shop bought equine supplements vs wholefood

Understanding Mineral and Vitamin Sources: A Wholefood Guide for Your Horse’s Health

I used to be a distributor for a whole food suppleemt brand because I really understoof the value of wholefood supplementation. I was and am still surprised how vrey little this trasnfers to the equine world. The idea of just using wholefood instead of ready made mixes, even the most nutritious ones, seems perilous. Choosing the right minerals and vitamins for your horse’s diet is crucial for their overall well-being but can feel like a right nightmare. And now im going to throw a spanner in the work and question wether we should consider a different way to look at it. So in this blog, I am going to go Industrial (synthetic) minerals and vitamins versus naturally occurring whole food minerals and vitamins. Understanding their differences will help you make informed decisions that best support your horse’s health.

Industrial (Synthetic) Minerals and Vitamins

Industrial or synthetic minerals and vitamins are produced through chemical processes and are often found in supplements as salts, oxides, or isolated compounds. These are designed for affordability and consistency, commonly appearing in forms like calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, or synthetic vitamin supplements.

Benefits of Industrial Minerals and Vitamins:

Affordable: Synthetic options are generally less expensive, making them accessible for many horse owners.
Consistent Dosage: They provide precise, controlled amounts of each nutrient.
Widely Available: Synthetic minerals and vitamins are easy to find in most commercial supplements.

Considerations with Industrial Minerals and Vitamins:

Absorption Issues: Synthetic forms can sometimes be less effectively absorbed by the body, which may reduce their benefits.
Lack of Cofactors: They often miss out on the natural compounds that aid in nutrient absorption and utilization.
Digestive Sensitivity: Some synthetic forms might cause digestive discomfort or irritation in sensitive horses.
Risk of Imbalance: Overuse of synthetic supplements can lead to imbalances or toxicity if not monitored carefully.

Naturally Occurring Whole Food Minerals and Vitamins

Naturally occurring whole food minerals and vitamins come from plant or animal sources with minimal processing. They are found in their natural state and are typically accompanied by other beneficial nutrients like fiber, enzymes, and antioxidants.

Common sources include (but not limited to):

Seaweed (rich in iodine and trace minerals)
Alfalfa (provides calcium, magnesium, and a range of vitamins)
Fruits, vegetables and berries (offer a variety of vitamins and minerals)
Natural forage and quality hay (rich in essential nutrients)

Benefits of Whole Food Minerals and Vitamins:

Better Absorption: Naturally occurring forms are often more easily absorbed due to their natural, integrated state.
Synergistic Nutrients: They come with additional nutrients that help the body utilize minerals and vitamins more effectively.
Gentle on Digestion: Whole food sources tend to be easier on the digestive system and less likely to cause irritation.
Lower Risk of Toxicity: They are naturally balanced, reducing the risk of imbalances or toxicity.

Considerations with Whole Food Minerals and Vitamins:

Higher Cost: These options can be more expensive due to sourcing and production complexities.
Variable Concentrations: The nutrient content can vary based on the source, soil quality, and growing conditions.
Availability: Whole food minerals and vitamins might be less readily available compared to synthetic options.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Horse

When deciding between industrial and naturally occurring minerals and vitamins for your horse, consider:

Absorption: Naturally occurring sources generally offer better absorption and utilization, which can be especially beneficial for horses with digestive issues.
Budget: Synthetic options might be more affordable, but be mindful of the potential for lower absorption and digestive sensitivity.
Nutritional Balance: Whole food sources provide a more comprehensive range of nutrients and work synergistically to support overall health.

Rice Bran vs Linseeds

Rice bran is a beneficial supplement, especially for horses needing additional calories or a higher fat diet, but it is not considered a traditional "grain" due to its low starch content and different nutritional profile. It should be fed in moderation and balanced with other components of the diet to ensure overall nutritional health.

Is Rice Bran Considered a Grain?

Technically a By-Product: Rice bran is not considered a "whole grain" like oats or barley but is rather a by-product of the rice milling process. It is primarily composed of the outer layer of the rice kernel.
Low in Starch: Unlike other grains, rice bran is relatively low in starch and high in fat, making it a safer energy source for horses, especially those prone to metabolic issues or ulcers.
High in Calories: Due to its high fat content (around 15-20%), rice bran is an excellent source of calories for horses needing extra energy or weight gain.

Nutritional Benefits:

Fat Content: Provides healthy fats, which are a concentrated source of energy.
Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in B-vitamins, vitamin E, and minerals like phosphorus and magnesium.
Gamma Oryzanol: Contains natural antioxidants like gamma oryzanol, which may support muscle development and recovery.

Usage and Considerations:

Stabilized Rice Bran: Always choose stabilized rice bran, as raw rice bran can spoil quickly due to its fat content. Stabilization prevents rancidity and nutrient loss.
Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio: Rice bran is high in phosphorus and low in calcium, so it is important to balance it with a calcium source to avoid nutrient imbalances.
Recommended Amount: Generally, 200-500 grams per day (up to 1 kg for large or hard-working horses) can be fed as part of the diet, depending on the horse's size and energy requirements.
Not for All Horses: Avoid feeding rice bran to horses with metabolic issues such as insulin resistance or laminitis without consulting a veterinarian, as the added calories may not be appropriate.

Linseeds… Micronised or not?

Micronised linseeds are generally the better option due to their improved digestibility, higher nutrient availability, and safety. They are particularly beneficial for horses needing additional omega-3 fatty acids, coat conditioning, and digestive support. If feeding raw linseeds, always grind them and feed immediately to minimize nutrient loss.

