ASKHQ: IRON LEVEL IN HORSE FOOD

Q: Why are people worried about the iron level in horse food?

A: Concerns about the iron level in horse feeds stem from the potential adverse effects of excessive iron on horse health. Here are the main reasons why people are worried:

1. Iron overload

Horses require only a small amount of iron for healthy blood production, oxygen transport, and cellular functions. Excessive iron intake, however, can in rare cases lead to iron overload, which has been associated with:

• Liver damage: Excess iron can accumulate in the liver, leading to oxidative stress and liver dysfunction.
• Insulin resistance: High iron levels have been linked to an increased risk of insulin dysregulation, which may contribute to conditions like equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and laminitis.

2. Iron in forage and water

Many horses already receive enough (or even excessive) iron from natural sources such as forage and water. This makes additional iron in commercial feeds or supplements unnecessary and potentially harmful.

3. Imbalance of minerals

Excess iron can interfere with the absorption of other essential minerals, particularly copper and zinc, which are crucial for healthy hooves, skin, coat, and immune function. This imbalance can cause:

• Poor coat quality
• Weakened hoof structure
• Increased susceptibility to infections

4. Iron in feeds is sometimes unlabelled

Many horse owners are unaware of the iron content in feeds because manufacturers are not always required to list it on the label. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to calculate the total iron intake and avoid over-supplementation.

5. Link to chronic conditions

Some studies suggest a possible connection between chronic excessive iron intake and inflammatory conditions in horses, although more research is needed.

What can you do to manage iron levels?

In an ideal world, testing each batch of forage and your water levels of iron would be very helpful. However, in reality this isn’t easy to do in South Africa. Instead, make sure to read feed labels carefully and opt for feeds with balanced mineral profiles. If in doubt, consult an equine nutritionist to help assess the balance of your horse’s diet.