Honest Ingredients

At Cowboy’s Choice, we believe great horse care starts with understanding the science of nutrition. Our feeds are built on four proven ingredients—almond hulls, rice bran, beet pulp, and alfalfa—each chosen for its unique benefits to equine health.

Almond Hulls: Nature’s Super-Fiber and a Foundation for Equine Wellnes

The almond hull constitutes the fibrous, mesocarp layer enveloping the almond kernel beneath the endocarp (shell). It exhibits elevated levels of digestible fiber, with a total digestible nutrient (TDN) content ranging from 62% to 64%—surpassing that of typical hay, which registers 52% to 58%. This superior TDN profile enhances digestive efficiency in equines, facilitating transit and enzymatic breakdown throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The abundance of soluble fiber increases nutrient bioavailability, thereby augmenting systemic absorption and minimizing fecal output. Consequently, almond hull incorporation reduces manure volume, conferring benefits to equine health, environmental sustainability, and stable hygiene.

Almond hulls deliver high-quality fermentable fiber coupled with non-excitatory (“cool”) caloric energy, devoid of the hyperglycemic spikes associated with starch-rich feeds that may induce hyperactive behavior (“hot” temperament). They are palatable, non-toxic, and supported by empirical evidence demonstrating attenuated postprandial insulinemic responses—rendering them particularly suitable for equines afflicted with metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance. Furthermore, almond hulls supply substrates for hindgut microbial fermentation, promoting colonic homeostasis, and contain endogenous phenolic antioxidants with potential anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects.

Rice bran – Clean energy from fat
Rice bran is rich in healthy oils and highly digestible fat, which provides steady, cool energy without the sugar rush of grains.

Supports muscle building with gamma-oryzanol
Helps balance calcium-to-phosphorus ratios when paired with alfalfa
A trusted energy source for performance and senior horses

Beet Pulp – Low Starch Fiber
Beet pulp is a low starch, high calorie fiber. It is highly digestible and provides the same calories as oats—without the starch load.

Gentle on the digestive system
Supports weight gain in hard keepers and seniors
Contributes to calm, long-lasting energy

Alfalfa – Protein and Calcium Power
Alfalfa brings high-quality protein, fiber, and essential minerals to the ration. The alfalfa used in our products is low starch.

Builds topline and muscle condition
Provides calcium
Lower in sugar and starch than many grass hays

COWBOY BLUE PELLET

Energy from Fat and Fiber. Very Low Starch. No Binders. No Dyes. No Fillers.

This feed contains Alfalfa, Almond Hulls, Beet Pulp & Rice Bran.

A true complete feed that is designed to replace hay for any horse

Ultra-low starch (1-4%) – safe for insulin resistant and metabolic horses
11%-12% protein, 17–26% fiber – supports muscle while protecting the gut. Suitable for any kind of horse

Particularly beneficial for:
Horses with metabolic conditions; Senior horses; Horses prone to “hot” behavior

COWBOY RED PELLET

Energy From Fat & Fiber — Not Starch. No Alfalfa. No Binders. No Dyes. No Fillers.

This feed contains Rice Bran, Almond Hulls & Beet Pulp.

Higher fat (min 4.5%) for performance energy
Grain-free and soy-free – safe for sensitive horses
Can replace up to 40% of hay ration
Provides cool, sustained energy without excess starch

Beneficial for:
Performance horses needing more calories from fat and fiber; Horses with soy or alfalfa allergies; Ranch and working horses that need conditioning without “hot” grain energy
 
In summary, the feed benefits are:
Low Starch, Low Sugar (NSC ~11%) – Safe for insulin resistance, Cushings, and laminitis-prone horses
Super fiber for gut health – Almond hulls promote hindgut balance and reduce insulin spikes
Complete & Balanced Nutrition – Protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in one ration
Dust-Free & Allergy Friendly – Great for horses with respiratory issues or hay allergies
Can be fed dry or soaked – Easy to chew for seniors and horses with dental problems. (Always transition to new feed slowly and soak any feed for horses which have missing teeth, are very fast eaters or have other inabilities to chew)