A little goes a long way – for taste, nutrition and performance
Molasses has long been used in horse feeds, but today’s formulations are more thoughtful than ever. In small amounts, molasses offers real benefits — and can absolutely be part of a low GI or cool feed.
Why Is Molasses a Popular Ingredient?
✅ Palatability
Horses love the taste of molasses. Unlike artificial flavour enhancers, molasses is 100% natural - you know exactly what you're getting. It can also mask less palatable ingredients or medications, encouraging even picky eaters to clean up their feed.
✅ Dust Reduction
Molasses binds fine particles together, making feed cleaner to handle and safer for horses to eat. Less dust means less risk of respiratory irritation, especially for stabled horses.
✅ Bonus Nutrients
Molasses isn’t just a sweetener. It naturally contains a range of essential minerals and trace elements that support overall health, particularly in horses on processed or limited pasture diets.
More Than Just a Sweetener: What Molasses Contains
Significant levels of:
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Calcium – for strong bones, muscle contractions, and nerve function
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Magnesium – supports calm behaviour, muscle function, and metabolic health
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Potassium – vital for fluid balance and muscular control
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Iron – key to red blood cell function and energy transport
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Copper – aids iron absorption, coat colour, and connective tissue health
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Manganese – supports joints, bone growth, and antioxidants
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Zinc – essential for hooves, coat condition, and immunity
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Selenium – a powerful antioxidant supporting muscle health
Trace amounts of:
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Phosphorus – works with calcium for bone and energy metabolism
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Chromium – may aid blood sugar regulation
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Cobalt – required for Vitamin B12 synthesis in the hindgut
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Sodium – essential for hydration and nerve function
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Boron, Nickel, Molybdenum, Iodine – all contribute to enzyme function, bone health, and thyroid support.
Used Thoughtfully in Feed Formulation
Molasses is used in very small amounts in cool and low-GI feeds - just enough to deliver its benefits without disrupting blood sugar levels. For example, Fiskens Ultra Low GI Horse Feed contains no more than 2.5% molasses, and when fed according to the recommended guidelines, this contributes minimal sugar to the total ration.
Additional Benefits in Feed Manufacturing
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Improves texture and pellet durability
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Acts as a natural preservative
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Helps retain moisture and extend shelf life.
👉Learn more and view feeding guidelines
Fiskens Nutritional Science
Fiskens feeds are formulated in collaboration with qualified equine nutritionists for optimal performance and balance. With over 60 years of expertise in equine nutrition, Fiskens is a trusted leader in developing scientifically-backed feed solutions that support horse health and performance across all disciplines.
Superior nutrition that won't break the bank!