Does anyone here have any experience with feeding Crypto Aero Horse Feed? What do you think of it?
A cursory look at the website gave me the impression that it’s just another designer feed.
The ingredients are sound and appear to be of good quality. My major concern would be that it isn’t vitamin/mineral fortified: it’s basically just calories and energy. They even instruct to use a mineral source and a possible Vitamin D supplement right in the feeding directions.
Just stumbled across this feed and while doing some research i found this post. Just wondering if anyone has tried Crypto Aero since the OP posted this?
I’m confused about something on their site:
http://www.cryptoaero.com/guaranteed-analysis.html
Is their “starch” number NSC?
If so, how can this feed possibly be 24% when the first ingredient is oats–which are 50+%? I guess perhaps it’s a lot more hay pellets than the picture on that page shows?
It does look like something I would be happy to pour milk over and eat for breakfast! Interesting that they’ve included papaya and green cabbage in it.
[QUOTE=Simkie;7797486]
I’m confused about something on their site:
http://www.cryptoaero.com/guaranteed-analysis.html
Is their “starch” number NSC?
If so, how can this feed possibly be 24% when the first ingredient is oats–which are 50+%? I guess perhaps it’s a lot more hay pellets than the picture on that page shows?
It does look like something I would be happy to pour milk over and eat for breakfast! Interesting that they’ve included papaya and green cabbage in it.[/QUOTE]
Yes i think starch = NSC… I thought oats were a no no too, because of the high NSC… but I’m assuming that oats only make up half the feed ration therefore its half the NSC? I love the idea of it being a whole feed, and non GMO, but is it too good to be true? They have a great website, it really makes you believe its the best thing out there… but is it? Or is their marketing just working really well on me?
Would love some incite from any feed experts or happy (or unhappy) costumers.
I’d assume NSC = starch + sugar in this case, so 28%+.
That seems reasonable, as the oats are probably only roughly 50% of the mix.
Still, 28% is not anything I’d feed in any significant amounts. I do find it interesting - and maybe trend-setting? - they are using peas for protein instead of soy.
I don’t at all like the very unbalanced O3:06 ratio :no: Nothing we feed horses should have more 6 than 3, as they don’t at all need more 6, and often do benefit from more 3.
Not anything I’d feed, other than maybe as a handful yummy treat or to mix meds with.
[QUOTE=JB;7798585]
I’d assume NSC = starch + sugar in this case, so 28%+.
That seems reasonable, as the oats are probably only roughly 50% of the mix.
Still, 28% is not anything I’d feed in any significant amounts. I do find it interesting - and maybe trend-setting? - they are using peas for protein instead of soy.
I don’t at all like the very unbalanced O3:06 ratio :no: Nothing we feed horses should have more 6 than 3, as they don’t at all need more 6, and often do benefit from more 3.
Not anything I’d feed, other than maybe as a handful yummy treat or to mix meds with.[/QUOTE]
Thank you for sharing JB, I appreciate the info!
[QUOTE=JB;7798585]
I’d assume NSC = starch + sugar in this case, so 28%+.
That seems reasonable, as the oats are probably only roughly 50% of the mix.
Still, 28% is not anything I’d feed in any significant amounts. I do find it interesting - and maybe trend-setting? - they are using peas for protein instead of soy.
I don’t at all like the very unbalanced O3:06 ratio :no: Nothing we feed horses should have more 6 than 3, as they don’t at all need more 6, and often do benefit from more 3.
Not anything I’d feed, other than maybe as a handful yummy treat or to mix meds with.[/QUOTE]
Is there a feed on the market with more omega-3 FA than omega-6?
[QUOTE=CrowneDragon;7798669]
Is there a feed on the market with more omega-3 FA than omega-6?[/QUOTE]
If there is, I’d love to see it!
I suppose the photo threw me with the Crypto Aero stuff. It sure doesn’t look like it’s 60% hay pellets. I suppose oats are so light in weight that perhaps it’s just deceiving.
If they are following the requirements, they are listing things in order by weight. And yes, whole oats are pretty light, especially in comparison to hay pellets.
Many feeds that I’ve seen don’t list 3/6 amounts 
I quickly browsed the TC lineup, and while they don’t list the amounts in many of the analysis’, they do have a page which lists them for all.
http://www.triplecrownfeed.com/articles/horse-feed-omega-3-and-6-nutrient-values-triple-crown-horse-feed-horsefeed/
Nutrena does list them for a couple, but not most.
So I stand corrected - I never realized how much O6 is in even the good feeds That’s a bummer. I guess that rules out that complaint about this particular feed lol
I recall seeing a few of the newer feeds that have dried peas for protein. :yes: Very interesting, especially since a lot of people are reducing soy in their horses’ diets.
