The pellets do not contain any binders, therefore they soak fast. In fact, most of our customers feed them dry. 

The pellets are standard production length (3/4").

No. This guideline applies to high-starch grain feeds — not to fiber-based feeds. The commonly cited “no more than 5 pounds per meal” rule originates from research on grain and starch-heavy concentrates. Cowboy Complete and Cowboy Red Pellets are predominantly fiber-based, with calories derived from soluble and digestible fiber, not starch. Fiber ferments slowly and safely in the hindgut with the help of the microbiome and does NOT trigger hindgut acidosis. Consider this: A single flake of hay commonly weighs 6–10 lbs. Which means that horses routinely consume more than 5 pounds of fiber at one time. If the 5-pound limit rule applied to fiber, horses could not eat hay safely. Conclusion: The 5-pound limit applies to grain, not fiber-based feeds such as Cowboy’s Choice Feeds.

Scientific References:
Hansen, T.L. et al. (2020). Postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses of horses to feeds differing in soluble fiber concentration. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 88.

Clutter, S.H. & Rodiek, A.V (1992). Feeding value of diets containing almond hulls. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 12(2), 99–102.

No. The healthy equine stomach empties continuously. Feed begins leaving the stomach within minutes, and gastric emptying typically occurs within 20–30 minutes for non-grain meals. Furthermore, given common horse feeding practices, the Cowboy Complete and Cowboy Red Pellets are eaten slowly because they are high in fiber. Therefore, they do NOT overload a healthy equine stomach.


Scientific References: 
Lorenzo-Figueras, M. et al.: Meal-induced gastric relaxation and emptying in horses after ingestion of high-fat versus high-carbohydrate diets. Am J Vet Res 2005;66:897–906

Van Weyenberg, S. et al.: Passage rate of digesta through the equine gastrointestinal tract: A review. Livestock Science Volume 99, Issue 1, January 2006, Pages 3-12

Cowboy’s Choice Feeds are high in fiber and ferment safely. Hindgut disorders are linked to starch overload, not fiber. Cowboy’s Choice feeds are grain-free, low starch, and based on soluble fiber that supports stable hindgut pH.
 
Scientific References:

Raspa, F. et al.: A high-starch vs. high-fibre diet: effects on the gut environment of the different intestinal compartments of the horse digestive tract. BMC Vet Res. 2022 May 19;18:187

Ermers, C. et al.: The Fibre Requirements of Horses and the Consequences and Causes of Failure to Meet Them. Animals (Basel) . 2023 Apr 20;13(8):1414

Freeman, D. (2023). Equine Nutrition and Hindgut Health. Oklahoma State University Extension.

Equi-Analytical July 2025: Analysis of Cowboy Complete and Cowboy Ped Pellets (Published as “Guaranteed Analysis” on feed bags and the product pages on this website) 

No. Laminitis risk is associated with high starch and insulin spikes. Cowboy’s Choice products are grain-free and do not trigger an insulin spike. Cowboy Complete in particular is very low in starch (varies between 1-4%) which makes this feed ideal for horses with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome or Equine Cushing’s Disease (PPID). Fiber-based feeding such as Cowboy Complete or Cowboy Red Pelles usually reduces the risk for laminitis.
 
Scientific References:
De Laat, M. et al.: Hyperinsulinemic laminitis. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2010 Aug;26(2):257-64

Hansen, T.L. et al. (2020). Postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses of horses to feeds differing in soluble fiber concentration. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 88. 

Minimal swelling because no binders were added in the production process.This means that these pellets do not rapidly expand.

Scientific Reference:

Gross, G. (2025). The Science Behind Cowboy’s Choice Feeds. (Cowboy’s Choice Research Center)

Soaking is optional. It may help horses with dental issues or prior choke history, but the pellets are designed to be safely fed dry because they do not contain binders. Therefore, for horses with healthy and maintained teeth, chewing the pellets is easy. In general, choking is a management issue, as horses can choke on all kinds of feeds.

Scientific References:
Bezdekova, B. Esophageal disorders in the horse – a review of literature. Pferdeheilkunde Equine Medicine March 2012, 28(2):187-192

Gross, G. (2025). The Science Behind Cowboy’s Choice Feeds. (Cowboy’s Choice Research Center)
Question: Is the beet pulp in Cowboy’s Choice Feeds high in sugar?

No. Beet pulp is low in sugar and starch and provides fiber-based calories without glucose spikes.
 
Scientific References:
Hansen, T.L. et al. (2020). Postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses of horses to feeds differing in soluble fiber concentration. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 88.

Ford, T. et al.: Effect of Sugar Beet Pulp on the Composition and Predicted Function of Equine Fecal Microbiota. Biology (Basel). 2023 Sep 19;12(9):1254

Yes. Cowboy Complete is grain-free, low starch, and suitable for horses with Cushings (PPID), insulin resistance and metabolic horses. 

Scientific References:
Clutter, S.H. & Rodiek, A.V. (1992). Feeding value of diets containing almond hulls. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 12(2), 99–102.

National Research Council (NRC). (2007). Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 6th rev. ed. National Academies Press.

Cowboy’s Choice Feeds. (2025). Sales & Product Training Manual. Maverick Livestock Supply, CA.Include a helpful and informative answer to the frequently asked question here.

