Description
DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
(Enclosed measure approximates 2 oz based on weight of product.)
Adult Horses (900-1,100 lbs): Provide 1 scoop (2 oz) twice daily.
INGREDIENTS:
Glucosamine is the building block of chondroitin sulfate, a specific type of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan
(GAG). Current research suggests glucosamine has two beneficial actions in joints. Not only does it increase
the production of new GAGs and therefore new cartilage, glucosamine has also been shown to inhibit the free
radicals and enzymes that break down cartilage. This small but complex molecule has an important role in
both the production and protection of joints.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) Assists body to produce its own internal antioxidants which helps support normal inflammatory response by providing protection against oxidative stress. It is a great source of dietary sulfur, which plays an important role in maintaining the health of collagen, cartilage, hooves, hair and joint fluid.
Chondroitin Sulfate inhibits the effects of various enzymes that breakdown cartilage. Building block of Hyaluronic acid (HA). Research has shown that chondroitin sulfate is bioavailable in the horse and that it appears to work synergistically with glucosamine to stimulate new cartilage production.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Nourishes cartilage and joint fluid, providing both lubrication and shock absorption. Hyaluronic acid is what makes joint fluid “sticky” because it is known to protect cells in the joint, HA is especially useful during periods of high-level joint stress.
Yucca is an herb native to North and Central America used by ancient and modern civilizations to address musculoskeletal discomfort. Active ingredients have been isolated from Yucca that have shown to have antioxidant properties and promote a normal inflammatory response.
Collagen is the main structural protein found in the connective tissues of the body (skin, bones, cartilage, tendons,
and ligaments). Hydrolyzed collagen protein (gelatin) is a modified form that has been broken down into
smaller pieces making it easier to digest and absorb. Collagen and gelatin are ingredients used to support joint
health, nourish bones and the tendons and ligaments surrounding them, and aid in recovery from exercise and
injury.
Mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) – (see Prebiotics): MOS is part of the yeast cell wall and helps clear the
horse’s hind gut of pathogens and aids in immune system health. MOS binds to harmful pathogens like E.coli
and salmonella, preventing these from binding to the horse’s intestine and causing infection. When the MOS is
flushed from the horse’s body in manure, it takes the infective agents with it. MOS also stimulates the horse’s
immune system by evoking an antibody response against the invading pathogen, building the horse’s natural
defenses.
Magnesium (Mg) is a vital macromineral, and it is becoming increasingly recommended by veterinarians for
various treatments in the horse. Because one of the clinical signs of magnesium deficiency is nervousness, it
is added to many calming supplements. Magnesium helps support a normal inflammatory response.
Magnesium may play a role in insulin resistance and equine metabolic syndrome. Within the muscle calcium
and magnesium work antagonistically — calcium causing muscle contraction and magnesium inducing
relaxation. If there is not enough magnesium, muscles tend to spasm. Although the presence of low magnesium
in the muscle tissue may stem from a genetic disorder rather than dietary quantities, there are reports of
horses that have responded to magnesium supplementation for support of chronic tying-up.
Lysine is an amino acid and the only one for which a requirement in the horse has been established by the
NRC. It is an essential amino acid, meaning it must be provided in the diet since the body cannot create
enough of its own. Lysine is also a limiting amino acid. This means if it is not present in adequate amounts it
limits the body’s ability to make protein. Lysine is important in the formation of collagen (the protein that forms
the matrix of bone, cartilage and connective tissue). Lysine supplements enhance the intestinal absorption of calcium
and reduce the excretion of calcium in the urine. Lysine deficiency may result in immunodeficiency. Lysine can help inhibit
the multiplication of virus and may prevent or decrease the severity of any viral flare-up.
