Apple pomace for horses: Natural power feed with many benefits

If you are looking for a natural, tasty, and healthy supplement for horse feed, you should definitely consider apple pomace. This versatile byproduct of apple juice production is more than just a waste product – it is a true powerhouse for your horse.

In this article, you will learn why apple pomace is so popular for horses, how it works, how to feed it, and what benefits it offers for the digestion, intestinal environment, and health of your horses.

What is apple pomace?

Apple pomace is created during the production of apple juice – more precisely, as a byproduct of pressing the apples. A solid residue consisting of peel, pulp, core, and plant parts remains. What initially looks like a "waste product" quickly turns out to be a high-quality feed with many positive properties for your horse.

The valuable components of apple pomace

Apple pomace contains a variety of natural ingredients that can be of great benefit to your horse's health:

• Pectins: These soluble fibers bind excess water in the intestine, soothe the intestinal wall, and promote healthy digestion.

• Vitamins: Specifically vitamin A and vitamin E are found in apple pomace and support the immune system and cell protection.

• Low-sugar variant: Compared to other feed components such as molasses or beet pulp, apple pomace is relatively low in sugar – ideal for easy keepers or horses prone to metabolic issues.

• Natural taste: The sweet, fruity taste makes apple pomace a popular addition to muesli or as a treat – even for picky horses.

The effect of apple pomace in the horse's body

The pectins contained in apple pomace act like natural "cleaners" in the digestive tract. They ensure a stable intestinal environment, promote the colonization of good bacteria, and help bind excess water – particularly helpful for sensitive digestion or after stress-related diarrhea.

Furthermore, apple pomace supports your horse's cells through a high proportion of secondary plant compounds and antioxidants. Thus, it makes a valuable contribution to health and vitality – from the inside out.

How do you feed apple pomace correctly?

You can feed apple pomace fresh, dried, or pressed. In practice, the dried form has proven particularly effective, as it has a long shelf life and is easy to store. You can use it pure or as a component of mixed feeds, such as in muesli.

Dosage recommendation:

• Fresh apple pomace: 0.5 to 1 kg per 100 kg body weight

• Dried apple pomace: 100–200 g per day, soak with water beforehand!

Make sure to always soak the apple pomace well with water – especially the dried variety – to prevent it from sticking in the throat.

Benefits of apple pomace for horses at a glance

• Natural feed without artificial additives

• Pectin-rich fiber source for healthy digestion

• Supports a stable intestinal environment

• Provides important vitamins such as A and E

• Tasty – also ideal for picky horses

• Low sugar content compared to molasses or beet pulp

• Versatile: can be used pure, soaked, or in a horse feed mix

• Inexpensive and sustainable byproduct

Apple pomace and the fear of sugar – justified?

Many horse owners ask themselves: "Isn't apple pomace too sweet?" This question is valid, but the answer is reassuring: during apple juice production, the majority of the sugar is extracted into the apple juice.

In the remaining pomace, the sugar content is significantly reduced – especially in the dried variant. This makes apple pomace a sensible option, even for horses with EMS, laminitis, or Cushing's – in moderate dosages.

Apple pomace as a supplement to grain

If you feed your horse grain, apple pomace can be a good supplement. It provides valuable crude fiber, promotes chewing, and stimulates saliva production – which in turn buffers stomach acid and protects the intestinal wall. At the same time, apple pomace can serve as a binding agent, e.g., in homemade horse feed or muesli.

Sustainability: Feed from the region

Another advantage: apple pomace is a regionally available byproduct of apple juice production. As a horse owner, by feeding it, you not only support your horse's health but also sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. Instead of wasting valuable resources, the "apple byproduct" is put to good use – a win for animal, human, and environment.

Conclusion: Apple pomace – More than just an apple scrap

As you can see, apple pomace for horses is far more than a cheap feed supplement. It is a high-quality, healthy, and natural feed that provides your horse with important nutrients while supporting digestion.

Whether as a supplement to grain, an ingredient in muesli, or soaked on its own – the feeding options are diverse. And the best part: your horse will love it.