We currently offer two main feeds:

• Blue Label Complete Pellet – A complete feed designed as a hay replacer, containing the fiber amounts horses need, provided in soluble form.
• Red Label Conditioning Pellet – A premium conditioning supplement that pairs perfectly with hay for added nutrition and cool energy from fat and fiber.

Cowboy’s Choice Horse Feed was born out of a simple need: to create a better way to feed our own horses. As a family of lifelong horse owners and riders, we were frustrated with the lack of clean, consistent, and nutritionally balanced feed options on the market. Most feeds were full of fillers, grains, soy, molasses, and other ingredients that didn’t align with what we believed horses truly needed to thrive. Not to mention, much of it ended up wasted at the bottom of the feeder. So, we decided to take matters into our own hands. We set out to develop a feed that was not only healthier, but also easier to feed, with less waste, cleaner ingredients, and real nutritional value—something we could feel good about giving to every horse in our barn, from our easy keepers to our high-performance partners. What started as a personal solution quickly grew through word of mouth. Other horse owners saw the difference and wanted the same results for their animals. That’s when Cowboy’s Choice truly came to life. Today, we remain proudly committed to the same principles we started with: honest ingredients, thoughtful formulas, and a deep respect for the horses we feed.

Our feed is made in California.

Our formulas contain no grains, no soy, no molasses, and no binders or fillers. We use clean, high quality ingredients that are highly digestible and palatable. Cowboy’s Choice has more bioavailable fiber for horses, allowing them to get the most out of the feed.

We are committed to only using clean, simple ingredients and have an open book philosophy.

Blue Label Complete Pellet

• Alfalfa
• Beet Pulp
• Rice Bran
• Almond Hulls
• Added Vitamins and Balanced Minerals

Red Label Conditioning Pellet

• Beet Pulp
• Rice Bran
• Almond Hulls
• Added Vitamins and balanced Minerals

Yes! All our feeds are 100% grain-free, making them suitable for horses with grain sensitivities, providing cool energy from fat and fiber.

Almond hulls are an amazing, highly digestible superfiber for your horse. They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and help support your horse’s gut health, by balancing the pH of the hind gut. Almond hulls don’t cause a blood sugar spike. It is also a great addition for horses that have anxiety.

Yes! Our Cowboy’s Choice Complete Pellets are extremely low in starch, low in sugar, and are designed with these conditions in mind. Studies show that almond hulls have a very low insulin response compared to grains.

All of our ingredients are sourced in California and the Western States.

Our pellets are free of binders and are steamed to be able to stay together. When soaked, they break down quickly, but most horses eat them dry.

Absolutely! Every batch undergoes quality control testing to ensure nutritional accuracy and safety.

Yes! We provide a full guaranteed analysis on our pamphlets and packaging. You can always reach out to our team if you have additional questions.

Our feeding recommendations are as follows:

• Cowboy’s Choice Complete Hay Replacer Pellet – Feed 1.5 - 2 lbs. of pellets for every 100 lbs. of body weight per day.
• Cowboy’s Choice Conditioning Pellet – Feed 0.5 - 1 lb. of pellets for every 100 lbs. of body weight per day.
  

*Feeding rates vary based on the horse’s age, weight, and activity level. For best results, divide the daily amount into 2 or more feedings per day.

Introduce the pellets gradually, over a 2 week period.

Absolutely! Our Red Label is designed to supplement hay, while our Blue Label can be used alone or in combination with forage.

Always provide salt and fresh, clean water free choice.

Yes! Our balanced formulas are appropriate for all life stages and performance levels, including breeding and senior horses. For weanlings, introduce the pellets slowly so they can learn to chew them.

Yes! You should feed at least 10lbs of the Complete Pellets per day for a 1,000 lb. horse.

Our pellets are marketed for horses. It does contain copper, so DO NOT feed to goats, sheep, or other copper sensitive animals, including certain dog breeds. It is safe for cattle to consume.

Yes, it is a true hay replacer! Our Blue Label provides the full daily fiber requirement for your horse. The fiber provided is that same volume that is in hay, it is just more condensed from pressing and expands when mixed with water. The fiber is more usable (bioavailable and more soluble) to your horse than most hay.

Choking is unlikely due to the lack of binders on our feed, but ALWAYS introduce a new feed to your horse slowly. For habitually fast eaters, consider placing a big rock (clean and smooth) into the feed tub to slow down the intake rate. Most horses eat the pellets dry, but if need be, soak any pellets for horses with chewing problems (missing teeth, etc.).

We're available in select retail locations. Please check our website, www.cowboyschoicefeeds.com, to find a feed store near you. For bulk orders (minimum of 1,000 lbs.), contact us at call/text to (530) 925-1260, or email at sales@mavericklivestocksupply.com.

Please contact us to receive wholesale pricing and marketing materials.

Yes! We promote our retail partners on social media and provide educational materials, samples, and customer support. We can also do an onsite social educational event for your customers and staff.

Yes! We post regular content on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and our YouTube.

• Instagram: cowboyschoice_feed
• Facebook: Cowboy’s Choice Feeds
• TikTok: cowboyschoicefeeds1
• YouTube:CowboysChoiceFeedsHorseFeed

We have a staff nutritionist on call. We’re happy to help with product questions, feeding guidance, or partnership opportunities anytime.

• Phone Number: (530) 925-1260
• Email: info@mavericklivestocksupply.com