They should find a new marketing firm–the first thing that comes to mind when I see the name is an airborne protozoal disease…
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Hello everyone,
We just wanted to make a comment about feeds and Omega 3 and Omega 6 ratios. There will be no feeds that have a higher Omega 3 ratio. Grains naturally have higher Omega 6 levels which is why you will see this in the Omega Level’s chart provided by Triple Crown feed: http://www.triplecrownfeed.com/articles/horse-feed-omega-3-and-6-nutrient-values-triple-crown-horse-feed-horsefeed/
Other companies who provide this information will also show similar ratios. There is no known ratio of Omega 6 to 3, but at this time the optimal level is believed to be between 2.5:1 and 5:1. Ways to increase Omega 3’s in your horses diet include supplementing with Flax seed or Marine oils. This is a reason that Triple Crown offers the supplements Omega MAX flaxseed and a Fish Oil powder. Rice bran has long been a common feed supplement for it’s high calorie content, but it too actually has a pretty high Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio.
Your primary source of omega 3 fatty acids for horses is fresh green pasture grass, which is just one of the many reasons why allowing horses to graze, is so beneficial for their health. While grazing is not always an option for horses with health issues and becomes a challenge for those who “experience snow” , horses can receive some omega 3’s in hay, but the amounts vary quite a bit and many factors also have an influence on the levels.
*Concerning GMO claims, while there are non-GMO alfalfa seeds, there is a fair amount of cross pollination with GMO varieties that can happen.
Also be aware that this particular feed has a wide range of actual feeding directions and supplementing vitamins and minerals for your horse is strongly encouraged.
High quality, balanced feeds take care of this for you when you feed based on bag directions. Asking for more detailed information on feed ingredients, feed directions etc. is encouraged when you are looking at any feed brand!
We are always available to answer questions about our products! 800-451-9916
-Jessica Drexler,
Triple Crown Nutrition, Inc.
1 Like
Back when Spiller’s still owned Seminole Feed, a couple of their products had peas in them. I really wish those recipes were still available, but am content with the Seminole Wellness line.
My feed store got in a pallet of the Crypto Aero feed back in the spring, and the owner gave me a small sample bag. Yes, it looked absolutely delicious (and of course horses scarfed it right out of my hand), but it struck me as odd that there was no vitamin/mineral fortification. If I’m paying ~$40/bag for feed, I don’t want to have to spend more just to provide the basic vit/min.
1 Like
Hi everyone,
thank you so much for discussing my feed. I designed it originally for my own OTTB who was very sick and I wanted to feed a whole food diet without any chemical additives and most importantly without soy and molasses. The name is Crypto Aero, as it was my OTTBs name in whose honor I made this feed.
In regards to the NSC: Many horse owners nowadays are concerned with NSC values, which is a good thing when you are considering pelleted and extruded feed. You want blood sugar to rise slowly and steadily. When you feed whole food as opposed to extruded or pelleted feed which instantly dissolves in the horses mouth, you increase chewing and you slow down digestion. Therefore the horse produces more saliva which contains acid buffering biacarbonate. Your horse will also produce more amylase, the enzyme that digests sugar and the starches are therefore digested long before they reach the hind gut, where they can cause a lot of problems as we all know. By slowing down ingestion and digestion, you also slow down the rise in blood sugar and therefore this feed is so very safe for even IR horses and previously foundered horses.
As to the minerals and vitamins: When provided in whole food, they are completely absorbable and your horse can use every bit of it. Real food also has its own enzymes which help with digestion. I would never recommend any artificial vitamins or minerals as they are toxic to our horses. They make them retain water (pot-bellies) and are accumulated in their liver. I had to put the vitamin D supplementation on there per the FDA, but most of our horses receive plenty of sunlight to make their own.
The Omega3:6: grass and hays are very high in Omega 3s, so it should be balanced if you feed your horse both. You can also supplement with flax if you think your horse is not receiving enough Omega 3s. Another thing to consider is that this feed contains Spirulina, which is the highest natural source of Gamma Linolenic Acic, which is an Omega 6, yet has the same anti-inflammatory properties as Omega 3s.
I encourage all of you to visit my web site, read the ingredients descriptions and take a look at the testimonials. If you have an IR horse, I recommend feeding 1-2 cups 2-3 times daily. In general, people report to feed half of their usual grain and they toss out all their supplements. The only thing needed with this feed is a Redmond or Himalayan salt lick. Minerals should only be fed free choice and never be force fed!
Thank you so much! Anna Frensemeyer. www.cryptoaero.com
[QUOTE=cryptoaero;7895202]
Hi everyone,
In regards to the NSC: Many horse owners nowadays are concerned with NSC values, which is a good thing when you are considering pelleted and extruded feed. You want blood sugar to rise slowly and steadily. When you feed whole food as opposed to extruded or pelleted feed which instantly dissolves in the horses mouth, you increase chewing and you slow down digestion. Therefore the horse produces more saliva which contains acid buffering biacarbonate. Your horse will also produce more amylase, the enzyme that digests sugar and the starches are therefore digested long before they reach the hind gut, where they can cause a lot of problems as we all know. By slowing down ingestion and digestion, you also slow down the rise in blood sugar and therefore this feed is so very safe for even IR horses and previously foundered horses.
