[Claddagh]

I've been a Pennfield user for many, many years. Have always loved their feed. Have been feeding Fibregized for the past several years and love it. I've never had any problems with Fibregized, although I am aware that some people have had isssues with choke.

Yesterday, when we went to our feed store we found that they will no longer be carrying Pennfield! And they were long-time Pennfield dealers. Apparently there have been some issues since Pennfield filed for bankruptsy, specifically with the quality control of the feed.

What was recommended was Nutrena Pro Force Fiber, as this feed is said to be very similar to the Pennfield Fibregized.

I have no problem with Nutrena feeds (used to use their XTN and was very happy with it - only had to drop it because it had become impossible to get around here - very few Nutrena dealers anywhere nearby a few years back.)

So here's the issue at present - I can't find any real information about the Nutrena Pro Force Fiber. It isn't even listed on Nutrena's website under their products!

We bought one bag to try, so I know that the feed exists - but why isn't there any information about it on Nutrena's website? Is it a brand new product that was launched without any informational materials available for the consumer? I will be calling Nutrena tomorrow but I'd much prefer the unbiased opinions of actual people who use the feed over the opinions of those who make it or sell it.

So... COTHer's - does anyone use Pro Force Fiber? Are you happy with it? Any problems like making horses too *high*, horses not liking it, coats not good (or at least as good as they were on other feeds)? Anything else?

Any and all opinions welcomed as I try to find a good replacement for the Pennfield Fibregized that I've had such excellent results with for years.

Thanks everyone.

[lorilu]

I saw it for the first time at my feed store yesterday.. I think it is really new. Maybe that's why the webpage is not updated yet.

I have some friends who feed Buckeye Unbeetable - also high fiber. have you looked at that? http://shop.2farm.com/pdf/PRODUCT%20...S/A4933850.pdf

[TotB]

I used to be a die hard Fibregized fan, but I LOVE the Pro- Force Fiber. After the switch to the new formulation of Fibregized, I wasn't impressed with how a few horses were holding their weight and appearance. The PFF seems just like the old Fibregized to my guys- great attitudes and they really bloomed again. Very happy customer here!

[Nutrena]

Hello Claddagh - We noticed your post, so thought we'd jump in and explain why it's not on our site. The Pro-series line is brand new for us, and has very limited availability, just in a few states in the NE part of the country. So, we don't have it on our website because it is a national website. That said, if there is anything you need from us, please let us know, either here or feel free to PM us!
Thanks ~ Gina from Nutrena

[Claddagh]

Hi Gina, Thanks for chiming in. I guess my most important question is (other than looking at the ingredient analysis as compared to Pennfield Fibregized) would have to be... since the Pro Force Fiber is brand new and only available in a limited market... what are the chances of it still being available in 6 mos., a year, and so on? If I decide to switch to this formula, will I again find myself searching for a new feed somewhere down the line (and maybe in the not too distant future)?

Are you even at liberty to say whether this formula is an *experiment* on Nutrena's part (you know, see how it goes over and if not up to expectations with sales just drop it altogether?).

I really hate switching feeds (i.e., comparing and finding one that works for us as well as whatever I'm currently feeding). It makes me kind of wary, not knowing what the future holds in terms of availability with your feed (which is basically why I am looking to get my horses off of Pennfield now). The ones who get Fibregized have done beautifully on it for several years and I really hate to *upset the apple cart* (if you know what I mean). But it looks like it is time.

Any information you can give will be very much appreciated.

[Claddagh]

TotB - Thank you. Glad to hear that you, as a confirmed Fibregized user, are totally happy with the Pro Force. It does seem very similar to Fibregized. Now I think I need to wait for more information from Nutrena on availabilty long term (since this is a brand new feed).

The horse that I'm most concerned about is an OTTB who has a history of ulcers (which I treated successfully with GastroGuard) and has done fabulously on Fibregized (along with some post-ulcer preventative measures like NeighLox and Aloe juice). He has remained ulcer free for several years now and I really want to keep it that way. And I hate switching feeds but I especially I don't want to switch him to something that may not be around forever.

Ugh!

[Real Rush]

The Pro-series line is brand new for us, and has very limited availability, just in a few states in the NE part of the country. Thanks ~ Gina from Nutrena

I slightly beg to differ with this, as I live in Georgia and my feed store began carrying the new Pro line about 2 months ago.

That being said, the owner put out free samples of each kind, and I grabbed one of the Pro-Force Fiber, Hi-Fat Pellets and Pro-Senior. I gave each one to different horses and they all scarfed it up. My overall impression is favorable, save for a slightly funky metallic smell to the feed. However, I'm not much inclined to switch from the Seminole Wellness feeds I've used for years.

[Nutrena]

Hi Claddagh - Thanks for your comments, can totally understand your desire to pick a product that will be around! Yes, all signs point to this product line staying in place. The product is performing very well, and horses & owners are happy with it.

I did learn today that as realrush89 mentioned, we have 2 dealers in Georgia that are trucking in loads of the product weekly to their stores - so she happens to be lucky enough to have it there as well!

If there is anything further I can do to help, please let me know!
Thanks ~ Gina from Nutrena

[lorilu]

Well, in addition to Georgia, you also have Midwest feed here in Ocala Fl carrying it.......

L