Biotin & MSM Supplements?
Research has shown Farrier's Formula to be a better choice as a hoof supplement, since it contains the actual amino acids needed to form the hard structures of the hoof. Biotin is only helpful if the horse is deficient, which is rare. But it isn't harmful since excesses are just excreted by the kidneys into the urine. MSM is one supplement that is inexpensive and safe if purchased from a reputable company. I give it to my 23 year old mare, and her joint mobility has improved. I would not give glucosamine/chondroitin joint supplement to any horse that hasn't been tested to rule out insulin resistance, since it can be made worse with these, and they are not recommended in those horses. In fact, they may bring on insulin resistance in some horses. My mare is insulin resistant, but she can take MSM safely. I would say she was on it for a month or so before we noticed that her ability to have her feet picked up and have her legs stretched had improved. Our farrier has noticed a considerable improvement as well. You should always consult with your vet before giving any supplements to your horse, of course ! Here is a recent article on biotin............ https://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.asp... Here is an excellent one on "feeding the feet" with research findings, and is the one recommending Farrier's Formula....... http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.aspx...
What kind of horse supplements are safe for human consumption?
In the US packaged products that are labeled for use as horse supplements are not tested for safety in human consumption, nor are they required to meet the same stringent guidelines. Also, to my knowledge they are not processed on the same equipment as products intended for human consumption, and the processing might not have to be done the same way. That said, there are many products developed for horses that have been tested, approved and packaged for human consumption - and the reverse is also true - that many products developed for humans have been packaged for equine use as well. Some examples would be Biotin, Glucosamine Chondroitin and Psyllium (Metamucil).A list of such products would be extensive. If you need a list, I would recommend an internet search of the words "Equine Supplements" and cross-reference that with "Human Supplements".Whenever people ask me a question like this one I start to get nervous thinking that they might try to use a horse supplement because, "It's cheaper - why not?" So let me tell you why not. Supplements meant for horses are designed or modified in ways that make them highly effective for horses but can make them dangerous for human consumption. For example, a vitamin supplement for horses may have very nearly the same analysis printed on the label, but it is designed for an herbivore that ways 1,200 lbs. We are omnivores weighing about one tenth as much. The dose of Selenium, for example, that would be safe for a horse could kill a human. What about Psyllium? It is a natural fiber with little nutritional value, so why not eat equine psyllium? Well, I don't know how much processing it goes through, but I can tell you, they don't look the same. So if they go through different processing, who's to say the equine psyllium processing plant is as careful to wash off mouse droppings and dead bugs before processing?
Horse Feed Supplements: rice bran v. rice flour?
I just bought a 16.1 hh 9 year old off the track thoroughbred. He lives on a 70 acre barn on pasture board. His previous owner has tried everything to keep weight on him, but because he is a thoroughbred, I know it is very difficult. He is healthy and eats a lot of food (he eats about 4.5 quarts of Midsouth 11/10 feed everyday as well as nutrient rich grass), but you can still see his ribs. His previous owner gave him rice bran powder as a supplement to help him gain weight. I bought a bunch of rice flour because I did research and saw that rice bran powder and rice flour were the same thing. My trainer warned me that even though rice bran and rice flour are pretty much the same thing, the texture might make a difference. I just wanted some opinions on whether it is the same thing or I need to find some other rice bran. Rice flour brand: Erawan Thanks in advance!
Does paramount advangtage cover nutrition supplements?
such as the website insure nutrition offers protein shakes vitimins and scar creams. I read where a lady said her insurance covered it but it was billed as durable medical equipement. Anyone know anything?
Are there any legal calming supplements?
SmartCalm Perfect Prep EQ Training Day http://perfectproductseq.com/product.php?id=1&intro Both are legal, and both work, but since smart calm is mainly herbs, it may not be as useful on different horses.
What do you guys think of this supplement?
Smartpak is a reputable company that is a member of the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) which assures at least minimum quality control standards are met in the manufacture of their products. The NASC seal of approval is not comparable to the much more rigid standards demanded for FDA approval to assure safety and efficacy of a product, but nutraceutical supplements are not FDA regulated and are always a buyer beware and trial and error proposition when you use them, Looking for the NASC seal at least assures you some regulation of quality. This product contains thiamine which is a B vitamin often prescribed for human patients with neurologic injuries and disorders, and oral thiamine supplements can vary in their ability to be absorbed and utilized. Inositol has been researched in humans and oral supplements have not been conclusively proven beneficial, but may improve a number of conditions including panic attack, It is generally regarded as safe, so if it isn't beneficial, at least it should do no harm. Magnesium is a mineral that is often supplemented to improve endocrine function in conditions such as insulin resistance and it is required for certain neurologic functions. As is the case with thiamine and inositol, normal kidneys are efficient at harmlessly excreting excesses of magnesium so it is unlikely that supplementing it will result in accumulating to toxic levels, however a high intake of magnesium can interfere with absorption and utilization of calcium, so that is a consideration. If any of these ingredients is deficient in your horse, supplementing them could correct a deficiency and could in turn improve neurologic or endocrine functions to produce a calming effect. Since the ingredients are safe to give, and any overages will just be harmlessly excreted, and since the ingredients may be beneficial, it would be a sensible choice.