7 Reasons Barrel Racers Feed Höveler Pur.Muskel

Quick answer: Höveler Pur.Muskel is a supplementary feed added to 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 tricky combination 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 developed to add fat-based energy and muscle-building protein to a full ration instead of starch. Seven reasons barrel racers feed it.

1. Energy density for the sprint

A barrel run is seconds long and costs real energy. 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 power 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 mixed into a complete ration.

Who this is for: horses in full training that need their stop-and-turn frame to hold up.

4. A rideable mind is part of the formula

A profile formulated for metabolically sensitive breeds suits barrel horses that get wired 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 warmed up 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 repeating what your forage and balancer provide. 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 papers. 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 practice 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 stands behind 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 giving a season a try on it without breaking the budget.

How to feed it

Pur.Muskel is a supplementary feed added to 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 — measure 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 https://horse-feed-pellets139.capitaljays.com/posts/hoveler-pur.muskel-7-reasons-it-s-the-feed-for-performance-horses 5.8% — a supplementary feed added to 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 designed for metabolically sensitive breeds and rateable minds.

Can I run it on race day?

Yes — Pur.Muskel is competition safe and FEI-compliant, made in Germany with over 120 years of expertise.

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: 0.11–0.18 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 behind it.