DMG (Dimethylglycine) is a naturally occurring substance in the body and in many foods, but in low
levels. Supplementing with this ingredient makes additional DMG available to cells throughout the
body, where it is involved in energy production processes that use oxygen. DMG is used to support the immune system,
muscle metabolism (especially in horses prone to tying-up), and serve as
an antioxidant.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is an antioxidant that plays a pivotal role in neutralizing harmful free
radicals. Because of its water-soluble nature, vitamin C can work both inside and outside the cell
to combat free radical damage. Vitamin C also helps by regenerating vitamin E. Besides its
antioxidant functions, vitamin C is needed for collagen synthesis, hormone synthesis, conversion of
vitamin D3 to calcitriol, bone calcification, and antihistamine control. Under normal circum-
stances, horses make their own vitamin C in the liver from glucose. However, transport, “heaves,”
old age and endurance exercise have all been shown to decrease blood levels of vitamin C,
indicating horses undergoing these particular stresses may benefit from dietary supplementation.
Methionine is an essential amino acid, meaning it must be provided in the diet since the body
cannot create enough of its own. This means if it is not present in adequate amounts it limits the
body’s ability to make protein. Methionine can be converted by the body into another
sulfur-containing amino acid, cysteine. Because the concentration of both these amino acids is
highest in hoof and hair, methionine especially is often included in hoof supplements.
L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, especially in muscle tissue. Although it
is not an essential amino acid, there is such great demand for its use in the body that production
may not be able to keep up with consumption, so supplementing may be necessary. Glutamine is
involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid, helps support a normal inflammatory response within the GI Tract.
Licorice is one of the most widely used herbs for people and animals in both Western and Chinese
medicine. Sweet and soothing, supports a normal inflammatory response, healing and gastric
health. The deglycyrrhized form is preferred because it does not have the side effects of the plant as a whole.
Slippery Elm is obtained from the bark of a tree native to North America. Slippery Elm is rich in
mucilage, a soluble fiber that becomes gel-like when wet. This “natural bandage” helps coat/soothe the mucosal membrane.
Linolenic Acid (Omega-3) are essential fatty acids and must be obtained from the diet in order for
the body to function well. Omega-3s help support a normal inflammatory response throughout the body.
There must be a balance between the omega-3s and omega-6s for a proper but not excessive
inflammatory response.
Linolenic Acid (Omega-6) There must be a
balance between omega-3s and omega-6s for a proper but not excessive inflammatory response.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1), plays a vital role in carbohydrate metabolism and nerve transmission. The
NRC has set a daily dietary requirement for thiamine because, unlike most of the other B vitamins,
microorganisms in the intestine do not make enough thiamine to meet the horse’s needs. Fortunately
fresh forage and cereal grains are good sources of this vitamin. However, hard-working horses or
those on high grain diets may have reduced production of thiamine by intestinal bacteria because of
stress or hind gut acidosis. Thiamine supplementation has been shown to have a calming effect in
individuals displaying undesirable behavior due to a thiamine deficiency or increased requirements.
The Vitamin B family is made up of several compounds that serve many important roles in the body: protein, fat and
carbohydrate metabolism; energy production; proper nerve cell transmission; and cell reproduction and division (especially
rapidly dividing ones such as red blood cells). B vitamins include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic
acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), and cyanocobalamin (B12). For most of the B vitamins,
microorganisms in the large intestine make all the horse needs. Only thiamine and riboflavin have NRC dietary requirements.
However, research suggests B vitamin supplementation may be beneficial to stabled horses with little access to
fresh pasture, heavily exercising horses, pregnant and lactating mares, horses with GI conditions that may interfere with
normal gut flora, and any periods of stress (injury, illness, shipping, old age, etc.).
Zinc (Zn) is a micromineral involved in over 100 enzyme systems ranging from support of connective tissue formation and antioxidants
to carbohydrate metabolism and immune system function. It is most recognized for its role in healthy skin
and hooves. Supplementation should be considered because amounts in normal feedstuffs may not meet requirements.
Copper (Cu) is a micromineral required to aid in the production of normal connective tissues including tendons, ligaments, cartilage
and bone. As a component of many enzyme systems, it is also involved in making iron available to the body for
blood, in producing skin and coat pigments, in proper nerve signaling and in repairing antioxidants. Low copper levels in
mares and foals have been implicated in developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) including osteochondrosis (OCD).
