Many horses get all the calories they need from hay or pasture but still miss out on some vitamins and minerals. Ration balancers fill that gap. Purina Enrich Plus is a popular ration balancer. This review explains how it works and who it suits.
Verdict at a Glance: Purina Enrich Plus is a concentrated ration balancer fed in small amounts to provide protein, vitamins and minerals without many calories. It’s a good fit for easy keepers on forage diets. It’s not designed to add weight.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Ration balancer |
| Feeding rate | Small amounts per day (check label) |
| Calories | Low per serving |
| Protein | Concentrated |
| Best for | Easy keepers on forage |
What It Is and How It Works
Ration balancers are concentrated feeds. They’re fed in small amounts, often a pound or two per day for an average horse, and provide nutrients missing from hay.
Easy keepers often need few calories but still need balanced nutrition. Feeding a full ration of grain could make them overweight, which raises the risk of problems such as laminitis. On the other hand, feeding a small handful of a regular feed, well below its label rate, leaves nutrient gaps. A ration balancer solves both problems.
Hay varies a lot in nutrient content depending on soil, plant type and how it was cut and stored. Some owners have their hay tested so they can choose a balancer or supplement that fits their forage.
See how much hay does a horse need.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low calorie | Not for weight gain |
| Concentrated nutrition | Easy to underfeed or overfeed without weighing |
| Small serving size | Higher cost per pound |
| Good for easy keepers | Not a fiber source |
| Widely available |
Ration Balancer vs. Complete Feed
| Feature | Ration balancer | Complete feed |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding amount | Small | Larger |
| Calories | Low | Moderate to high |
| Fiber | Low | Built-in |
| Best for | Easy keepers | Hard keepers or seniors |
Choose based on your horse’s needs.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- Weigh the ration rather than using a scoop.
- Consider testing your hay to understand what’s missing.
- Ask your vet about your horse’s needs, especially if it has metabolic issues.
- Introduce it gradually, like any feed change.
- Track body condition score monthly.
Tips for Using It
- Feed it in a small bucket so it isn’t lost in hay.
- Mix it with soaked hay pellets if your horse is picky.
- Store it sealed and dry to protect vitamins.
Who It Suits
| Good fit if… | Consider something else if… |
|---|---|
| Your horse is an easy keeper | Your horse needs to gain weight |
| Your horse is on a forage diet |
Alternatives to Consider
| Option | How it differs |
|---|---|
| Triple Crown 30% | Another ration balancer |
| Vitamin and mineral supplement | For horses on forage only |
| Complete feed | For hard keepers |
When to Call Your Vet
Contact your vet if:
- Your horse gains too much weight
- Your horse shows signs of laminitis
- Your horse loses weight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ration balancer?
A ration balancer is a concentrated feed that provides protein, vitamins and minerals in a small serving. It’s designed to balance a forage-based diet without adding many calories.
How much Enrich Plus should I feed?
Follow the label, which typically calls for a small amount per day based on body weight. Weigh it, since a small change in a concentrated feed makes a big difference.
Will Enrich Plus help my horse gain weight?
It’s not designed for weight gain. Horses that need more calories usually need more forage, a complete feed or a fat source. Ask your vet if your horse is losing weight.
Can I feed Enrich Plus with grain or other feeds?
Some owners feed a balancer with a small amount of another feed. Check total vitamin and mineral intake with your vet so you don’t double up.
Is Enrich Plus good for easy keepers?
Yes. Easy keepers on hay or pasture are the main group ration balancers are made for.
Is Enrich Plus low in starch and sugar?
Ration balancers are fed in small amounts, so they add little starch and sugar to the overall diet. Check the current label for exact values.
Can senior horses eat Enrich Plus?
Seniors that maintain weight well on forage may do well on a balancer. Seniors that struggle with weight or chewing usually need a senior complete feed instead.
Do I need to weigh the ration?
Yes. Scoops vary, and small errors matter with concentrated feeds. A kitchen or hanging scale works well.
Pet Health Man is independent and isn’t paid by the brands we review. Product formulas, specifications and prices change, so check the current label or the manufacturer’s information before you buy.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
