BETA feed assurance scheme hits its 10 products milestone

The British Equestrian Trade Association feed assurance scheme set up in 2016 to help owners identify feeds suitable for horses and ponies prone to equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) now has 10 products on its books.

British Horse Feeds' Speedi-Beet and Fibre-Beet and Saracen Horse Feeds' Competition Fit Balancer and Re-Leve are the very latest products to have passed the scheme's stringent three-stage application process, which includes the examination of ingredients, labelling, marketing claims and independent laboratory analysis.

Both companies are now entitled to feature the distinctive feed approval mark – a red BETA logo with the wording “Suitable for equines prone to gastric ulcers as part of a balanced diet” – on these products' packaging.

Will I'Anson, of British Horse Feeds, said: “We are delighted that our two highly innovative products have been awarded this feed assurance mark. Indeed, they are the first quick-soaking beet and mash feeds to be included in it. The scheme is a major step forward in identifying products that support a reduction in the incidence of EGUS and we are very pleased that both our leading horse feeds have met the strict criteria set out by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and BETA.”

Michael Bacon, sales and marketing director of Saracen Horse Feeds, said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to add the BETA feed assurance mark to these two products in the Saracen range. It really reaffirms the world-class research that is behind them and reassures owners that they are choosing the correct products for their horses.”

The BETA feed approval mark was developed by BETA in consultation with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. It was introduced following the move by regulatory organisations to permit the term “prone to” only when referring to laminitis – excluding other equine conditions such as gastric ulcers, where feeding also plays a key role in its management.

All feeds submitted for approval must fall into one of two categories: A – a compound complementary feed that provides a balanced diet when fed at a rate stated by the manufacturer; B – feedstuff typically advised to help manage horses prone to EGUS, including chopped or high-fibre feeds and sugar beet, or alternative energy sources to cereals such as high-oil concentrates. Nutritional supplements are excluded from the scheme.

“We are extremely pleased that companies have continued to recognised the tremendous opportunities that the approval scheme offers them – and delighted to welcome products from British Horse Feeds and Saracen Horse Feeds,” added BETA executive director Claire Williams. “This feed approval mark really helps riders with the management and welfare of their horses and provides greater confidence when buying feed products. We can see that it plays an important role in not only supporting the welfare of horses and ponies prone to gastric ulcers, but also in raising awareness of this painful condition.”

The BETA feed assurance scheme also includes Baileys Horse Feeds' Ease & Excel and No 19 Performance Balancer, Dengie Horse Feeds' Healthy Tummy and Alfa A Oil, Mars Horsecare's Winergy Equilibrium Growth and Spillers’ Alfalfa Pro.

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES...
Contact: Deborah Hayward, BETA Press Officer
Email: deborahh@beta-int.com
Telephone: 01937 582111/01765 635314