This week, we are diving into the best approach for your horse regarding Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).

As April and May approach, many horse owners start thinking about insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome, PPID, and PSSM due to the rise in pasture sugars. Common strategies include reducing sugar intake, moving horses to dry lots, checking hay quality, and increasing exercise, but some horses remain sensitive despite those changes. Even after a long time remaining off the grass, they still react strongly, which indicates a need for a more comprehensive approach. 

Stay tuned to learn how a holistic approach can help you find solutions beyond conventional recommendations and band-aid quick-fixes.

Holistic Approach vs. Band-Aid Approach

The holistic approach recognizes that health issues like insulin resistance and laminitis are complex and require a broader understanding than surface-level solutions. It involves looking at the horse’s overall well-being, including diet, exercise, stress levels, and environment, to address underlying imbalances. 

The band-aid approach generally involves removing sugar from the horse's diet, supplements that have been labeled beneficial for metabolic issues, and focusing on temporary symptom management.

Why Your Current Approach Might Not Work

Despite implementing common strategies like restricting sugar intake, providing ample exercise, and using supplements, some horses continue to struggle with metabolic issues. That could be due to the differences in how horses metabolize food, undetected nutrient deficiencies, ongoing stressors, or other underlying health conditions contributing to metabolic dysfunction.

Factors Affecting Health

Many factors could influence a horse's susceptibility to metabolic issues. Breed predisposition plays a role, with some breeds being more prone to metabolic imbalances than others. Health history, including past illnesses or injuries, can impact a horse's metabolic health, and genetic factors and past traumas may also contribute to ongoing health challenges. Stress levels, diet composition, lifestyle factors, nutritional status, and food intolerances are all interconnected aspects that can affect a horse's metabolic function and overall well-being.

Addressing Underlying Causes

To effectively address metabolic issues, it is essential to identify and target the underlying causes directly. That involves understanding how the condition developed- either a gradual progression or sudden onset due to specific stressors. Stress management also plays a significant role, as chronic stress can disrupt metabolic processes and contribute to health issues. Nutrient deficiencies, especially in essential minerals like selenium, can hinder metabolic function and must be addressed through targeted supplementation or dietary adjustments. To support the metabolic health of a horse, you must avoid unnecessary toxicity in the diet and ingredients that could cause inflammation or allergic reactions.

Using Food as a Primary Tool

Food plays a crucial role in supporting metabolic health. A clean and balanced diet, tailored to the needs of the horse, is essential to provide essential nutrients and support optimal metabolic function. That includes ensuring adequate fiber intake, managing sugar and carbohydrate levels appropriately, and addressing any specific food intolerances or sensitivities that could contribute to metabolic issues. 

By focusing on nutrition as a primary tool for health, horse owners can lay a solid foundation for metabolic wellness and the overall well-being of their horses.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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This week, I offer guidelines for supplementation and acclimating your horse to a brand-new natural health program.

Introducing new foods can be challenging, especially if your horse has never tried certain things. Some horses are naturally suspicious of new foods, while others may be picky eaters. 

Today, I break down ways to introduce various categories of supplements, herbs, single nutrients, and homeopathic remedies and explore common questions related to getting your horse to eat new foods, managing their flavor preferences, and how long to continue supplementing. 

Introducing New Foods 

Introduce new foods slowly, paying attention to how the horse responds. Some horses may not enjoy the taste of certain foods or may have digestive issues.

Identifying Digestive Issues 

To determine if a horse is reluctant to eat new food due to digestive issues, look for signs of digestive problems. They could include nausea-like behavior, flipping dishes, or simply looking unwell after eating. 

Gradual Introduction of New Foods 

Introduce new foods, like beet pulp, alfalfa pellets, or crushed flaxseed, one at a time, starting with one new item at a time. Observe how the horse reacts and gradually reintroduce disliked items later. Mixing disliked foods with preferred ones can sometimes help a horse accept them.

Adding Herbs and Plants 

Adding herbs and plants, like blueberries or cucumber, can provide additional nutrients. Start with small amounts and monitor how the horse responds. Some herbs, especially those with intense flavors, should be added gradually.

Considerations for Food Preparation 

Ensure your food preparations are fresh and store them correctly to avoid bacterial growth or rancidity, especially items like beet pulp or higher-fat supplements.

Methods to Encourage Eating 

Adding small amounts of unsweetened applesauce, grated carrots, or small fruit pieces can make food more appealing for horses reluctant to eat new foods without significantly increasing their sugar intake.

Managing Supplements: Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs 

When giving horse supplements like vitamins, minerals, and herbs, it is essential to be cautious and cater to their specific requirements. Opt for single nutrients whenever possible to avoid adding unnecessary extras.

Assessing Supplement Effectiveness 

Periodically evaluate how your horse reacts to supplements, adjusting them according to any improvements or lack of progress. Seek professional advice for accurate dosing and supplementation guidance.

Duration of Supplementation 

The duration of supplementation will vary, depending on how the horse responds and the type of supplement. While herbs can be supplemented long-term, single vitamins and minerals should be reassessed periodically.

