This comparison tool is provided for general informational purposes only. Amino acid values are based on product labels, manufacturer-published information, laboratory analyses, or other sources believed to be reliable as of the date collected. Actual nutrient content may vary due to ingredient variation, manufacturing processes, product reformulation, analytical methods, and serving size. Comparisons are calculated on a per-serving basis using each manufacturer’s stated feeding or serving amount; serving sizes may differ substantially among products. Users should verify current product labels and consult the manufacturer before making feeding decisions. Product and company names are the property of their respective owners, and their inclusion does not imply affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement. Bluebonnet Feeds, LLC makes no warranty regarding the completeness or accuracy of this information and is not responsible for decisions made based on this tool.

Amino acids are critical to a horse’s health because they are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids are responsible for building muscle, but the body also uses amino acids to make hormones, enzymes, and anti-bodies which are all important parts of everyday life for a horse.

Amino acids are required in a very unique order and quantity. In order for proper growth and generation of muscle, all amino acids must be present in a very specific combination. Think of it like building a house where the house is a metaphor for strong muscle. Imagine every component of the house as a different amino acid. The foundation, the flooring, the walls, the siding and finally the roof are all essential parts of building a house in exactly the same way that each amino acids are an essential part of building strong muscle.

If a building contractor runs out of concrete while pouring the foundation, the building process stops until more concrete arrives. Amino acids are very similar - if one amino acid is in short supply in the diet, muscle development cannot continue until it is added to the diet.

Amino acids at risk of being shorted in the diet are called “limiting amino acids”, and in horses, the “First Limiting Amino Acid” is generally lysine.

Essential amino acids are the ones a horse's body can't make on its own. They have to come from the diet. It's important to make sure all essential amino acids are covered through a supplement, balancer, or fortified feed.

Non-essential amino acids are ones the horse's body CAN synthesize itself, using other nutrients as raw material. Synthesize means "make" or "build." So, when we say a horse can synthesize an amino acid, we mean its body manufactures it internally, like making dinner from scratch ingredients in the cupboard instead of having to go to the store.

*Bold amino acids are included in Amino Edge™ at guaranteed amounts.

Amino Edge™ is more than just amino acids:

• Guarantees all 10 essential amino acids, plus cysteine to support circulation and recovery. The tag lists them all so you know exactly what you’re getting.

• The lysine content is seriously high. Lysine is the first limiting amino acid. If it's short, protein synthesis stalls no matter how much total protein the horse gets. This is what drives topline and muscle development, not crude protein percentage.

• The addition of fish oil and flaxseed (EPA, DHA, ALA) plus vitamin E and vitamin C gives you anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support alongside the muscle building components. That combination supports recovery after hard work, not just muscle building at rest, which makes it genuinely useful for horses in active training.

• It is a safe supplement that can be fed with any feed because there are no minerals that could potentially unbalance ratios already formulated in a fortified diet.

• It has a low 10% NSC, making it safe for horses with metabolic conditions.

Amino Edge™ is great for:

• topline and muscle development
• diets low in protein or lysine
• feeds without a lysine guarantee
• when feeding at lower rates than recommended
• poor hay or pasture quality
• pregnant or lactating mares
• growing horses
• horses in training
• performance horses
• stallions

Yes! Amino Edge™ does not contain any added vitamins or minerals that could cause imbalances when fed on top of a fully fortified feed.

If you’re already feeding an amino acid supplement, check the ingredients or guaranteed analysis for additional minerals that could throw ratios out of balance.

Short answer: not as much as people think.

You'll see supplements advertise a high protein percentage on the tag, but that number doesn't tell you much on its own. A supplement with 12% protein and solid lysine levels can do more for muscle and topline than one sitting at 14% protein with weak amino acid quality.

What actually matters is which amino acids are included, and how much of each. The protein percentage is just a headline number, the real benefit is in the amino acid guarantees.

Yes! Amino Edge™ has an NSC of 10% ( 5% starch and 5% sugar) making it safe for horses with metabolic conditions. Because it's a supplement fed at just ¼ to 1 pound daily, the actual amount of sugar and starch your horse gets is tiny - we're talking a few grams. Compare that to the pounds of feed and forage they eat daily, and the impact is small.

Yes. Amino Edge™ contains no prohibited substances or drugs, making it safe for use during competition.

Read more about Bluebonnet's ionophore stance and safety standards here, or listen to Feed Room Chemist Episode #10.