Optimizing My Horse’s Diet

for normal joint function, digestion, hormones, mood, hoof health, respiratory function & so much more!

      If you’re seeking to help your horse overcome a specific challenge by adding a supplement into his regimen but are unaware of how the rest of his diet may be impacting him (potentially contributing to his overall inflammatory burden & weak points), then this article is for you.

     Additionally, if you're new to restructuring your horse's diet and you're hoping to avoid GMO by-products, poor-quality synthetic isolated nutrients, preservatives, pesticide contamination and other inflammatory ingredients, then this article is also for you.

     I'm excited to share how we've been feeding our horses for years now, and how many of our clients - from backyard barns to FEI level competitors - are feeding their horses with great success. Once we gained an understanding of what most commercial feeds and balancers are made of, we saw no other option but to create a wholesome, naturally balanced, forage-based diet ourselves. Before we dive into how we feed 'a la carte', let's look at what’s in most modern feeds, balancers, and supplements on the market today. Grab your feed bags and supplement containers... do you see any of these ingredients in your horse's diet? 

Common Ingredient Profile of Commercial Feeds, Balancers & Supplements

• Genetically Modified Organisms* (GMO’s):
  • Soy: soybean hulls, soybean meal, soybean oil, heat-processed soybeans, dehulled soybean meal, ground extruded whole soybeans
  • Alfalfa: dehydrated alfalfa meal, alfalfa hay sun-cured chopped
  • Beet: beet pulp, dried plain beet pulp, ground beet pulp, shredded beet pulp
  • Corn: corn distillers dried grains, ground corn, flaked corn, corn meal
  • Canola: canola meal, canola oil
  • Papaya
• Conventional Crops: (Notorious for heavy glyphosate** contamination & other herbicides/pesticides)
  • Wheat: wheat middlings, wheat flour, wheat mill run
  • Oats: oats, whole oats, steam crimped oats
  • Rice: rice bran, stabilized rice bran, rice bran oil
  • Peas: green peas, yellow peas, pea protein
  • Any ingredient not marked as organic is either conventional or GMO
• By-Products:
  • Middlings, Hulls, Meal, Pulp, Distillers Dried Grains (see GMO’s & Conventional Crops above)
• Poor-Quality Synthetic Isolated Nutrients:*** (“vitamin & mineral packs”)
  • Often identifiable by word suffixes 'ate', 'ite', or 'ide'
    • Ex: Zinc sulfate, magnesium oxide, cobalt carbonate(which converts to oxide with heat), ethylenediamine dihydroiodide (aka: EDDI or “organic iodine”), 
  • Also identifiable by secondary word 'acid'
    • Ex: Ascorbic acid(which is not Vit C as it's incomplete; it's only 1 of over 250 different co-factors that make up a true, functional, whole food vitamin C & cannot function the same as true vitamin C), folic acid (vs. folate).

• Also identifiable by general vitamin or mineral names: “Vitamin A supplement”, “Vitamin C”, etc.

• Probiotics
  • We appreciate probiotics under certain circumstances, but when they're bundled into commercial feeds, they could potentially not still be viable, or not still viable through to the hindgut, due to the heat & chemicals used in pelletizing and processing the feed, as well as, the nature of the other ingredients / chemicals used in many commercial feeds. We also don’t suggest probiotics for every horse, daily. 

• Preservatives, Pelletizers & Binders
  • Propionic acid, Benzoic acid, Sorbic acid, Tartaric acid, Acetic acid, Sodium benzoate, Calcium propionate, Potassium sorbate, Formaldehyde (MaxiBond), etc (search PubChem to see how they’re flagged (i.e., corrosive, acutely toxic, health hazard, irritant)).
• Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratios
  • What is the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio? (Are there more Omega-3 or more Omega-6?)

• Omega-3 = anti-inflammatory fatty acids & most Omega-6 = pro-inflammatory.

How Does Your Feed or Supplement Ingredient List Compare?

