Thank you for your interest in Elk Grove Milling.   

1. What is the difference between Stable Mix^TM Pellets and other pellets?
Stable Mix^TM is a Complete, balanced ration in pelleted form and Not just a hay replacement or supplement feed as other brands.

2. Do I need to feed hay with Stable Mix^TM?
No. The Stable Mix^TM products are designed to be complete feeds, mostly hay products so the horse receives all of the benefits of the hay, plus the daily required vitamins and minerals.  The pellets make it is easier for the horse to absorb the nutrients due to the smaller particle size. If you want to feed grass hay, reduce the suggested pounds of pellets per day according the amount of hay being fed.  Feeding straight alfalfa hay may throw off the Calcium Phosphorus ratio and is not recommended.

3. What is in the Pellets?
The largest ingredient is Mixed Grass hay and then Almond Hulls(high fiber, low protein) Alfalfa, Rice Bran(Biotin and overall digestive health), Soybean meal(protein) and a complete Vitamin and Mineral package to keep your horse healthy. The Calcium/Phosphorus ratio is balanced too!

4. How do the Pellets stay together?
The pelletizing process involves mixing the ingredients together, adding steam and then forcing the product through a ¼” die to extrude the final pellet. They are then cooled prior to storage. This process mashes the ingredients together with enough pressure so they stay formed until the pellets are exposed to moisture.

5. What are the benefits of Almond Hulls?
Almond Hulls are really a lower protein, higher fiber feed that also provides some energy. They are good for overall digestive health.

6. Can I use Stable Mix^TM as a supplement?
Yes and no. Stable Mix^TM is a complete balanced ration and if used only as a supplement the horse will not receive the full benefit of the vitamin and mineral package and the Calcium/Phosphorus being balanced for optimum health.

7. How much do I feed my horse and how many times per day?
When you start to feed Stable Mix^TM it is good to follow the recommendation on the tag which suggests feeding 1½ pounds to 2 pounds per 100 pounds of body weight per day. In other words, if your horse weighs 1,000 pounds he/she should be worked up to 15 pounds per day and then adjust according to the condition of the horse. Ideally we should be feeding our horses three times a day, but twice a day is also fine for the majority of horses.

8. Do I need to add supplements?
If your horse is a hardworking sporthorse, working ranch horse or is a hard keeper then it is possible that they will need some supplementation. It is good to start by increasing the amount of Stable Mix^TM and determine if that will help. If the horse requires supplements for added energy and you also want to be proactive and help joint health, Ultra Mate is an excellent supplement that is easily digestible and includes Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Omega 3 fatty acids.

9. My horse eats any grain or pellets very fast. What can I do to slow him down? If you observe you horse eating too quickly, place a couple of small mineral blocks or large cobblestones in his feeder to force him to slow down and have to hunt a little for his feed.

10. What is so important about the Calcium/Phosphorus ratio? The ratio is very important for bone and teeth health and development. The ratio of 1.2 to 2.0 of Calcium to 1 of Phosphorus produces the best results in horses. It can vary in this range, but if the ratio is for example is 5:1 for a long period of time, the horses ability to utilize other minerals can be affected which can cause deficiencies and structural problems. Just a typical ration of pasture grass is usually deficient is Calcium and a heavy diet of alfalfa is too high in Calcium. NO need to worry if you are feeding Stable Mix^TM, it is balanced within the proper range!

11. Is Stable Mix^TM Certified Weed Free for use in regional, state and federal parks?
Yes, it is Certified by the State of California as weed free.

12. How long does it take to switch my horse over to a complete Stable Mix^TM diet?
It is best to increase the amount of Stable Mix^TM over the course of a week by a couple of pounds a day until you reach the recommended amount based on the weight of the horse.

13. Can I burn Stable Mix^TM in my pellet stove?
No!

14. Can Stable Mix^TM be fed to other animals safely?
Stable Mix^TM can be fed to horses, cattle and or goats. DO NOT feed to sheep.  The copper levels are designed for horses, cattle and goats daily needs and could be toxic to sheep.