Scientific studies performed over the past decade have demonstrated the widespread availability of poor quality and potentially unsafe dietary supplements for both human and animal consumption. These include supplements that:
According to a recent scientific review, there is only limited evidence supporting the administration of herbal supplements in horses, despite their widespread use in the industry. Further, adverse events associated with herbal supplementation
A feed supplement is anything fed to a horse in addition to a natural diet of forage. Technically grain is a supplement. But the term has come to mean any additional nutrients (such as certain vitamins and minerals, extra protein, energy, etc.) tha
Oral Joint Supplements: Do They Work?
In 2005, nutraceutical
A group of veterinarians gathered at the Land O’ Lakes Purina Mills headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., last fall to participate in discussions on subjects that ranged from Cushing’s disease to proper nutrition for horses young and old. Nicholas Frank,
Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have reported in a pilot study that a bee pollen-based product shows promise in improving athletic horses’ feed intake.
Although more research is needed, Tahitian Noni Equine Essentials, an herbal product made from the Morinda citrifolia tree, could have uses as an anti-inflammatory agent, according to a cooperative study by the University of Wisconsin School of Vete
A balanced vitamin supplement may best provide the additional needed vitamins. However, once again, it is important not to overestimate the intensity of exercise and competition your horse performs so that you do not oversupplement with potentially h
Arthritis is a problem, but often a manageable one. A combination of management practices, which might include oral joint supplements, will be your best chance of making your horse more comfortable.
SmartPak Equine announced May 23 that it has received a 2005 Innovation Award from the Smaller Business Association of New England. SmartPak, best known for offering custom-packed nutritional supplements in its patented SmartPak packaging, is th
I have a 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding who is HYPP N/H positive. This horse is very gassy and tends to colic
In a society that is trying to slow the aging process, free radicals and antioxidants are terms that are regularly tossed around.
Earlier this year, the Association of Animal Feed Control Officers (AAFCO, a non-profit organization of state and federal feed regulators that has no regulatory power, but helps guide national interpretation of feed laws) planned to select one o
The Enforcement Strategy for Marketed Ingredients (ESMI) Working Group of the Association of Animal Feed Control Officers (AAFCO) cited an increasing number of unapproved or undefined ingredients appearing in animal feed and pet food as well as
Garlic has been touted to have many health-related properties, from boosting your horse’s immune system to repelling bugs just by the garlic odor in his sweat. In a recent study completed at the Equine Research Centre in Guelph, Ontario, a garli
Science is beginning to catch up with traditional uses of “holistic” medicine, and it is important to understand the reasons and risks behind using herbal products. The third annual Nutraceutical Alliance (NA) conference was held May 10-11, 2002
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