The Hidden Risks of Grain By-Products Like Rice Bran and Wheat Middlings in Horse Feed

Feeding horses involves careful choices to keep them healthy and performing well. Many horse owners turn to grain by-products such as rice bran and wheat middlings, believing these ingredients offer nutritional benefits or cost savings. Yet, these by-products are still forms of grain and can carry hidden risks that affect your horse’s health. Understanding these risks helps you make better feeding decisions and avoid common problems linked to grain-based feeds.

Rice bran and wheat middlings in horse feed, close-up view

What Are Grain By-Products and Why Are They Used?

Grain by-products come from processing grains like rice and wheat. Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice kernel removed during milling, while wheat middlings are the leftover parts after flour extraction. These by-products often appear in horse feeds because they:

• Provide energy and some nutrients

• Are less expensive than whole grains

• Add fiber and fat content to the diet

  
  

Despite these benefits, grain by-products remain concentrated sources of starch and sugars, contain high amounts of Omega 6, and are high risk for containing GMO residue. This means they behave like grains in the digestive system and can cause similar issues.

How Grain By-Products Affect Horse Digestion

Horses evolved to eat mostly forage, such as grass and hay, which digest slowly and steadily. Grain and grain by-products digest quickly, releasing a surge of starch and sugars into the gut. This can disrupt the delicate balance of microbes in the horse’s hindgut, leading to problems like:

• Colic: Rapid fermentation of starch produces gas and toxins, increasing colic risk.

• Laminitis: Excess sugars can trigger inflammation in the hoof tissues.

• Diarrhea: Imbalanced gut flora causes loose stools and discomfort.

  
  

Rice bran and wheat middlings, while sometimes marketed as “natural” or “healthy,” still contribute to these risks because they contain high starch levels. Feeding them in large amounts or without proper forage balance increases the chance of digestive upset.

Nutritional Concerns Beyond Digestion

Grain by-products may also have inconsistent nutrient profiles. For example:

• Rice bran is rich in fat but can be high in phosphorus and low in calcium, upsetting mineral balance.

• Wheat middlings vary in protein and fiber content depending on processing methods.

  
  

These variations make it difficult to formulate a balanced diet without testing each batch. Overfeeding grain by-products can lead to nutrient imbalances, weight gain, or deficiencies.

Safer Alternatives to Grain By-Products

To reduce risks, consider these feeding strategies:

• Focus on forage: High-quality hay or pasture should form the bulk of the diet.

• Use low-starch concentrates: Feeds made with Alfalfa and beet pulp provide energy without excess starch.

• Add fat sources carefully IF at all: Instead of rice bran, use stabilized fats designed for horses. Most horses do not need added fats when their diet is correct and utilized how intended with bioavailable whole products.

• Consult a nutritionist: Tailor rations based on your horse’s workload, age, and health.

  
  

These options support digestive health and provide steady energy without the spikes caused by grain by-products.

Real-Life Examples of Problems from Grain By-Products

Many horse owners have shared stories of horses developing colic or laminitis after switching to feeds containing rice bran or wheat middlings. One case involved a performance horse that showed signs of discomfort and loose stools after increasing rice bran in the diet. After removing the rice bran and switching to a fiber-based feed, the horse’s symptoms resolved quickly.

Another example is a broodmare that gained excessive weight and developed hoof sensitivity when fed wheat middlings regularly. Adjusting her diet to reduce grain by-products and increase forage helped restore her condition.

These examples highlight the importance of recognizing grain by-products as grains and managing their use carefully.

Tips for Evaluating Horse Feeds

When choosing commercial feeds or supplements, check the ingredient list for terms like:

• Rice bran

• Wheat middlings

• Grain screenings

• Bran

  
  

If these appear, treat the feed as grain-based and limit the amount fed. Look for feeds labeled low-starch or designed for sensitive horses if your horse has a history of digestive issues.

Final Thoughts on Grain By-Products in Horse Feed

Rice bran and wheat middlings may seem like useful additions to horse feed, but they carry hidden risks because they are still grains. Feeding these by-products without caution can lead to digestive upset, nutrient imbalances, and health problems like laminitis. Prioritizing forage and safer energy sources helps protect your horse’s gut health and overall well-being.

If you are considering grain by-products in your horse’s diet, start with small amounts and monitor your horse closely. Work with an equine nutrition expert to create a balanced feeding plan that meets your horse’s needs without unnecessary risks.