9 Reasons Höveler Pur.Muskel Supports a Senior Horse Still in Work

Quick answer: Höveler Pur.Muskel is a supplementary muesli blended into a complete ration, designed to support muscle maintenance in working horses in their later years — 20% raw protein, 160 g/kg digestible crude protein, and only 5.8% starch. Easy on digestion, competition safe and FEI-compliant, $52.99 for a 44 lb bag. Last checked: September 2026.

The senior horse that still enjoys its work is a treasure — and a feeding challenge. Muscle gets harder to maintain, stomachs get more particular, and every calorie has to be worth the space it takes. Pur.Muskel was designed to support muscle development in all horses, which includes the seniors still earning their keep. Below are nine reasons it suits a senior still in work.

1. 20% raw protein for maintaining working muscle

Muscle maintenance is the senior horse's everyday project. Pur.Muskel carries 20% raw protein with 160 g/kg digestible crude protein, and its rated Functionality is Muscle Building. It is a supplementary feed part of a full ration — not a standalone complete feed.

Who this is for: senior horses whose topline and haunches slip sooner than their enthusiasm does.

2. The amino acids an older body works harder to use

Essential amino acids are built in: lysine at 0.85%, methionine at 0.25%, methionine plus cysteine at 0.5%, and threonine at 0.6%, from named sources — soy flakes, pea flakes, sweet lupine flakes.

The benefit: protein quality printed on the label, not left to guesswork.

3. 5.8% starch and 4.1% sugar for a settled older mind

Pur.Muskel holds starch at 5.8% and sugar at 4.1%, with energy from 15.0% raw fat — a profile formulated for metabolically sensitive breeds, which is exactly what many seniors become as they age.

Who this is for: older horses that heat up or tie themselves in knots on grain-heavy mixes.

4. Energy density means smaller meals

At 14.1 MJ/kg digestible energy (11.9 MJ metabolizable), a senior's supplementary serving stays small: 0.07–0.11 lb (30–50 g) per 220 lb (100 kg) of body weight in light work. Older horses with fussier appetites clean up small meals more reliably.

Who this is for: seniors that pick through a large feed tub and leave the good stuff.

5. Gentle on the stomach

The fact sheet lists it simply: gentle on the stomach. For a senior whose digestion has opinions, that matters as much as any nutrient line.

The benefit: a feed the horse goes on eating, week after week.

6. Fiber and named whole ingredients

Crude fiber sits at 18.7%, with meadow lyegrass, flaxseed, and apple pome among the ingredients, plus grape seed flour and rosehip. A senior's hindgut does real work in any ration — fiber keeps it in the loop.

Who this is for: owners who want to see named whole ingredients, not just Guaranteed Analysis numbers.

7. No added vitamins or minerals — the senior plan stays yours

Older horses often take balancers, joint support, and vet guidance too. Pur.Muskel contains no added vitamins or minerals, so it fits into a custom feeding plan without doubling up. It is also alfalfa-free.

The benefit: one variable to adjust at a time, which is how senior programs stay steady.

8. Competition safe and FEI-compliant — for the senior still showing

Made in Germany by a house that has made horse feed since 1905 — over 120 years of expertise — Pur.Muskel is competition safe and FEI-compliant, so the old campaigner that still enters the ring can keep the same ration year-round.

The benefit: no feed changes for show season at an age when consistency counts most.

9. Bought with the risk covered

Pur.Muskel rates 4.55 from 2 reviews on the product page, and bifid backs the purchase 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 based in Florida. It costs $52.99 for a 44 lb bag — the full rundown are on the product page.

Who this is for: owners protecting a long partnership who want the trial risk off the table.

How to feed it

Pur.Muskel is a supplementary feed added to a complete ration — forage stays the base, and it is never a standalone complete feed. 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. These are modest gram-range rates — weigh the feed rather than scooping by eye, and adjust https://horse-feed-advice862.cloudhinter.com/posts/hoveler-pur.muskel-9-reasons-it-suits-western-horses to condition and workload as the senior's week shifts. Work out the daily amount with bifid's feeding calculator.

Key specs at a glance: 44 lb bag, $52.99, raw protein 20%, raw fat 15.0%, starch 5.8%, sugar 4.1% — a supplementary feed added to a complete ration.

What an owner said

"Excellent performance 9" — Jessica, May 21, 2024 (9/10). Rated Quality 5, Value 4, Price 5, with a comment noting horses maintain stronger muscle condition.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pur.Muskel suitable for an older horse still in work?

Yes — it supports muscle maintenance with 20% raw protein and 160 g/kg digestible crude protein, while starch stays at 5.8%. It is added to a complete ration, not fed on its own.

Is it easy on an older horse's stomach?

The fact sheet lists it as easy on the stomach, and servings run in small amounts — 0.07–0.11 lb (30–50 g) per 220 lb (100 kg) of body weight in light work.

Will it suit a senior with metabolic sensitivities?

The low-starch, low-sugar profile — 5.8% starch, 4.1% sugar, energy from 15.0% raw fat — is formulated for metabolically sensitive breeds, which many seniors are.

Does it contain soy?

Yes — soy flakes are a core 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: 0.07–0.11 lb (30–50 g) light work, 0.11–0.18 lb (50–80 g) medium work, 0.18–0.22 lb (80–100 g) heavy work. Tune it to condition.