Apple pomace for horses: Natural power feed with many benefits
If you're looking for a natural, tasty, and healthy addition to your horse's diet, you should definitely consider apple pomace. This versatile byproduct of apple juice production is more than just a waste product—it's a true powerhouse for your horse.
In this article, you'll learn why apple pomace is so popular for horses, how it works, how to feed it, and what benefits it brings to your horse's digestion, intestinal environment, and health.
What is apple pomace?
Apple pomace is produced during the production of apple juice—more precisely, as a byproduct of pressing apples. This leaves a solid residue consisting of peel, pulp, core, and plant parts. What initially appears to be a "waste product" quickly turns out to be a high-quality feed with many beneficial 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:
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Pectins : These soluble fibers bind excess water in the intestine, soothe the intestinal wall and promote healthy digestion.
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Vitamins : Vitamin A and vitamin E in particular are contained in apple pomace and support the immune system and cell protection.
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Low-sugar variant : Compared to other feed components such as molasses or beet pulp, apple pomace is relatively low in sugar – ideal for light-feeding horses or horses with sensitive metabolism.
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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 on the horse’s body
The pectins contained in apple pomace act as natural "cleansers" 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.
Apple pomace also supports your horse's cells thanks to its high content of secondary plant substances and antioxidants. Thus, it makes a valuable contribution to maintaining 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 on its own or as an ingredient in mixed feeds, such as muesli.
Dosage recommendation:
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Fresh apple pomace : 0.5 to 1 kg per 100 kg body weight
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Dried apple pomace : 100–200 g per day, soak in water beforehand!
Make sure to always soak apple pomace thoroughly with water – especially the dried version – to prevent it from sticking to the throat.
Benefits of apple pomace for horses at a glance
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Natural food without artificial additives
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Pectin-rich fiber source for healthy digestion
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Supports a stable intestinal environment
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Provides important vitamins such as vitamin A and E
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Tasty – ideal even for picky horses
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Low sugar content compared to molasses or beet pulp
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Versatile: pure, soaked or in horse feed mix
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Affordable and sustainable by-product
Apple pomace and fear of sugar – justified?
Many horse owners ask themselves: “Isn’t apple pomace too sweet?” This is a legitimate question, but the answer is reassuring: During apple juice production, most of the sugar is extracted into the apple juice.
The sugar content in the remaining pomace is significantly reduced – especially in the dried version. This makes apple pomace a sensible alternative, even for horses with EMS, laminitis, or Cushing's disease – in moderate doses.
Apple pomace as a supplement to cereals
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 lining. Apple pomace can also serve as a binding agent, for example, in homemade horse feed or muesli.
Sustainability: Locally sourced feed
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-win for animals, people, and the environment.
Conclusion: Apple pomace – more than just a leftover from the apple
As you can see, apple pomace for horses is far more than just a cheap feed additive. It's a high-quality, healthy, and natural feed that provides your horse with important nutrients while supporting digestion.
Whether as a supplement to grain, as an ingredient in muesli, or soaked on its own – the feeding options are endless. And the best part: Your horse will love it.
