Weekend Wrapup from Kentucky Performance Products

Do you know how to read the label on your horse’s feed? Here’s a look at the importance of knowing how to read expiration dates, lot numbers and manufacturers’ information.

Expiration dates: Freshness is important to horse owners. No one wants to feed his or her horse an old, stale bag of feed. Checking the expiration or “best used by” date on your feed tag or feedbag tells you just how fresh the feed really is. It is a good idea to locate these numbers and check them each time you get a new supply of feed. If you can’t find them, ask your feed distributor to show you where they are.

Lot numbers: Each bag of feed also carries a lot number. As manufacturers produce feeds, they do so in batches that are numbered and tracked. Lot numbers become important when there is a problem with a feed. It allows the manufacturer to easily track down the feed involved in an adverse situation and it allows the consumer to identify if they have a feed with that problem.

Manufacturers’ information: Commercial feed manufacturers are required to put their name, address and contact information on each bag of feed they produce. This is so regulatory agencies, feed distributors, and customers can contact them when necessary. These days many manufacturers will include a website where you can go at any time to learn more about the feed.

To make the most of your phone call with a feed company, you should have the following information readily available:

If you have a nutrition question:

• The full name of the feed, or better yet, the feed tag itself
• Details about your horse’s diet and feeding schedule
• Nutrient information on your hay, if available
• A list of all the supplements and medications you give your horse

If you have a complaint about a feed:

• The full name of the feed or the feed tag itself
• The lot number from the feedbag
• A sample of the feed and the history of your complaint
• The contact information of whom you bought the feed from
• The date you purchased the feed
• Details about your horse’s diet and feeding schedule

The feed tag is yet another tool in a smart horse owner’s toolbox. Taking the time to learn how to use the feed tag properly will benefit both your horse and your pocketbook. Click here to learn more about feed labels. Go Kentucky Performance Products and Go Riding!