The unique sponge-like structure of calcareous marine algae is proven to buffer excess stomach acid, allowing the horse's stomach to maintain a healthy pH balance.
What is acidosis in horses?
The horse has a relatively small stomach which is divided into two regions. The lower (glandular) region, where acid and mucous is secreted, and the upper (squamous) region which is not protected by mucous. The lower region continuously produces gastric acid, as it is designed to accommodate a small, continuous flow of high fiber feed from constant grazing. When the stomach is left empty the acids are un-buffered, allowing the acid to splash up to the unprotected upper region, damaging the gastric wall.
Stress is also a huge factor which impacts the horse's gastric health. Stress for horses can be either physical (training, performance sports, travelling long distances) and/or emotional (separation anxiety, travel, moving herds). Situations such as relocating the horse to undergo training, or having the horse on box rest and on medication can also have a huge impact on their stomach pH.
The modern diets of horses also contribute to acidosis.
Both high-starch concentrates and pasture grasses rich in fructans are problematic. The simple carbohydrates in these feeds have significant potential to reach the horse’s gut undigested – instead of being absorbed in the small intestine where carbohydrates ought to be. When undigested starch and sugars reach the gut, the fermentation process in the cecum produces a higher level of lactic acid. This creates a more acidic environment in the horse's gut, resulting in acidosis.
How can Equinate help support your horse's gut against acidosis?
Our Equinate supplement for horses contains several ingredients to help maintain the equine stomach’s healthy acid-balance.
Calcareous marine algae is proven to buffer stomach acid, due to it’s natural high calcium levels and unique sponge like structure. It has a large surface area and breaks down slowly through out the digestion process, helping to mop up excess acid for and extended period of time. This buffering effect protects the upper region of the stomach from potential acid burns without interfering with the stomachs digestive functions.
Humates are a complex mixture of many different carbon-rich materials, formed in the ground over thousands of years. Humates are impressive biostimulants in the soil and appear to serve a similar purpose in the gut. Healthy gut flora supports immunity, improves digestion and ensures the efficient breakdown of feed.
Bentonite clay comes from naturally occurring volcanic ash sediments, settled over hundreds to thousands of years, allowing a variety of the earth’s nutrients to be absorbed. Bentonite clay helps to line the stomach and digestive tract and provides bulk in the gut to enhance the retention of amino acids, assisting with greater food conversion.
These ingredients are focussed on preventing acidosis and supporting a healthy digestive system. This supports every aspect of the horse's health, leading to a comfortable horse and allowing for better performance.