As to the minerals and vitamins: When provided in whole food, they are completely absorbable and your horse can use every bit of it. Real food also has its own enzymes which help with digestion. I would never recommend any artificial vitamins or minerals as they are toxic to our horses. They make them retain water (pot-bellies) and are accumulated in their liver. I had to put the vitamin D supplementation on there per the FDA, but most of our horses receive plenty of sunlight to make their own.
The Omega3:6: grass and hays are very high in Omega 3s, so it should be balanced if you feed your horse both. You can also supplement with flax if you think your horse is not receiving enough Omega 3s. Another thing to consider is that this feed contains Spirulina, which is the highest natural source of Gamma Linolenic Acic, which is an Omega 6, yet has the same anti-inflammatory properties as Omega 3s.
I encourage all of you to visit my web site, read the ingredients descriptions and take a look at the testimonials. If you have an IR horse, I recommend feeding 1-2 cups 2-3 times daily. In general, people report to feed half of their usual grain and they toss out all their supplements. The only thing needed with this feed is a Redmond or Himalayan salt lick. [/QUOTE]
Boy, there’s a lot of inaccuracy and conjecture in the above.
1 Like
[QUOTE=Ghazzu;7895385]
Boy, there’s a lot of inaccuracy and conjecture in the above.[/QUOTE]
Hi Ghazzu- please tell me where the inaccuracy and conjecture is. Thank you so much!
Anna.
Well, for starters, the idea that
“your horse will also produce more amylase, the enzyme that digests sugar and the starches are therefore digested long before they reach the hind gut, where they can cause a lot of problems as we all know. By slowing down ingestion and digestion, you also slow down the rise in blood sugar and therefore this feed is so very safe for even IR horses and previously foundered horses.”
If the sugar and starch is being digested before it reaches the hindgut, yes, that is a Good Thing.
However, it also means that the sugar is getting into the bloodstream pretty quickly, which is the opposite of what you stated.
High levels of NSC in the hindgut are more likely to cause other problems than a spike in blood glucose.
Then there’s the “As to the minerals and vitamins: When provided in whole food, they are completely absorbable and your horse can use every bit of it.”
Not so. Bioavailability of vitamins and minerals is variable even in “whole food”, whatever your definisition of that is.
1 Like
[QUOTE=Ghazzu;7895589]
Well, for starters, the idea that
“your horse will also produce more amylase, the enzyme that digests sugar and the starches are therefore digested long before they reach the hind gut, where they can cause a lot of problems as we all know. By slowing down ingestion and digestion, you also slow down the rise in blood sugar and therefore this feed is so very safe for even IR horses and previously foundered horses.”
If the sugar and starch is being digested before it reaches the hindgut, yes, that is a Good Thing.
However, it also means that the sugar is getting into the bloodstream pretty quickly, which is the opposite of what you stated.
High levels of NSC in the hindgut are more likely to cause other problems than a spike in blood glucose.
Then there’s the “As to the minerals and vitamins: When provided in whole food, they are completely absorbable and your horse can use every bit of it.”
Not so. Bioavailability of vitamins and minerals is variable even in “whole food”, whatever your definisition of that is.[/QUOTE]
Hi Ghazzu,
if you were to take a glass of water and put in a hand full of pellets and shake it and do the same with a hand full of oats, then you would see the difference: the oats have to actually be digested, while the pellets dissolve. Hence the oats will raise blood sugar much slower. Whole oats have a foregut digestibility of 87%, while corn and barley are around 30%. Hence whole oats are the safest grain for horses. One of the biggest problems with our horses digestive tract nowadays is that our horses no longer chew. They therefore produce much less digestive enzymes and saliva which is essential to buffer stomach acids.
Yes, NSC in the hind gut can cause a lot of problems, which is why oats are much better than corn or barely and why you should feed a low NSC hay. I was referring to grain in my post.
Whole food is food that has been minimally processed. All the ingredients in Crypto Aero are simply dried. They maintain their vitamins and minerals. Pre-and pro-biotics as well as vitamins die during heat processing such as pelleting. Spirulina is a complete multivitamin and it also contains every essential amino acid. Just look into it when you have a chance and also take a look at the testimonials of Crypto Aero. The Holistic Horse also has a great article in there that explains the whole food difference in more detail. Just google Crypto Aero Wholefood Horse Feed and it will come up.
If you are happy with your current feed, then you should keep feeding it. I am simply responding to concerns that were raised about my feed.
Crypto, I’m curious, with whom did you study - person, university, online course, etc - to gain your nutritional knowledge, as well as how the equine digestive system works (vs a cow for example) and its effects on metabolic issues? I’m assuming you did a great deal of research on this before formulating a feed to market, and especially to make the claim that 28% NSC is safe even for IR horses.
BTW, Ghazzu is a vet. A teaching vet. She’s studied and applied this sort of information for a lot longer than this feed has been out.
One of the biggest problems with our horses digestive tract nowadays is that our horses no longer chew.
I’m not sure what horses you have been around, but mine chew very well 
When did horses in general decide to just inhale their food?
