{"id":272,"date":"2017-05-15T15:36:00","date_gmt":"2017-05-15T15:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runningcool.com.au\/?p=272"},"modified":"2023-02-01T15:36:29","modified_gmt":"2023-02-01T15:36:29","slug":"formulating-your-horses-diet-part-4-protein","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runningcool.com.au\/2017\/05\/15\/formulating-your-horses-diet-part-4-protein\/","title":{"rendered":"Formulating Your Horse\u2019s Diet: Part 4 \u2013 Protein"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nutrition is a fundamental part of your horse\u2019s health, wellbeing and performance. In this new series, we discuss the components of correct nutrition to help you formulate a healthy, well-balanced diet for your performance horse or pony.<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Part 1, we examined two of the most commonly overlooked ingredients that are vital to sustaining performance \u2013 vitamins and minerals. In Part 2, we turned our attention to the importance of fibre. In Part 3, we discussed fats. And, now, we explore protein.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protein is perhaps the most misunderstood ingredient in the horse\u2019s diet. Derived from the Greek word \u2018proteos\u2019, meaning \u2018of primary importance\u2019, protein
is the building blocks of your horse\u2019s muscles, skin, hair and hooves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, what exactly is protein? And, how does it work within the horse\u2019s body?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protein<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proteins are large biomolecules, or macromolecules, consisting of long chains of amino acid residues. Perhaps that definition alone is why many horse owners
misunderstand protein!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s simplify what protein is\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protein is composed of amino acids, which are needed for protein synthesis so they can utilised by your horse. There are 21 amino acids and two types that
your horse requires. These are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n