We are always looking to offer supplements that are low-dose for two reasons - one is to reduce costs for the owner, particularly when feed prices are so high, and also to increase palatability. Generally a smaller dose is more acceptable to fussy eaters.
Here are 5 natural supplements that offer a wide range of benefits at just 10g per day. We sell all these products in 1kg bags = 100 scoops per bag.
Bio Mos or Yea Sacc - the best gut supplements you've never heard of.
Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial bacteria, while probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. Both prebiotics and probiotics play a role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Bio Mos and Yea Sacc are prebiotic and probiotic yeasts. They help in stabilising gut microflora, improving nutrient absorption, and enhancing immune function in horses.
We have seen stark changes for horses that scour, and in long-term management for horses recovering from ulcers. We add it when we feed fresh-cut hay, or change feeds. If your horse has any existing GI issues, you might want to feed both initially. For our horses we use them interchangeably.
Mycosorb
Mycotoxins, toxic substances produced by certain molds found in contaminated feedstuffs, or in pastures (rye grass in particular) pose a significant threat to equine health. Mycosorb A+ is a mycotoxin binder designed to counteract the harmful effects of mycotoxin exposure in horses.
Mycosorb A+ binds to mycotoxins present in ingested feed, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream and reducing their detrimental impact on horses' health.
We feed Mycosorb as a precaution when we have rye in our pasture, when we are feeding hay that is older, or chaff that is dusty.Â
Chaste Tree Berry
Chaste tree berry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, (monk's pepper) is an adaptogenic plant that has been used for centuries to support hormone balance in both humans and animals. When it comes to horses, chaste tree berry offers several potential benefits:
Hormonal Regulation: Chaste tree berry is perhaps most renowned for its ability to support hormonal balance. It can help alleviate 'moody mare' behavioural symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances.
Support for Reproductive Health: Chaste tree berry may help support overall reproductive health in both mares and stallions, potentially improving fertility and reproductive efficiency. Additionally, it may aid in the management of conditions such as irregular estrous cycles or difficulty conceiving.
Management of metabolic disorders. As a hormone regulator, chaste tree berry can be used to support endocrine functions. While chaste tree berry is not a cure for Cushing's syndrome, some owners and veterinarians use it as part of a holistic management approach. It helps to alleviate some symptoms associated with the condition, such as excessive hair growth, muscle wasting, and susceptibility to infections.
We feed 10g of chaste tree berry to our horses that are prone to laminitis during Spring or after rain when we can expect a new flush of grass.
Seaweed Meal
The soluble fibre in seaweed supports a healthy digestive system by aiding nutrient absorption and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Alginates are also used in human GI products, like Gaviscon.
Seaweed meal is naturally high in vitamins and minerals. We use seaweed meal in particular for iodine. Thyroid hormones play a key role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and body weight. In cases where thyroid function may be compromised, such as in horses with metabolic disorders (insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome, PPID/Cushings), supplementation with iodine-rich seaweed meal may help support thyroid health and metabolic rate.Â
10 grams of our seaweed meal supplies 2.2mg of iodine. Tolerances of iodine are narrow in horses so we would not encourage you to feed more than 10g.
*Please note: Sound Advice Trace Mixes already contain seaweed meal, so you do not need to add additional seaweed meal if they already have any of our Trace Mixes.Â
None of these supplements have anything added. You are not paying for unnecessary fillers. One bag lasts 100 days, reducing the frequency in purchasing, saving money in the long-run.
With these 5 supplements you can provide effective nutrition to your horse whilst still being economical.
Comments