Everything Explained All About Balancers
Katie Williams M.Sc. (Dist) R Nutr
Well the new year has arrived and I’m really excited to start it with news of some new products that we have for you. Over the last three years the team at Dengie have been working on creating the perfect balancers to complement the Alfa-A and Hi-Fi range of Fibre Feeds and now they’re finally here. To keep things simple we have decided to call them Alfa-A Balancer and Hi-Fi Balancer and they are formulated to be fed alongside any of the Alfa-A or Hi-Fi range respectively. The Balancers have been extensively trialled and you can read more about what those who tested them for us thought if you click here [take to balancer page for Case Studies]. During the development of the balancers our triallers had lots of questions and as we thought it was highly likely that you would want to know the same things, we’ve included them all. If there is anything else you would like to know or if you would like one of the nutrition team to prepare a personalised feeding plan for your horse based on one of the balancers then please click here.
How do Balancers work?
The idea behind the Dengie Balancers is that the Fibre Feeds such as Alfa-A Original or Hi-Fi Lite, provide most of the energy and protein the horse needs as well as some of the essential vitamins and minerals. To ensure that the diet is balanced the Balancers top-up on essential nutrients and supply extra goodies that help to keep the horse healthy and in excellent condition.
Why do Dengie Balancers look different to other Balancers?
The Dengie ethos is to make feeds that are sympathetic to the horse’s digestive system and the Balancers are no exception. By using a process known as extrusion, the surface area of the Balancers is increased which means they take longer to eat and are more digestible. An added benefit for horses and ponies on limited rations is that they actually get a greater volume of feed to eat without too many additional calories.
What’s in Dengie Balancers?
Both Alfa-A and Hi-Fi Balancer are based on the same key ingredients which are as follows:
- Alfalfa – to provide natural vitamins and minerals that are easier for the horse to absorb.
- Linseed – an excellent source of omega 3 essential fatty acids.
- Herbs – rosemary and thyme are included for their antioxidant properties and high palatability.
- Rice – the most digestible source of starch available.
- Chelated minerals – all the trace minerals copper, zinc and manganese are chelated, some companies only include a proportion of the total mineral as a chelate.
- Oatfeed – a source of fibre.
What’s not in Dengie Balancers?
Molasses – no added molasses means that Dengie Balancers are ideal for horses and ponies that require a low sugar diet.
How is Alfa-A Balancer different to Hi-Fi Balancer?
The Alfa-A range of Fibre Feeds are intended to be used for horses with increased nutritional requirements whether for work, breeding or weight gain. The Alfa-A Balancer is therefore formulated with this in mind and contains some extra ingredients and nutrients that should help to keep the horse healthy.
- Full range of B vitamins including biotin to counteract the detrimental effects that “stress” may have on the horse’s digestive system.
- FOS prebiotics help to keep the gut healthy and research suggests that they could also be beneficial in reducing the risk of gastric ulcers.
- Glucosamine is also included to counteract the effects of everyday wear and tear on joints.
How much of the Dengie Balancer do I feed?
The feeding rate for both balancers is the same at 100grams per 100kgs bodyweight.
How do I measure Dengie Balancers?
A standard mug holds 100g and a pint jug or glass holds 250g.
Can I feed it alongside other feeds?
The simple answer is yes! If you are feeding less than the recommended quantities of a mix or cube or you use straights then either Balancer can be used to top up on essential nutrients. You may not need to use the full amount if you are using feeds that contain vitamins and minerals and so it is best to check with a nutritionist as to how much you need to use.
Are the Balancers palatable?
The Balancers were trialled on over 70 horses, ponies and donkeys all of whom tucked in really well. One horse with severe gastric ulcers ate the Hi-Fi Balancer in preference to other mixes and cubes.
If my horse is at grass and I’m not using much Hi-Fi or Alfa-A, can I still use the Balancer?
Yes, either of the Balancers would be suitable for horses and ponies at grass when you just want to top up on vitamins and minerals that might not be provided at the right levels by the grazing.
Does it matter how much Alfa-A or Hi-Fi I use alongside the Balancer?
One of the benefits of the Balancers is that as long as they are fed at the correct level the amount of Alfa-A or Hi-Fi can be adjusted according to the horse’s energy requirements. This means that you have the flexibility to adjust the ration without worrying about losing out on vitamins and minerals.
Where can I buy Dengie Balancers?
Any Dengie stockist can order the Balancers for you if they haven’t already got them in stock. For the ultimate in convenience you can also order on-line and have the Balancers delivered to your door. Prices are the recommended retail prices with no added post & packing charges.
How much does it cost to feed the Balancers per day?
The examples below show that you can get the very best nutrition for less than the cost of a sandwich from a supermarket each day.
250kg pony in light work Daily Ration
- 1kg Hi-Fi Lite (3 scoops) = £0.48
- 250grams Hi Fi Balancer (1 pint jug) = £0.44
- Total Cost per day = £0.92
500kg horse in moderate work Daily Ration
- 2kgs Alfa-A Oil (5 scoops) = £1.25
- 500grams Alfa-A Balancer (2 pint jugs) = £1.22
- Total Cost per day = £2.47
