Digestive problems
Many horses suffer from stress-related digestive problems. Studies show that over 50% of show and race horses have GI tract ulcers. When the proper acid-base balance of a horse’s digestive tract is disturbed, gastric and/or intestinal ulcers can develop. This increased intestinal permeability creates a pro-inflammatory state that can lead to food sensitivities, allergies, muscle and joint pain, impaired immune system function, colic, laminitis, and many other conditions.
If one considers the “you are what you eat” hypothesis, you must understand that the principle also applies to your horse. An unhealthy ulcerated intestine sets the stage for equine disease. The digestive tract serves as a “gate” to the equine body. It is of utmost importance that the “door” remains selectively functional. When it gets “stuck,” as it does with ulcers and dysbiosis, the digestive tract becomes a pathway for toxins and pathogens (bacteria, viruses, and yeasts) to enter the body and trigger disease, including systemic inflammation and inflammation. limp.
The first and foremost goal of your equine partner’s wellness program should be a well-balanced diet. A specific nutrient supplement program containing prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, bioactive immunoglobulins, and Saccharomyces Boulardii (a beneficial yeast) will help ensure a healthy digestive tract to optimize digestion and absorption.
Once you focus on your horse’s digestive health, you’ll find that most other health and performance issues will improve on their own.
Dehydration
When it’s time to break a sweat, electrolytes must come to the rescue!
With record temperatures and high humidity taking a toll on our horses, care must be taken to keep your horse hydrated and healthy. This is when giving your horse electrolytes is essential.
Sodium, chloride, potassium, and magnesium are the main electrolytes (ions) needed by a work horse. When the ions are balanced, they promote water intake and retention, which can eliminate dehydration and other health problems. Electrolytes will keep your horse well on those super hot days.
A good electrolyte without sugar ensures a balanced blood chemistry level and does not burn or cause discomfort in the large intestine. Beware of electrolytes that contain sodium chloride, which is immediately oxidized in the hindgut and creates sodium ions, which the horse cannot prevent from being absorbed into the blood. If this were to happen, then sodium would replace potassium at the cellular level and hinder nutrient transfer.
With the high temperatures, it is important that your horse gets a daily ration of good quality electrolytes in his feed as a healthy part of his feeding program.