     If you compared the above list to the ingredients in your horse’s feed / balancer / supplements, you probably found a great deal of crossover. Why is this concerning? Our research has revealed that GMO’s can negatively impact natural genetic coding, leading to genetic disorders (epigenetics) and inflammatory diseases. GMO’s can also negatively impact the gut microbiome, where majority of the immune system resides, contributing to gut dysbiosis and compromised tight junctions in the digestive tract (leaky gut), which can lead to allergies (via food proteins in the bloodstream), neurological conditions (via pathogens in the bloodstream, leading to EPM, anxiety, etc), and much more.      

     Pesticides & herbicides can also negatively impact the gut microbiome and genetic coding. For example, it has been hypothesized that glyphosate (active ingredient in RoundUp weed killer) can replace our critical amino acid glycine with itself (!), allowing glyphosate to masquerade as glycine and inhibit normal cell processes (if glyphosate replaces glycine in the glycine-rich region of the enzyme which regulates glycogen synthase (GSK3), does glyphosate paralyze the function, disallowing glycogen conversion to take place? These are questions we must ask ourselves if we’re going to allow our horses to ingest synthetic pesticides and herbicides like glyphosate. Glyphosate can contribute to toxin accumulation which degrades cellular health, interrupts cellular communication & critical synapses. Lastly, glyphosate is also classified as a probable carcinogen (can cause cancer). 

     Preservatives, pelletizers & binders can also damage the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut microbiome (contributing to gut dysbiosis & various digestive woes), and can contribute to the overall inflammatory burden, trigger respiratory distress, can be carcinogenic, can irritate & damage sensitive internal tissues, etc. 

     By-products (Ag industry leftovers) can be much more difficult to digest than whole foods which include the most nutritious part of a plant. For example, the soybean hull is the hard outer shell, used by the plant to protect the inner seed, therefore is typically contaminated with pesticides and is lectin-rich (lectins are pro-inflammatory). Contrary to popular belief, we believe that beet pulp, a by-product of the sugar beet industry, is difficult for horses to breakdown in the hind-gut, in some cases leads to chronic hind-end weakness that can be resolved when beet pulp is removed from the diet. Since horses are hind-gut fermenters, we don’t think beet pulp is ever worth the risk, especially when there are so many other more nutritious plants available that don’t pose any concerns. 

    .

     Ultimately, if pure, organic, whole foods were included in feeds - instead of GMO by-products  – then a long list of synthetic isolated nutrients wouldn't need to be added in. Whole foods include the most nutritious part of the plant vs. by-products which are missing the bulk of the plant’s nutrition and are often contaminated with pesticides. These synthetic 'vitamin and mineral packs' are used in an attempt to make up for the missing nutrients from selecting by-products as the primary ingredients, and most companies select the poorest quality forms of synthetic nutrients (sulfates & oxides) as they are cheaper.

     Additionally, synthetic isolated nutrients are missing their necessary co-factors required to fully function. By ingesting these, we can risk developing greater nutrient deficiencies as the isolates will pull from our body's reserves in order to complete themselves. They can be harsh on the gut and abrasive to sensitive internal tissues, setting the stage for things like gut dysbiosis, ulcers, anxiety and much more. Lastly, poor-quality synthetic isolated nutrients aren’t as bioavailable for absorption and assimilation, especially when compared to naturally occurring nutrients from herbs and whole foods. 

     With all of this said, there can be exceptions and cases where we need to lean on a synthetic, for example, magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, copper, selenium or chromium, as some horses may not be able to get adequate amounts from their natural diet and require therapeutic doses for their specific condition. In these cases, we select the highest-quality forms (for highest bioavailability & least irritation) to help bring the horse’s levels up, and we feed these in conjunction with a very nutrient-dense, natural diet so the body has amble co-factors to choose from and isn’t pulling from the body’s stores. Outside of these exceptions, we strive to nutritionally support horses as naturally as possible with herbs and plants they may forage in the wild like nettle leaves, red raspberry leaves, chamomile flowers, hawthorn leaves & flowers, dandelion and more.  

