Save your horse’s feed bag labels
- You can often find me organizing, streamlining, and de-cluttering my office, trailer, and horse supplies during any free time I have. BUT – I do hang onto feed tags, just in case. I choose to store my horse’s feeds in handy dandy containers with awesome horse and critter-proof lids, which requires I empty the bag into the bins.
These Vittle Vaults are rodent-proof and don’t take up much space
Hang onto your horse’s feed bag labels and tags for a few reasons.
- Some feed tags have valuable nutritional information on them, which may come in handy during a veterinary visit. If you are shopping for a new brand, you can also bring the tag with you to compare crude nutritional analysis. Also great for comparisons at home in front of your computer.
Loads of info here, as well as on the bag itself!
- The feed tags are also a great way to label when you opened the bag, in case you are super duper detailed about that sort of thing. For me, I like to note the date so that I can better budget and plan trips to the feed store.
- Feed tags also contain the lot number of the feed, which is handy in case you hear about a recall. Horse feed recalls happen for a number of reasons, most of which involve some possible contamination of the feed. This could be from insects, to antibiotics, to molds or other possible toxins.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) works with manufacturers during horse feed recalls. The cause for recall could be classified into one of three categories:
- Class I is when the product (animal or pet food) is likely to cause serious problems or death. The FDA and the Company will issue press releases, and the Company is required to notify their customers via the point of sale and or distribution. This would be your feed store!
- Class II is when the product may cause temporary or medically reversible conditions. Class III is when the product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.
When Class II and Class III recalls happen, the Companies are encouraged to (but not required to) notify the FDA or issue a press release. The FDA does maintain a list of recalls here.
The lot number is the critical number during a feed recall.
Some bags don’t have tags, but you can find pertinent info on the strip that keeps the bag closed.
If you hear about a recall – you will need to know the lot number of your horse’s feed to determine if your horse has been exposed.
- That lot number is on your feed bag label – so hang onto that label! If you hear about a food recall for a product that you use, be sure to call your veterinarian right away. Every now and again there are horse deaths due to recalled food – A link to details about recent monesin toxicity is right here – and heads up, the video in the article is heartbreaking. Know what you are feeding!
If you are in need of some amazing Vittles Vaults like the ones I use (pictured above) you can order them here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases., there is no extra charge to you. Thank you for your support!
Vittles Vault 80 lb – many sizes to choose from!