A Detailed Look at Gro 'N Win's Composition
Buckeye Nutrition's Gro 'N Win is formulated to supply protein, vitamins, and minerals that are often lacking in a horse's forage-based diet, all without excess calories. Its ingredients are selected for digestibility and nutrient density to support muscle development, bone health, and a brilliant hair coat. This equine ration balancer is especially useful for "easy keepers," miniature horses, and ponies who don't require the high caloric intake of a traditional fortified grain.
Primary Protein Sources
The foundational ingredients in Gro 'N Win provide the high-quality protein and essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, maintenance, and growth.
- Soybean Meal: This is a major protein source, providing a high concentration of lysine, a crucial amino acid for muscle building.
- Heat Processed Soybeans / Dehulled Soybean Meal: These provide additional high-quality protein to the mix.
- Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal: A natural source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients.
- L-Lysine: This is an added, specific amino acid to ensure the formula contains optimal levels for equine health, particularly for growing and performance horses.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Gro 'N Win contains a concentrated dose of vitamins and minerals to fill nutritional gaps in forage. The specific levels are guaranteed to be high, so no additional supplementation is typically needed.
- Vitamins: The formula is rich in vitamins, including:
- Vitamin A & D: Important for vision, bone health, and immune function.
- Vitamin E & Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Potent antioxidants that support immune and metabolic function.
- Biotin: An ingredient with research showing a positive effect on hoof health.
- Thiamine (Vitamin B-1) & Riboflavin: Important B-complex vitamins for energy metabolism.
- Minerals: A balanced profile of macrominerals and trace minerals is included:
- Calcium & Phosphorus: Crucial for bone density and strength.
- Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function.
- Zinc, Manganese, & Copper: Key trace minerals provided in chelated (proteinate) forms for better absorption and bioavailability.
- Selenium: An important antioxidant mineral.
- Salt (Sodium Chloride): Provides essential electrolytes.
Comparison Table: Gro 'N Win vs. Gro 'N Win Alfa
Buckeye Nutrition offers a variant of its balancer tailored for different forage types. The ingredients vary slightly to complement either grass/mixed forage or alfalfa-heavy diets.
| Feature | Gro 'N Win (Grass/Mixed Forage) | Gro 'N Win Alfa (Alfalfa-Based Diets) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Soybean Meal, Wheat Middlings, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal | Soybean Hulls, Wheat Middlings, Ground Corn, Soybean Meal |
| NSC (Starch + Sugar) | Maximum 13.00% | Maximum 18.00% |
| Crude Protein | Minimum 32.00% | Minimum 12.00% |
| Lysine (Amino Acid) | Minimum 2.00% | Minimum 1.30% |
| Magnesium | Minimum 0.40% | Minimum 0.40% |
| Calcium Range | 2.50% - 3.00% | 1.00% - 1.50% |
Other Key Ingredients and Additives
- Stabilized Milled Flaxseed: A natural source of healthy fats, including Omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to a healthy coat.
- Artificial Flavor: Included to ensure palatability and encourage consumption.
- Yeast: The formula contains selenium yeast, which improves the bioavailability and absorption of this critical trace mineral.
- Chelated Minerals: Minerals such as zinc, manganese, and copper are provided in proteinated (chelated) forms, which are more readily absorbed by the horse's body.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Gro 'N Win create a highly fortified ration balancer that complements a horse's forage-based diet without adding unnecessary calories. The product's high-quality soybean protein, essential amino acids like L-Lysine, and comprehensive vitamin and chelated mineral profiles work together to support muscle condition, bone health, immune function, and a healthy coat. The existence of both the standard and Alfa formulas means horse owners can choose the product that best fits their specific forage program, ensuring targeted nutrition for horses of all life stages. For more detailed information, horse owners can consult the official Buckeye Nutrition website.
