Most low-starch feeds aren’t tailored for performance and longevity. They still require high feeding rates or rely on ingredients that can be problematic for sensitive systems. Intensify® Low Starch Ultra™ was built specifically for horses that react to change, struggle on traditional feeds but can’t maintain on a balancer, or need tighter nutritional control.

On most feed labels, NSC (non-structural carbohydrates) isn’t listed directly, so it has to be estimated by adding together the available values (if the manufacturer decides to list them), typically starch + “sugars”. If starch and/or sugar are not listed in the Guaranteed Analysis of the feed -these values could vary bag to bag, and caution may be wise for horses with true metabolic sensitivities.

Sugars listed on feed labels are most commonly WSC (water soluble carbohydrates). WSC includes all water-soluble sugars in the feed, including both sugars and fructans. What you won’t often see on a manufacturer’s label is ESC (ethanol soluble carbohydrates), and this is what truly matters for metabolic horses. ESC closely reflects the sugars that can rapidly impact blood glucose and insulin response.

When a label provides WSC, ESC, and starch separately, it allows for a more accurate and meaningful NSC calculation, and a clearer understanding of how the feed may affect your horse’s metabolic health.

Yes. With an ULTRA low NSC (under 9%), a low feeding rate, and no grains or molasses, Intensify® Low Starch Ultra™ is ideal for horses that require metabolic-friendly, controlled energy. The addition of chromium helps support steady blood sugar and energy levels, making it safe for horses with metabolic concerns.

The low-starch category has historically been associated with calorie restriction, so the feeding rate here can feel counterintuitive at first glance. But metabolic and insulin-resistant horses are NOT always overweight easy keepers. Many are actively working and still need real, steady energy without the sugar and starch spikes of traditional performance feeds. In fact, our team works with several metabolic/IR horses who struggle to maintain a healthy weight while in work!
 
Forage makes up the majority of calories in any horse's diet. For easy keepers that truly need calorie restriction, careful management happens through hay selection, tested forage, and controlled grazing. Concentrates are a small piece of that pie.
 
For horses that need extreme calorie restriction on the concentrate side too, that's what our Pro Balance™ diet balancer is built for. It provides extra-low feeding rates and maximum nutrient density with minimal calories.
 
Intensify® Low Starch Ultra™ is a different tool. The feeding rate exists because it IS built to provide calories, and the technology stack in this formula simply cannot fit into a “balancer-sized” package and still be palatable or effective. LIFELINE®+ Equine bioactive proteins, Hay Fix™ gut support, Pro Balance™ organic trace minerals, chromium, natural Vitamin E, elevated biotin, and over 3,600 mg of lysine per pound all have to go somewhere.
 
The ultra-low NSC of Intensify® Low Starch Ultra™ (under 9%) handles metabolic safety. The feeding rate handles nutrition. Together they serve the metabolic horse that still has real performance demands.

We believe forage should make up the majority of a horse’s diet, providing consistent fiber and high-quality protein from long-stem sources. Most horses need performance support without excessive protein. With over 3,600 mg of Lysine in every pound, this formula supports just what your horse needs for muscle repair and recovery needs. By building your horse’s diet on quality forage, this feed complements the foundation your horse relies on while providing targeted, controlled nutrition without unnecessary excess that could impact metabolic stability,

Yes. Intensify® Low Starch Ultra™ contains no grains, wheat middlings, beet pulp, flaxseed or molasses. It is built for horses that cannot tolerate common ingredients often found in traditional performance feeds.

Absolutely! Because of its low-starch, high fat profile - low starch takes about 4 minutes to soak through in cold water, and 2 minutes in hot water.

Yes. Intensify® Low Starch Ultra™ is a drug-free & show-safe formula made in an ionophore-FREE facility. Read more about Bluebonnet's ionophore stance and safety standards here, or listen to Feed Room Chemist Episode #10.