Written by Briony Witherow MSc RNutr. FHEA In this month’s blog we are looking at how we can compare supplements to make informed decisions for our horses.   When comparing supplements, an understanding of how the statement on the label/packaging relates to the actual content of an active ingredient is essential. However, the variability in how product details are stated can make supplement comparison very challenging. Table 1 gives examples of hypothetical joint supplements and illustrates how the use of units of measurement and over-reliance on percentage or concentration, can misl ..read more

Equine Products UK Ltd is very proud to announce our partnership with Equine Care Group. The Equine Care Group has a very clear vision: providing the best possible medical services for your horses. To achieve their goal, ECG allows veterinarians, scientists, and hospitals to partner up within ECG to share their passion, knowledge, and expertise on an international level. Combining ECG Medical Care, which consists of Clinics, Ambulatory Care and Reproduction & Fertility. ECG Labs, ECG Nutrition & Supplements and ECG Research & Education. Together these divisions create an internatio ..read more

Written by Briony Witherow MSc RNutr. FHEA This month’s blog is all about pre and probiotics; what they are, when to use them and how they work. Pre and probiotics are commonly referred to as digestive enhancers and are available either individually or in combination (known as synbiotics). Pre and probiotics primarily target the horse’s hindgut which hosts a population of microbes which are responsible for the digestion of fibre. The horse depends on this population to be able to digest and utilise nutrients from the forage portion of his diet. These microbes become accustomed to breaking down ..read more

Written by Briony Witherow MSc, BSc, RNutr. This month’s blog focuses on the micronutrient content of forage (grass, hay, haylage) and how this may impact supplementation. Forage nutrient levels fluctuate throughout the year depending upon various factors such as environmental conditions, management, and type of forage (grass, hay, haylage). However, as a rule it is unlikely that forage alone will guarantee a balanced diet. While many horses at rest or in light work may not show any signs of ill health without additional micronutrient supplementation in the short term, for those in harder ..read more

Written by Briony Witherow MSc, BSc, RNutr. There are many aspects of our horse’s environment which can negatively impact the respiratory system, some that are within our control, and others very much outside this. This month’s blog focuses on areas of feed management which we can optimise for respiratory health and supplements which can be employed proactively and reactively when faced with respiratory compromise. It goes without saying that any horse in respiratory distress should be seen by a vet. Respiratory compromise can range from mild to more serious and is often cumulative throug ..read more

Written by Briony Witherow MSc, BSc, RNutr. This month’s blog focuses on Gastromag – what it is and when it can be used.  What is Gastromag? Gastromag is a supplement designed to support horses with issues caused by excess acidity in the stomach. This discomfort might present as poor appetite, stereotypies such as crib biting or other changes in behaviour. While we would always recommend contacting a vet in the first instance where ulcers are suspected, Gastromag can be used in conjunction with veterinary advice, management and feeding adjustments to help promote a healthy gut ..read more

Written by Briony Witherow MSc, BSc, RNutr. Skin issues can often appear over the summer months (weather and insects often playing a role) and as we move through coat changes in the spring and autumn. This blog focusses on how we can promote skin health, how to manage suspected food allergens, and proactive prevention. The most important factor for healthy skin is a correctly balanced diet.  Key nutrients to note with a known role for skin health are protein (amino acids), lipids, vitamins, and minerals (notably zinc, manganese, and vitamin B3). Fundamental checklist for promoti ..read more

Written by Briony Witherow MSc, BSc, RNutr. This month’s blog focuses on a potential pasture threat that faces our horses in spring. Atypical Myopathy (also known as sycamore myopathy) has seemingly increased in prevalence over recent years and many horse owners will be aware of the associated risk. This blog focuses on appraising risk, awareness of symptoms and how to identify offending trees. What is Atypical Myopathy? Atypical Myopathy is a serious and sometimes fatal muscle disorder resulting from the ingestion of Sycamore seeds (helicopters), leaves or seedlings. In the UK, the ..read more

Written by Briony Witherow MSc, BSc, RNutr. Improving muscle condition can yield a whole wealth of benefits for performance and health. Muscle development is impacted directly and indirectly by many factors, some which we can influence, and some that we cannot. These include genetics; exercise; age; health; management and nutrition. Below we discuss how we might adjust diet and management to promote muscle function and development. To understand how nutrition provides the necessary foundations for muscle development, we need to look at protein. Protein has many roles in the body, but ..read more

Written by Briony Witherow MSc, BSc, RNutr. While there are many factors which can impact fertility and pregnancy in the mare, nutrition plays a fundamental role from conception through to foaling. Bodyweight and Condition Research now tells us that a mare’s nutritional requirement is elevated from conception, not just the third trimester (where the majority of foetal weight gain occurs). While the rate of foetal development fluctuates during pregnancy, certain developmental landmarks are associated with increased nutritional requirement.  Achieving optimal body condition ..read more