When it comes to fueling performance horses, not all feeds are created equal. Horse owners and trainers competing in demanding disciplines from barrel racing and cutting to endurance riding and show jumping need a feed that delivers real, sustained energy without triggering erratic behavior or metabolic complications. That’s exactly where Quality Blend 12/12 Low Starch Performer by Mid South Feeds steps in. Built with a high-fat, high-fiber philosophy, this formula is engineered for the equine athlete who needs to perform at the highest level, calmly and consistently.
Understanding the “12/12” Formula: What Does It Mean?
The name says it all. Quality Blend 12/12 Low Starch Performer has 12 percent crude protein and 12 percent crude fat – a two-fold power blend that is unique to normal grain-based feeds. The majority of the standard performance diets are burdened with starch and sugar to produce energy, which may lead to blood sugar spikes, nervousness, and metabolic stress in the long-term. This equation inverts this model.
Quality Blend 12/12 also provides the energy in the form of fat and digestible fiber instead of calorie-based starch. The energy content of fat is highest of the macronutrients in that it contains about 2.25 times more energy per gram compared to carbohydrates, and thus, is an extremely effective source of energy in horses during heavy work. The abundance of the fiber, which does not exceed 18 percent of crude fibers, also guarantees the normal digestive activity and long-term energy supply.
This is critical to performance horses. The energy stored in fats is processed at a slower and more regular rate, that is, your horse gets stamina and endurance required to last through a complete competition day, and not get hyperactive as grain-heavy diets make them.
Key Nutritional Profile at a Glance
Here’s a breakdown of the guaranteed analysis for Quality Blend 12/12 Low Starch Performer:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Crude Protein, Min | 12.00% |
| Crude Fat, Min | 12.00% |
| Crude Fiber, Max | 18.00% |
| L-Lysine, Min | 0.80% |
| Methionine, Min | 0.35% |
| Calcium (Min–Max) | 0.90% – 1.10% |
| Phosphorus, Min | 0.55% |
| Vitamin E, Min | 170 IU/lb |
| Vitamin A, Min | 6,000 IU/lb |
| Biotin, Min | 1.50 mg/lb |
| Selenium, Min | 0.50 ppm |
This profile is thoroughly calibrated. The moderate protein content (12) containing the assured amino acids, namely, those of lysine and methionine, in particular, contributes to lean muscle preservation, avoiding excess nitrogen waste. The high amount of fats offers them sustained caloric density energy performance needed by the horse and the controlled fiber ceiling prevents overloading of the hindgut because of the controlled fiber ceiling.
Why Low Starch Is the Right Choice for Performance Horses
An increasing amount of equine nutrition science is behind the shift to performance horses with a low starch diet. Unprocessed starch in the hindgut, as undigested, may cause a disruption in the microbial population of the cecum and colon – leading to diseases such as hindgut acidosis, laminitis, and tying-up (exertional rhabdomyolysis).
Fact: Studies by equine nutritionists have indicated that high amounts of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in the equine diet may raise the chances of metabolic discharge such as insulin resistance and frequent exertional rhabdomyolysis. High-fat low-starch feeds have been associated with lower calming behavior and increased metabolic stability in performance horses.
Sugar, starch and non-structural carbohydrates are intentionally kept low in Quality Blend 12/12. This does not defeat energy, it diverts it. The feed, by providing calories through fat (stabilized rice bran, flaxseed meal, and vegetable oil) and fermentable fiber (alfalfa meal, beet pulp, and soybean hulls), provides that which performance horses need, indeed, cool, clean, and lasting energy.
This is also the reason as to why the formula comes in especially handy to horses who have been known to have been sensitive to grain-based feeds in the past, such as those with insulin resistance, Cushing disease, or a history of laminitis.
What’s Inside: Ingredient Quality That Backs the Science
Quality Blend 12/12 Low Starch Performer uses a fixed formula meaning the ingredient ratios don’t change batch to batch. This is critical. Variable formulas, which swap ingredients based on commodity pricing, can cause subtle dietary shifts that disrupt gut microbiota and trigger digestive upset. Fixed formulas eliminate that risk.
The ingredient list includes premium sources across every nutritional category:
Energy and Fiber Sources: Alfalfa meal, wheat middlings, beet pulp, soybean hulls, stabilized rice bran, flaxseed meal, and vegetable oil work together to provide both soluble and insoluble fiber alongside clean fat energy.
Gut Health Support: The formula includes a robust probiotic blend active dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), along with fermentation products from Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium thermophilum. These live microorganisms enhance microbial fermentation in the cecum and colon, improving nutrient absorption from every bite.
Chelated Trace Minerals: Zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, and cobalt proteinate are included in chelated form, meaning the minerals are bound to amino acids for superior bioavailability. This translates directly to better hoof integrity, coat quality, bone development, and reproductive performance in mares.
Antioxidant Complex: Vitamins E, C, and selenium work synergistically to combat oxidative stress particularly important for horses in heavy training who generate significant free radical activity in their muscles.
