Show-Rite Stretch
Low-fat, high-fiber pellet for belly fill, underline quality, and rear rib/flank improvement; expands 3x when mixed with water
Always read and follow product labels for feeding and sheep safety.
Overview
Show-Rite Stretch is a low-fat, high-fiber pellet that expands approximately three times its dry volume when combined with water at a 1:1 ratio. It is used to increase belly capacity, improve underline quality, and build rear rib and flank depth without adding fat. The expansion property makes it effective both as a dry daily supplement during the program and as a soaked/expanded fill tool on show day. Contains beneficial microorganisms for digestive support.
Manufacturer Specifications
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | % |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 9.0 |
| Lysine (min) | 0.40 |
| Crude Fat (min) | 1.0 |
| Crude Fiber (min) | 26.0 |
| Calcium (min) | 0.40 |
| Phosphorus (min) | 0.10 |
| Sodium (min) | 0.05 |
| Potassium (min) | 0.85 |
| Moisture (max) | not listed |
Key Ingredients / Active Components
- High-fiber formulation — 26% crude fiber minimum
- Beneficial microorganisms — probiotic digestive support
- Expands ~3x volume when soaked in water (1:1 ratio)
- Full ingredient list on product tag
Official Feeding Rate
- Rate: 1/2–2 lbs per head daily for sheep, goats, and swine; best results in dry form
- Introduction: Can be fed daily as ongoing supplement or used on show day for fill
- Species notes: Multi-species; cattle 2–5 lbs/day
Show Circuit Use
Sources: showrite.com/products/stretch/, Cooper Newcomb guide
How Experienced Feeders Actually Use It
Stretch is used in two ways: as a daily fiber supplement (4–12 oz per Cooper Newcomb’s guide) to build belly and underline over several weeks, and as a show-day fill tool when soaked and expanded with water. Circuit feeders use it to address lambs that lack rear rib shape, depth of flank, or belly capacity. It is often paired with Swell in the show-week protocol.
Real-World Feeding Rate
- Typical rate: 4–12 oz/day dry (Newcomb guide); 1/2–2 lbs/day per label
- Introduction timeline: Begin 4–6 weeks out for ongoing fill building; or use as show-day only tool
Common Deviations from Label
Cooper Newcomb guide cites 4–12 oz/day; label allows up to 2 lbs/day for sheep. The lower circuit rate may reflect conservation when stacking multiple fill products.
Breed-Specific Notes
No breed-specific notes found.
Phase Protocols
Weeks 5–3 | Fill & Shaping Phase
Introduce at 4–8 oz/day to begin building belly capacity and rear rib depth over several weeks.
Weeks 2–1 | Final Prep Phase
Continue at established rate. Soak with water before feeding if extra expansion is desired.
Show Week (Days 5–1)
Continue or increase. Feed soaked (1:1 water) for expanded fill effect. Pair with Swell drench for combined fill approach.
Show Day
Feed soaked in the hours before the class for maximum belly expansion.
Stacking Protocols
Pairs well with: Swell (Stretch provides the fiber/structural fill base; Swell provides the liquid expansion layer on top). Can be used as the daily fiber supplement while Swell handles the show-day concentrated fill protocol.
Budget Alternatives
- Sunglo Full Tank — similar high-fiber, low-fat pelleted filler
- Beet pulp shreds (commodity) — comparable fiber fill at lower cost; lacks probiotics
Community Tips
Reserved for verified community submissions — do not populate during initial documentation.
Direct Substitutes
Products that do the same job at the same point in the program — compare alternatives across brands in the directory.
| Product | Brand | Form | Budget | Feeding Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunglo Full Tank™ | Sunglo | Pellet | Mid-Range | 0.5 lbs/day – 2.0 lbs/day |
Sources
- https://www.showrite.com/products/stretch/ (manufacturer)
- https://www.showrite.com/cooper-newcombs-guide-to-feeding-your-show-lamb/ (manufacturer)