Biotin is a member of the B vitamins family and, like some other vitamins, is a coenzyme for several metabolic pathways.
It is involved in glucose metabolism, growth and utilization of niacin. Biotin is essential to the growth of strong,
healthy hooves due to its role in collagen formation. A number of research studies show that long-term, daily supplementation
of 10-30 mg of biotin daily improves the growth rate and hardness of hooves, especially in horses with less
than optimum quality hoof horn (soft, brittle, chipped).
Selenium is a trace mineral that along with vitamin E function in a partnership that helps to protect body tissues from
free radical damage that occurs during oxidation (the conversion of feedstuffs into energy). While some parts of the country have high levels
of selenium in their soil and therefore the plants that grow there, selenium deficiency has been reported in 46 states.
Therefore, most horses will need supplementation to meet the NRC requirement of 1 mg/day for maintenance. For optimum
immune function and exercise recovery, 2 to 3 mg/day is recommended, which is still well below 50 mg/day which
may be the upper safe limit. Selenium yeast, the organic form of the mineral, is better absorbed than inorganic selenium
selenate or selenite.
Manganese is a micromineral essential for bone formation, growth and reproduction. It is also essential in carbohydrate
and fat metabolism. Supplementation should be considered because not all diets provide the same levels of manganese.
It is among the least toxic of the trace minerals, and it plays an important role in young growing horses as well as active
performance horses.
Vitamin A is well-known for its role in maintaining healthy vision, especially night vision. However, it is also needed for
reproduction, immunity, and normal skeletal development in young growing horses and exercising horses that are remodeling
bone. Horses must satisfy their vitamin A requirement from their diet, but only horses on fresh green pasture or
high-quality alfalfa are likely to meet that requirement. Horses on grass hay, horses with no access to pasture, or horses
that are exercising or breeding probably need supplementation.
Vitamin D plays an indirect role in bone growth and maintenance by managing the levels of calcium (Ca) in the body. It controls
the absorption of Ca from the intestine, the movement of Ca into and out of bone, and the amount of Ca excreted by
the kidneys. While a minimum requirement has been set by the NRC, it is assumed that horses make all the vitamin D they
need simply by exposure to sunlight, which converts precursors of vitamin D in the skin to the active form of the vitamin.
However, horses kept indoors for prolonged periods, horses fed poor-quality hay, very young foals or exercising horses that
are remodeling bone may need supplementation. Deficiency causes reduced appetite, slowed growth, physitis in growing
horses, bone demineralization (leading to stress fractures and bone deformities), and poor muscle contraction.
Vitamin E is considered the most important antioxidant and works closely with selenium to protect the body from the oxidative
stress of exercise, illness and certain medical conditions. Found in high amounts in fresh pasture, levels begin to
decay the moment pasture is cut for hay. That is why any horse that does not have access to grass, regardless of its activity
level or health, should receive vitamin E supplementation. Horses are not very efficient in storing vitamin E and deficiency
may be accelerated if the diet is deficient in selenium.
Yeast: Supports enzyme activity for fiber digestion/colon function associated with colic,
colon pH and helps support growth of beneficial lactic acid bacteria.
Prebiotics are sources of non-digestible, soluble fiber that serve as food for the probiotics or “good” bugs in the large intestine,
keeping them healthy. Prebiotics promote good bacteria and help build natural defense/supports a healthy immune system.
Probiotics are live microorganisms fed to promote healthy digestive and immune function. When these “good” bugs
break down food ingredients that the body normally cannot, they produce energy and vitamins for the body, food for cells
in the cecum and colon, and byproducts that keep the “bad” bugs from growing. Research suggests probiotics are useful
in repopulating the intestine with “good” bugs after antibiotic use and may benefit certain horses with diarrhea. A common
term used for probiotics is direct-fed microbials (DFM).
Sandra Dawn Raulston (verified owner) –