Feeding Directions and Recommended Amounts
Feeding rates for Quality Blend 12/12 Low Starch Performer vary based on the horse’s body weight and workload. The table below outlines general guidelines:
| Activity Level | Feed per 100 lb Body Weight |
| Maintenance | 0.50 lb |
| Light Exercise | 0.50 – 0.75 lb |
| Medium Exercise | 0.75 – 1.00 lb |
| Heavy Exercise | 1.00 – 1.50 lb |
| Growth & Breeding | 1.00 – 1.50 lb |
These are starting guidelines and should be adjusted based on the individual horse’s condition, age, and response to feeding. Importantly, roughage should always accompany this feed Mid South Feeds recommends 1 to 1.5 lb of hay or pasture per 100 lb of body weight daily. No performance feed, regardless of quality, replaces the foundational role of forage in equine digestive health
The Benefits That Set It Apart
What makes Quality Blend 12/12 Low Starch Performer genuinely stand out isn’t just one ingredient or one nutrient ratio it’s how the entire formula works together:
Calm Performance Energy: Because energy comes from fat and fiber rather than sugar and starch, horses tend to be more focused, manageable, and consistent in their behavior, an invaluable trait in competitive settings.
Digestive Stability: The fixed formula combined with a comprehensive probiotic blend protects gut health over time, reducing the risk of colic and digestive upset associated with dietary fluctuations.
Hoof and Coat Quality: Guaranteed biotin (1.50 mg/lb) and methionine (0.35%) provide the building blocks for strong hooves and a healthy coat both markers of overall nutritional status.
Immune System Reinforcement: The antioxidant trio of Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and selenium protects muscle tissue during heavy exercise and supports a resilient immune response.
Stress Resilience: Performance horses face significant physiological and psychological stress during training and competition. The balanced mineral and vitamin profile in this feed specifically addresses increased stress resistance.
Fact: Biotin supplementation has been scientifically validated to improve hoof horn quality in horses with poor hoof condition, with studies showing measurable improvement after 6–9 months of consistent supplementation at adequate levels.
Who Should Use Quality Blend 12/12 Low Starch Performer?
This feed is an excellent fit for a wide range of horses and situations:
- Competitive performance horses in disciplines requiring sustained energy and calm focus
- Horses with metabolic sensitivities including insulin resistance, Cushing’s disease, or laminitis history
- Hard keepers who need calorie-dense nutrition without the risks of high-grain feeding
- Mares in breeding programs who benefit from chelated minerals for reproductive health
- Growing horses that need quality protein and minerals for sound bone and hoof development
Where to Find It
Quality Blend 12/12 Low Starch Performer is available exclusively through authorized Mid South Feeds dealers. You can use the dealer locator tool at midsouthfeeds.com to find a retailer near you. Mid South Feeds is based in Alma, Georgia, and has built a reputation for scientifically formulated, field-tested livestock and equine nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Quality Blend 12/12 Low Starch Performer does not make it into the category of premium performance horse feeds by the words used in marketing their product, but by what is actually in their product. Its fat content is 12 percent and it gives the high-performance horses the concentrated and clean energy requirement. The low carb, low sugar ideology keeps metabolic health safe. A complete feed is topped off by the fixed formula, chelated minerals, probiotic blend and antioxidant complex that really help the entire horse, gut, muscle, hoof, immune system and behavior.
This is one recipe that is worth considering seriously, should your horse be a hard-runner, and require the aid of a long rest, as well as of rest after the race, in order to be a long-term horse.
FAQs
1. What Makes Quality Blend 12/12 Low Starch Performer a High-Energy Horse Feed?
Quality Blend 12/12 Low Starch Performer delivers energy primarily from fat and digestible fiber instead of high levels of starch. This approach provides sustained energy that supports endurance and stamina during demanding performance activities. It helps horses maintain consistent energy levels without becoming overly excitable.
2. Why Is the 12% Fat Level Important for Performance Horses?
The 12% fat level provides a dense and efficient energy source that performance horses can utilize during prolonged exercise. Fat contains more than twice the energy of carbohydrates, allowing horses to get more calories from smaller feed portions. This helps maintain body condition and stamina during intense workloads.
3. How Does the Low-Starch Formula Benefit Active Horses?
A low-starch formula reduces the risk of blood sugar spikes and metabolic stress that can occur with grain-heavy feeds. This helps prevent digestive issues like hindgut acidosis and lowers the risk of conditions such as laminitis. Horses fed low-starch diets often show calmer and more focused behavior during training and competition.
4. What Role Do Fiber Sources Play in This Feed?
Fiber sources like beet pulp, soybean hulls, and alfalfa meal provide slow-release energy that supports endurance and digestive health. These fibers are fermented in the hindgut, producing additional energy through microbial digestion. This process helps maintain gut stability while providing long-lasting fuel for working horses.
5. Why Are Amino Acids Like Lysine and Methionine Included in the Formula?
Lysine and methionine are essential amino acids that help maintain muscle health and support recovery after exercise. They play an important role in protein synthesis and tissue repair in active horses. Including guaranteed levels of these amino acids ensures horses receive adequate building blocks for performance and conditioning.
6. How Do Probiotics and Yeast Support Digestive Health?
Probiotics and yeast cultures help maintain a balanced microbial environment in the horse’s digestive tract. This improves fiber digestion and enhances nutrient absorption from feed and forage. A healthy gut also reduces the risk of digestive disturbances in horses undergoing training or competition stress.
