We do not send a physical kit for this analysis. Please wait for us to email you the instructions on how to best collect your sample and how to return this to ourselves. This email will also include a link to our form, where you can enter details about your horse(s), this will help us to calculate your bespoke feed recommendations*.
Our Full NIR Nutritional Analysis provides a detailed report on the nutritional value of your hay or haylage, helping you make informed feeding decisions for every type of horse.
This report is carried out by an international laboratory using advanced near-infrared (NIR) technology to identify a full range of key nutritional data, including:
- Dry Matter (DM)
- Digestible Energy (DE)
- Crude Protein (CP)
- Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF)
- Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF)
- Water Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC – Total Sugar)
- Ethanol Soluble Carbohydrates (ESC – Simple Sugar)
- Starch
- Non-Fibre Carbohydrates (NFC)
Why This Analysis Matters
Understanding the sugar and starch levels in your forage is essential for managing horses prone to laminitis, metabolic issues, or weight gain. This analysis will help you determine:
- Whether soaking your hay is necessary
- Whether your forage is suitable for sugar-sensitive horses
- How to balance energy and protein for performance, good-doer, or poor-doer horses
Our reports also show digestible energy and protein levels, allowing you to adjust forage quantities and assess whether additional protein is required.
Sampling & Turnaround Time
- Please send approx. 100 grams of a representative sample collected from 6–10 bales.
- Reports are typically completed within 10-14 working days.
- Watch our video guide: How to Collect Your Sample
Feed Suggestions (Optional Service)
Our bespoke feed suggestions are based on your forage (and, if available, water) analysis results.
- Each plan is tailored to your horse’s individual requirements.
- Feed suggestions are provided at our discretion and are not included in the price of the analysis.
- Please ensure all information and photos provided are accurate and up-to-date to allow us to create your plan.
- Feed suggestions are normally completed 1–2 weeks after your analysis report, depending on demand and staff availability.
Important Information
- Please use any analysis kit purchased from Forageplus within 6 months of purchase to avoid lab fee increases.
- For international customers, the process is the same. Full sampling and shipping instructions will be emailed once your order is received.
For customers outside of the UK, the analysis process will be the same, with full instructions sent via email once we receive your order.

