Probiotics in horses are an important part of natural horse nutrition, they are live beneficial bacteria that help the digestive system to work properly by processing food into energy and discouraging the growth of disease causing bacteria. Common organisms in equine probiotic products include Lactobacillus species and Saccharomyces species (yeast).
Wild horses grazed and obtained the proper amount and variety of beneficial microorganisms from the various green plants and grasses they consumed. Today’s domestic horses do not ingest enough of these organisms from their environments to reseed their intestines, causing digestive and immune system problems as well as weight issues.
Probiotics for horses:
~Improve the balance of the normal bacteria in the intestine
~Help break down proteins, starches, fiber, fats & sugars for better food digestion
~Promote regularity in bowel movements
~Manufacture certain nutrients, such as B vitamins
~Protect the lining of the intestine
~Promote healthy immune system function in the intestine
Probiotics are recommended for:
~Horses receiving antibiotics
~Horses with diarrhea or chronic disease of the intestine
~Newborn foals ~”Hard keepers” -hard to maintain weight
