Information on Feeding Rice Bran to Horses

Rice bran is becoming a popular horse feed supplement. It is recognized for its high fat content, palatability and low cost. However, there are health issues to consider when feeding this supplement.

  1. Information on Feeding Rice Bran to Horses

    • Rice bran is the brown layer on rice that is removed to make white rice. It is inexpensive, nutritious and highly palatable to horses.

    Components of Rice Bran

    • Rice bran is 14 to 23 percent fats. It also contains fiber and the antioxidants gamma oryzanol and vitamin E.

    Benefits of Rice Bran

    • The fat content in rice bran makes it a high calorie supplement for gaining and maintaining healthy weight levels. It contains phosphorus, builds lean muscle mass during training and gives the coat shine.

    Stabilized Rice Bran

    • Rice bran is available in both raw and stabilized forms. The stabilized form is a safer option owing to the high fat content in rice bran. The fats and oils in the stabilized rice bran will not oxidize and turn rancid as quickly as raw rice bran.

    The Calcium to Phosphorous Ratio

    • Rice bran contains 1.5 to 1.7 percent phosphorus. That amount of phosphorous, without a balanced amount of calcium, blocks calcium absorption. Look for brands that have added calcium to the rice bran formula to balance the mineral ratio.

    Warning

    • Feed no more than 2 lbs. of rice bran per day due to its high mineral content. Check with your veterinarian before feeding rice bran to your horse if it is at high risk for gastric ulcers.