How Can We Do Better for our Athletes, our Partners, our Beloved Companions?

       

     Since most of the immune system resides in the gut, we cannot expect our horses to thrive unless we foster their gut microbiomes properly. You may be surprised by how many ailments can be resolved by simply optimizing the diet. We know as humans that it's important to eat more organic, living foods, whole fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats instead of factory farmed, wild-caught fish instead of farm-raised, and less dead food (cereals, chips, cookies, etc). Our animals require the same high-quality nutrition in order to function normally - and to thrive! Once we improve our horse’s diet, he or she typically requires less topical treatments, less prescriptions, less vet bills, experiences less inflammation, less digestive woes, less stiffness, less stress, and enjoys more restoration, freedom, calmness... ultimately resulting in a happier, healthier horse!

When Your Horse Feels Good, Life Is Good.

     It’s true, isn’t it? When our horse doesn’t feel good, it can really rattle our day / night, and our wallet. It can be helpful to be aware that if we add an anti-inflammatory supplement to an overall pro-inflammatory diet, we may see some results... or if we add an alkalizing product to an overall highly acidic diet, we may see some results... However, this can be like just a drop in the bucket, making only a small difference. We can do better by our horses! Imagine what can be seen when the horse’s whole diet is optimized to work toward the same end goal of...

• Offering naturally-occurring & highly-bioavailable nutrients
• Supporting the gut microbiome & digestion / nutrient absorption & assimilation
• Supporting a normal inflammatory response
• Supporting naturally balanced hormones
• Supporting a balanced pH & more!

      With every ingredient in the regimen serving the horse - the whole bucket being in favor of the horse - the horse's body will have a greater chance of having the nutritional tools it needs to heal itself and to function normally. This includes joints, digestion, hoof health, skin and coat, bone density, ligament and connective tissue strength, mood - everything! The body does the work when we supply proper nutrition and remove problematic ingredients that otherwise interfere with normal cell function, detoxification pathways and the overall healing process.

Alternative Feeding: the ‘a la carte’ meal 

   

     Below is an example of an 'a la carte' regimen for an average horse. This supplies the horse with a wide variety of naturally occurring nutrients from herbs and super foods like chia seeds, flaxseed, hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, rose hips, nettle leaf, red raspberry leaves & more. It offers healthy fiber and protein, generous healthy fats (rich in omega-3 fatty acids to fight inflammation), fennel and anise seeds to further support digestion, naturally-mined salt for electrolyte balancing year-round, and much more! No fillers, GMO’s, by-products, poor-quality synthetics or preservatives - ever.

Base Feed Selection

     We typically start with a base feed of Cool Stance coconut copra (by Stance Equine USA). This serves as an excellent base for most horses; however, it has an inverted calcium to phosphorus ratio, which just means it needs to be fed with something rich in calcium. This is important to prevent the body from leaching calcium from the bones in effort to offset the higher phosphorus and keep the blood balanced. To remedy this, we suggest pairing Cool Stance with Vitality Super Greens, Tanner’s Triumph, or Nettle Leaf, as there’s enough naturally occurring calcium in these herbs to balance an average feeding of Cool Stance. If Cool Stance won’t work for you or your horse for any reason, then soaked, organic or non-GMO hay pellets / cubes can be used instead, if a base feed is needed.

Example of an 'a la carte' meal:

• Cool Stance - Only one ingredient (coconut), supports healthy digestion, a normal inflammatory response, has low NSC, & higher protein.
• Vitality Super Greens or Tanner’s Triumph - Herbal multi-vitamin offering naturally occurring vitamins & minerals (including naturally higher calcium to offset the higher phosphorus in Cool Stance), supports micro-circulation, gentle detox, deeply nourishing, etc.
• Selenium-E2500 (Se + Vit E combo) - Selenium is critical for a strong, healthy immune system, to ward off infection, cancer & more. We recommend checking your horse's levels with your vet (approx $185 for blood test with vitamin E). Selenium-deficient horses can struggle to maintain their weight & muscle, can be tired or lay down frequently, be resistant to work, prone to infections easily, etc. Vitamin E is critical to provide horses off lush pasture as they cannot internally generate E. It’s important for immune system function, warding off infections, supporting muscle & nerve function, & much more.
• Redmond's Loose Salt or Sea-90 salt - Natural electrolytes including sodium, 84+ beneficial minerals.
• Grace's Abundance * or Chia Seeds- Prebiotic, nutrient-dense, whole food ingredients, rich in healthy fats, omega-3, protein & fiber. Helpful for restoring toplines, radiant coat color, hoof health, muscle maintenance & much more. (*Optional for easy keepers or on a budget)
• Hay Harmony – Highest quality forms of zinc, copper & biotin in a base of naturally stabilized ground flaxseed. Excellent for hoof health, rich coat color, strengthens immune system & more.
• Magnesium Glycinate – Helpful for immune system function, yet many are deficient. Magnesium is said to be the most critical mineral required for electrical stability of every cell in the body. Replenishing stores can help rectify countless physical challenges & weak points.

     If budget is a concern, you could potentially feed only the top four products (Cool Stance, Vitality Super Greens / Tanner’s Triumph, Selenium-E2500 & Salt), but including the whole list would  offer the most well-rounded regimen. We add water and feed this as a mash, to support healthy hydration, but if you board your horse and it isn't an option to add water, please don't worry; it is okay to offer the meal dry. 

     You may add-on to or modify the meal bulleted above to meet your horse's individual needs. For example, you may choose to include or swap in any of the following products for more targeted support: 

• Signature Nuggets for whole body support including joints / arthritis, digestion, gentle detox, immune support, etc.
• Chamomile Flowers, Hawthorn Leaves & Flowers, Level Headed or Adapt. nervous system support for high-strung or anxious horses.
• Renewed Blend for your athlete, senior with joint stiffness, respiratory challenges, etc.
• Allergy Blend for a horse battling any type of allergies.
• Full Tilt: Allergy + Joint for joint support, allergy / respiratory support, or as an expectorant.
• No Guts, No Glory! for a horse with ulcers, various digestive woes, or in place of Omeprazole.
• Mullein Leaf for a horse prone to coughing / respiratory troubles or anemia.
• Hawthorn Leaves & Flowers for a horse prone to laminitis, arthritis, a weak heart, poor circulatory system, etc.
• Trinity Blend, Noble Collagen or Glycine for reinforcing intestinal integrity, joint support, recovery from injury, etc.
• Boswellia Serrata, Glycine or MSM for fighting inflammation & pain in seniors, athletes, laminitis, injuries, etc.
• Insulin Resistance & Laminitis Support – for horses with IR or prone to laminitis.
• Cushing’s Herbal & Superfood Blend – for horses with Cushing’s disease.
• Camelina Oil for Omega-3 & natural, full-spectrum vitamin E, additional joint support, etc.

     For those who board, we recommend you set up your horse's meals in zip-lock bags or containers in advance, to make it easier on barn management. You can choose a time each month or so to set up the meals ahead of time. The 'a la carte' feeding plan may take a bit more time to prepare, but it is worth it! You can feel good knowing you're offering your horse wildcrafted herbs they'd forage in the wild to self-heal, and organic, whole superfoods. We're certain your horse will thank you and you will see a difference! Please feel free to reach out for support to make sure his or her ‘a la carte’ diet is naturally balanced. 

     Please send us before & after pictures of your horse, if you would like to be featured by Yucc’ It Up! in a testimonial or social media post. We would love to share your horse's story! Also, please join us on Facebook in our private Yucc' It Up! Community page. You can ask questions, discuss ideas, hear feedback from other customers, and be a part of our little online 'family'!