7 Reasons Barrel Racers Feed Höveler Pur.Muskel
Quick answer: Höveler Pur.Muskel is a supplementary feed mixed into a complete ration — 14.1 MJ/kg digestible energy from 15.0% raw fat for the sprint, 20% raw protein for the turn muscles, and starch at 5.8%. Competition safe and FEI-compliant, $52.99 for a 44 lb bag. Last checked: September 2026.
Barrel racing asks for a contradiction in one horse: explosive power down the lane and a mind quiet enough to settle the turn. Starchy feeds choose one at the expense of the other. Pur.Muskel was designed to add fat-based energy and muscle-building protein to a full ration instead. Seven reasons barrel racers feed it to their horses.
1. Energy density for the sprint
A barrel run is over in seconds and costs real calories. Pur.Muskel delivers 14.1 MJ/kg digestible energy (11.9 MJ metabolizable), so a small daily ration backs a big effort — even heavy work takes only 0.18–0.22 lb (80–100 g) per 220 lb (100 kg) of body weight.
Who this is for: horses that run out of gas between the second and third barrel.
2. 15.0% raw fat instead of a starch dump
The energy comes from 15.0% raw fat, with linseed oil in the ingredient list — while starch sits at 5.8% and sugar at 4.1%. Fat calories drive the run without winding up the horse before it.
The benefit: speed you can still guide.
3. 20% raw protein for the turn muscles
The pivot stresses the hindquarters and loin — muscle. Pur.Muskel supplies 20% raw protein with 160 g/kg digestible crude protein and 0.85% lysine; Muscle Building is its rated Functionality, and it is a supplementary feed added to a complete ration.
Who this is for: horses in serious training that need their stop-and-turn frame to hold up.
4. A rideable mind is part of the formula
A profile designed for metabolically sensitive breeds suits barrel horses that get lit up on grain. The mix is also easy on the digestive system, which matters on a haul-and-compete weekend.
The benefit: the same horse at the gate that you saddled at the trailer.
5. No added vitamins or minerals — it fits the program you already run
Pur.Muskel contains no added vitamins or minerals and is alfalfa-free, so it fits into a custom feeding plan without doubling up on what your forage and balancer supply. Protein comes from named sources: soy flakes, pea flakes, and sweet lupine flakes.
Who this is for: owners with a set program who are after a targeted addition, not a rewrite.
6. Competition safe and FEI-compliant
Race day runs under rules, so the ration needs clean credentials. Pur.Muskel is competition safe and FEI-compliant, made in Germany by a house that has made horse feed since 1905 — over 120 years of expertise.
The benefit: one feed from the warm-up runs to the paycheck.
7. $52.99 a bag with the purchase covered
Pur.Muskel rates 4.55 from 2 reviews and costs $52.99 for a 44 lb bag. Bifid backs it with a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee and a 24/7 licensed vet team; the store rates 9.0/10 across 24,098 reviews, with the US operation run in Florida. The product page has the full label.
Who this is for: owners trying https://soyfree-pelletsopsc571.keystonescope.com/posts/7-reasons-hoveler-pur.muskel-fits-sales-prep-season a season on it without betting the budget.
How to feed it
Pur.Muskel is a supplementary feed mixed into a complete ration — not a complete feed on its own, with forage always in the mix. Rates per 220 lb (100 kg) of body weight per day:
Work levelDaily rate per 220 lb (100 kg) body weight Light work0.07–0.11 lb (30–50 g) Medium work0.11–0.18 lb (50–80 g) Heavy work0.18–0.22 lb (80–100 g)Example: a 1,000 lb horse in medium work gets 50–80 g daily. The gram-scale rates are small — weigh the ration and adjust to condition and the show calendar. The feeding calculator works out the daily amount for your horse.
Key specs at a glance: 44 lb bag, $52.99, digestible energy 14.1 MJ/kg, raw fat 15.0%, raw protein 20%, starch 5.8% — a supplementary feed blended into a complete ration.
What an owner said
"Excellent performance 9" — Jessica, May 21, 2024 (9/10). Her comment notes the horses maintain stronger muscle condition.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pur.Muskel a good fit for barrel horses?
Yes — it supports the sprint with 14.1 MJ/kg digestible energy from 15.0% raw fat and supports the turn muscles with 20% raw protein. It is a supplementary feed mixed into a complete ration.
Will it make my barrel horse hot?
Starch is held at 5.8% and sugar at 4.1%, with energy from fat instead. That profile is formulated for metabolically sensitive breeds and rateable minds.
Can I run it on race day?
Yes — Pur.Muskel is competition safe and FEI-compliant, German-made with over 120 years of expertise.
Does it contain soy?
Yes — soy flakes are a main protein source, so it is not soy-free. It is alfalfa-free with no added vitamins or minerals.
How much do I feed?
Per 220 lb (100 kg) of body weight: 0.11–0.18 lb (50–80 g) in medium work up to 0.18–0.22 lb (80–100 g) in heavy work. A 1,000 lb horse in medium work gets 50–80 g a day.
What does it cost?
$52.99 for a 44 lb bag, with bifid's 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee and a 24/7 licensed vet team standing behind the purchase.