1. Digestibility:

Raw Whole Linseeds: The hard outer shell of whole linseeds can make them difficult for horses to digest. If fed as is, many seeds may pass through the digestive system whole, leading to poor nutrient absorption.
Micronised Linseeds: The micronisation process involves heating and grinding the seeds, breaking down the outer shell and making the nutrients inside more bioavailable. This significantly improves digestibility and nutrient absorption.

2. Nutrient Availability:

Raw Whole Linseeds: Even if ground, raw linseeds contain natural anti-nutritional factors like phytic acid, which can bind to minerals and reduce their absorption.
Micronised Linseeds: The heating process during micronisation reduces anti-nutritional factors, making the nutrients—particularly omega-3 fatty acids and proteins—more accessible to the horse.

3. Safety:

Raw Whole Linseeds: There is a misconception that raw linseeds can produce cyanogenic glycosides, potentially leading to cyanide toxicity. However, the risk is minimal when feeding typical amounts (30-50 grams/day) and isn’t a concern with proper preparation (e.g., soaking or grinding).
Micronised Linseeds: The micronisation process removes any potential risk of cyanide release, making it a safer option overall.

4. Convenience:

Raw Whole Linseeds: If feeding whole seeds, you’ll need to grind them fresh daily to prevent rancidity and maximize nutrient availability, which can be time-consuming.
Micronised Linseeds: These come pre-processed and ready to feed, saving time and ensuring consistent nutrient availability.

Key Differences:

Fat Content & Omega Profile:
- Rice Bran: Lower fat content and poor omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. Provides more calories through fat but less omega-3s.
- Linseeds: Higher fat content with a much better omega-3 to omega-6 balance, promoting anti-inflammatory benefits.
Protein & Fiber:
- Rice Bran: Moderate protein and fiber levels, making it useful for weight gain without overloading on protein.
- Linseeds: Higher in both protein and fiber, supporting muscle health and digestive regularity.
Calories & Energy:
- Rice Bran: A good source of calories, especially useful for horses needing extra energy without excess starch.
- Linseeds: More calorie-dense, but in a concentrated form, so a smaller amount provides substantial energy.
Special Components:
- Rice Bran: Contains gamma oryzanol, beneficial for muscle development and recovery.
- Linseeds: Rich in lignans and mucilage, supporting antioxidant activity and digestive health.

Both rice bran and linseeds can be beneficial for horses, but they serve different nutritional needs. Rice bran is better for adding calories and muscle support, while linseeds are ideal for anti-inflammatory support, coat health, and overall digestive well-being.

BONUS:

Top 20 of natural vitamins and minerals sources.

The Wild Card… Chlorella

Chlorella can be a beneficial supplement for horses due to its rich nutritional profile. It is a type of freshwater algae known for its high levels of vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds. Here's a detailed look at its potential benefits and considerations for feeding:

Benefits of Chlorella for Horses:

1.Nutrient-Dense Superfood:

-Vitamins & Minerals: Chlorella is rich in vitamins A, B-complex, C, and E, and minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc.

-Protein Content: It contains around 50-60% protein, including all essential amino acids, making it a good source of quality protein.

2.Detoxification Support:

-Chlorella is known for its ability to bind to heavy metals and toxins, helping to support liver function and overall detoxification processes.

3.Immune System Boost:

-It contains various antioxidants and compounds like chlorophyll, beta-glucans, and nucleic acids, which can enhance immune function and support cellular repair and regeneration.

4.Digestive Health:

-The high fiber content in chlorella can support healthy digestion and may help maintain a balanced gut microbiome.

5.Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
-Its antioxidant compounds can help reduce inflammation, making it useful for horses with inflammatory conditions or those under stress.

Considerations for Feeding Chlorella:

Digestibility:
Chlorella has a tough cell wall that is not easily digestible. Ensure you use a broken cell wall or cracked cell wall chlorella to improve bioavailability.

Cost and Availability:
Chlorella can be more expensive compared to other supplements, and you need to ensure you are sourcing a high-quality, contaminant-free product, as algae can accumulate heavy metals.

Feeding Amount:
The recommended amount is generally 5-10 grams per day for an average-sized horse. It’s best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase.

Introduction: Introduce gradually over a few days to allow the horse’s digestive system to adjust.

Taste and Palatability:
Some horses may not like the taste of chlorella, so it might be necessary to mix it with a more palatable feed or use it in smaller amounts until they get used to it.

Not for All Horses:
Avoid feeding chlorella to horses with sensitivities to algae or those with certain metabolic conditions without veterinary guidance.

Chlorella can be a valuable addition to a horse’s diet, particularly for those needing nutritional support, detoxification, or immune enhancement. However, it should be used as part of a balanced diet and introduced carefully. If you're considering adding chlorella to your horse’s regimen, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to ensure it suits your horse’s specific needs.

Safety Tips:

Introduce Slowly: Start with small amounts and monitor your horse’s reaction.
Adjust Dosages: Based on the horse's size, health condition, and overall diet.
Consult a Professional: Always consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist before making significant changes to your horse’s diet.
Watch for Adverse Reactions: Be vigilant for any signs of digestive upset, allergies, or behavioral changes.

Properly introducing and monitoring these supplements will help ensure they provide the intended benefits without adverse effects.

My favorites places to buy

Natural Horse Supplies
Horse Herbs
Indigo Herbs (not an equine shop but great choice and they have a natural health guide on site)