Monitoring and Adjusting 

It is essential to check your horse's health regularly and notice how it responds to supplements. If necessary, make changes based on the improvements to balance the nutritional support without overdoing it.

Discontinuing Homeopathic Remedies 

When using homeopathic remedies for acute symptoms, the general advice is to discontinue the remedy as soon as the symptoms have resolved. That can be challenging because people often want to continue if they see improvement. However, the idea is to stop only when the symptoms disappear. If the symptoms reappear later, you can resume the remedy.

Observations and Long-term Use 

Even after stopping a homeopathic remedy, the benefits sometimes continue. For long-standing or chronic issues, you can continue using homeopathic remedies for several weeks or longer if there is a clear benefit. However, a homeopathic consultation may be necessary for proper remedy selection, remedy potency, and help in understanding new or disappearing symptoms.

Supplementation Guidelines 

With all supplements, including herbs, nutrients, or homeopathic remedies, the question is whether they provide clear benefits. To make informed decisions about supplementation, observe whether or not removing the supplement would worsen the horse's condition.

Handling Homeopathic Aggravations 

Horses can be sensitive to homeopathic remedies, sometimes leading to aggravations where new symptoms appear. That is not necessarily bad, but it does indicate a response to the remedy. Discontinuing the remedy will usually resolve the aggravation. However, consulting a homeopath or experienced professional is advised to address any underlying issues.

Homeopathic Remedies 

Homeopathic remedies are energy medicine and can be used alongside nutritional supplements. They should be administered separately from food and into a clean mouth to ensure their effectiveness.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

This week, we explore why fiber is essential in a horse’s feeding program.

In past episodes, we have discussed food toxicity and what to avoid in your horse's feeding program, touching on the importance of monitoring sugar, protein, and fat levels and scrutinizing ingredient lists. 

Today, we dive into the numerous health benefits fiber provides, and I share simple ways to incorporate more fiber into your horse's diet.

Understanding the Role of Fiber in Equine Nutrition

Even though some regard fiber as a macronutrient, it is generally classified under carbohydrates, along with nonstructural carbohydrates like sugar and starch. A balanced carbohydrate intake is essential for horses. So, due to the nonstructural carbohydrates commonly found in hay, it must be carefully monitored to prevent health issues like equine metabolic syndrome and laminitis.

The Distinction BetweenNonstructural and Structural Carbohydrates

Within carbohydrates, there are distinctions between nonstructural and structural carbohydrates. Nonstructural carbohydrates encompass sugars, starches, and fructans, which can significantly impact equine health if consumed excessively. Fiber contains acid-detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and lignans, so it falls into the structural category of carbohydrates. Understanding those categories is essential for designing a balanced diet that supports optimal digestive function and overall well-being in horses.

The Impact of Fiber on Digestive Health and Energy Production

Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy gut flora, so it is crucial for efficient energy production through a fermentation process that yields volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Approximately 75% of a horse's energy is derived from VFAs produced in the hindgut, emphasizing the critical role of fiber in supporting energy levels and overall metabolic function. Without adequate fiber, horses may struggle to maintain healthy gut flora, leading to potential digestive issues and decreased energy efficiency.

Regulating Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Management

One of the notable benefits of fiber is its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, making it particularly valuable for horses with insulin resistance or metabolic dysregulation. By promoting satiety and reducing insulin spikes, fiber contributes to stable blood sugar levels necessary for supporting healthy weight management, making it especially significant in therapeutic nutrition programs aimed at addressing metabolic conditions and preventing associated complications like laminitis.

Soluble Fiber and its Therapeutic Potential

Soluble fiber includes beta glucans and is in foods like beet pulp and cooked barley, which provide additional therapeutic benefits. Beta-glucans have anti-inflammatory properties, making them particularly valuable for horses with compromised digestive health or inflammatory conditions. They also support immune function, regulate sugar absorption, and promote wound healing. 

Balancing Fiber Intake for Optimal Health

While fiber is essential, it is crucial to balance its intake to avoid overloading the equine digestive system. Coarse hay or straw, rich in fiber, can be beneficial, but excessive fiber intake may lead to nutritional imbalances. Monitoring the fiber content and adjusting your horse’s diet to fulfill its needs will ensure optimal health and prevent potential digestive issues associated with excessive fiber consumption.

Pasture Management Strategies

Strategic pasture management is essential for regulating the fiber intake when horses have access to grazing. Providing hay alongside the pasture or using hay bags can help control the fiber intake of grazing horses and prevent the overconsumption of sugars from grass, contributing to stable blood sugar levels and overall digestive health. This approach supports healthy gut motility, prevents colic, and promotes balanced nutrition for horses in various environmental settings.

Conclusion

The multifaceted role fiber plays in equine nutrition encompasses digestive health, energy production, blood sugar regulation, and immune support. Once owners can understand different kinds of fiber, monitor their horses' fiber intake levels, and strategically incorporate fiber-rich foods into their feeding programs, they can begin to optimize their horses' health and well-being. 

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally