foundation
EBS ensures nutrients meet or slightly exceed NRC, covering the essentials:
- Energy and fiber
- Protein (incl. lysine)
- Macro & micro-minerals
- Vitamins A, D, E, B-complex
No corners cut — and no excess for excess’s sake.
🔬 2) Evidence-Based Enhancements
Where research supports benefit, EBS selectively boosts:
- Chelated trace minerals (absorption ↑, antagonism ↓)
- Antioxidants (vitamin E, selenium, polyphenols)
- Pre/probiotics for gut steadiness
- Omega-3s / essential fatty acids
- Adaptable amino acid blends
Every addition is intentional and data-backed — not marketing fluff.
⏰ 3) AM/PM Timing Strategy
Horses have circadian rhythms. Splitting nutrients into AM & PM formulas can improve:
- Nutrient absorption & metabolic efficiency
- Digestive stability & routine calm
- Reduced mineral competition (e.g., zinc vs copper)
🧠 4) Built for Real-World Horses
EBS accounts for forage variability, workload, age, stress, recovery status, and individual digestion — then tunes the plan with ongoing feedback.
From Basic to Thriving: Why “Enough” Isn’t Always Enough
Meeting the NRC’s minimums is a start — but it’s the baseline. Just as people feel the difference when foundational nutrients are abundant enough (better energy, recovery, and focus), horses thrive when vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants are available at thriving levels, not just the bare minimum.
Thriving levels go beyond avoiding deficiency. They support healthy muscle, resilient joints, calm focus, efficient digestion, and visible day-to-day vitality.
Why It Works
- ✔ Reduces risk of imbalance and toxicity
- ✔ Improves digestion and reduces gut stress
- ✔ Boosts nutrient efficiency via AM/PM timing
- ✔ Tailors support to the real horse, not just lab values
- ✔ Aligns with emerging equine chronobiology
A Smarter Way to Support Your Horse’s Health
EBS avoids over-supplementation and trends-for-trends’ sake. It’s science-based, field-tested, and customized to help horses not just survive — but truly thrive.
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