9 Muscle Development Reasons Höveler Pur.Muskel Earns Its Place in the Ration
Quick answer: Höveler Pur.Muskel is a supplementary muesli for muscle development, carrying 20% raw protein with 160 g/kg digestible crude protein and the key amino acids lysine 0.85% and threonine 0.6%. It is added to a complete ration, is FEI-compliant, and costs $52.99 for a 44 lb bag — a strong pick for horses in training that need protein above what their base ration provides. Last checked: September 2026.
Every owner building a horse's condition knows the frustration: weeks of correct work, and the topline still does not fill. Muscle is built from the quality of the protein, not just the amount — and that is exactly where Pur.Muskel is formulated to contribute. Here are nine reasons it is the feed for the job, added to a full ration.
1. 20% raw protein is the headline number
Muscle is protein, and Pur.Muskel brings 20% raw protein to the ration. That is a substantial protein contribution from a muesli format, which is why the product's stated Functionality is Muscle Building.
Who this is for: horses in work that need protein above what their base ration delivers.
2. Digestible crude protein of 160 g/kg, not just crude numbers
A protein percentage only counts if the horse can put it to use. Pur.Muskel delivers 160 g/kg digestible crude protein, so more of that 20% reaches the muscle-building machinery.
The benefit: fewer wasted protein dollars in every scoop.
3. Lysine at 0.85% — the first-limiting amino acid
Lysine is the amino acid most commonly lacking in horse rations. Pur.Muskel supplies 0.85% lysine, working to maintain the amino acid balance a horse needs to support muscle development.
Who this is for: owners whose base feed does not state a lysine figure.
4. Methionine and threonine complete the picture
Beyond lysine, Pur.Muskel lists 0.25% methionine and 0.6% threonine, with methionine+cysteine at 0.5%. These essential amino acids support muscle protein and coat quality together.
The benefit: a full amino acid profile in one supplementary feed.
5. Built from real protein sources: soy flakes, pea flakes, sweet lupine
The ingredient list speaks for itself: soy flakes, sweet lupine flakes, and pea flakes are the protein carriers, alongside meadow lyegrass and flaxseed. Soy flakes are included deliberately — this feed contains soy and is not marketed as soy-free.
Who this is for: owners who https://soy-free-horse-feed-bchg368.clarionvale.com/posts/starting-a-horse-on-hoveler-pur.muskel-7-steps-to-get-the-first-weeks-right study the ingredient list before price tags.
6. Energy to fuel the work, not just the protein
Muscle needs training stimulus and fuel. Pur.Muskel adds 11.9 MJ/kg metabolizable energy with 15.0% raw fat, so the horse has energy to work properly while the protein backs development.
The benefit: protein and energy coming together, in the correct ratio.
7. Gentle on the stomach at 5.8% starch
Muscle-building plans fall apart when horses go sour or fizzy. Pur.Muskel holds starch at 5.8% and sugar at 4.1%, and is described as gentle on the stomach — so the plan stays consistent.
Who this is for: metabolically sensitive breeds that also need to build muscle.
8. No added vitamins or minerals, so your plan stays custom
Pur.Muskel is alfalfa-free and contains no added vitamins or minerals. That means you can add targeted protein and energy without unknowingly doubling your micronutrient package — the whole point of a supplementary feed in a custom plan.
Who this is for: owners running a balancer or a vet-planned micronutrient program.
9. Owner-reported results, competition safe, and risk-free to try
The product rates 4.55 from 2 reviews, and Jessica's May 21, 2024 review notes the horses hold stronger muscle condition. It is competition safe and FEI-compliant, made in Germany by a firm with over 120 years of experience, and backed by bifid's 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.
Who this is for: anyone who wants proof before committing to a 44 lb bag.
How to feed it
Pur.Muskel is a supplementary feed added to a complete ration — never a standalone complete feed. 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. Forage every time alongside.
Key specs at a glance: 44 lb bag, $52.99, raw protein 20%, digestible crude protein 160 g/kg, lysine 0.85%, starch 5.8% — a supplementary feed added to a complete ration. The full label is on the Höveler Pur.Muskel 44 lb bag page.
Match the rate to your horse with the feeding calculator.
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
What protein level does Pur.Muskel have?
20% raw protein, with 160 g/kg digestible crude protein. It also supplies lysine at 0.85%, threonine at 0.6%, and methionine at 0.25%.
Is it a complete feed for muscle building?
No. It is a supplementary feed, added to a complete ration with forage. Its role is to bring muscle-building protein and energy into a complete nutrition plan.
Can a metabolically sensitive horse use it?
Yes. Starch is 5.8% and sugar 4.1%, and the summary specifically recommends metabolically sensitive breeds. It is also gentle on the stomach.
Does it contain soy?
Yes — soy flakes are a core protein source. Pur.Muskel is not soy-free, so avoid it if your horse has a soy sensitivity.
How soon will I see a difference?
No supplement takes the place of correct training, but Jessica's May 2024 review notes horses maintain stronger muscle condition. The product rates 4.55 from 2 reviews, and bifid's 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee lets you assess it over a full trial.