Are Sugars, Starches, and Carbs Hurting Your Horse?
Metabolic challenges, endocrine disorders, and obesity are becoming increasingly common in horses and ponies which can put them at risk for serious health problems. Managing a horse with one of these conditions can be challenging, but there are ways for horse owners to provide support and help these types of horses maintain optimal weight and health.
“Certain ages and breeds of horses and ponies are particularly susceptible to problems associated with their metabolic and endocrine systems,” said Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak’s Staff Veterinarian. “Unfortunately, these conditions can be challenging to identify and manage so it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian. A thoughtful approach to your horse’s total lifestyle—nutrition, exercise, turnout, treats, supplements, and medications—can make all the difference when it comes to his overall health.”
In addition to proper diet and management – such as using a grazing muzzle or limiting pasture turnout – supplements targeted to support metabolic health may be beneficial. SmartMetabo-Lean® Pellets provide comprehensive support for normal metabolic function and a healthy weight. This supplement provides ingredients that help support proper insulin function, combat oxidative stress, and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Christina T. from Salvisa, KY says of SmartMetabo-Lean Pellets, “I have a 19 year old gelding who has always been an easy keeper. Even with being worked continuously and a monitored diet he would never maintain a proper weight. He has now been using this supplement for over a year and, along with diet and normal exercise, is maintaining a well-balanced weight.”
For those owners managing a senior horse, a supplement to support endocrine health, such as SmartPituitary Senior® Pellets, may be a beneficial addition to their management program. This supplement provides ingredients to support normal pituitary gland function, immune health, and muscle development, and may help support normal shedding. It is important to work alongside a veterinarian for any diagnosis and treatment, but supplements may provide complementary support to prescription medication.
Insulin resistance, obesity, and/or pituitary conditions can also bring concerns for a horse’s laminae health. SmartLamina™ Pellets offer a comprehensive approach to supporting healthy laminae and a normal inflammatory response. This formula can be paired with SmartMetabo-Lean Pellets for the ultimate in comprehensive support. All three of these formulas are available in a tasty pellet form, and are perfect for horses being fed little to no grain.
SmartMetabo-Lean Pellets, SmartPituitary Pellets, and SmartLamina Pellets are available exclusively through SmartPak. All SmartSupplements are available for the best value when ordered in the SmartPak daily dose supplement feeding system. To learn more about these products, visit www.SmartPak.com today and get started.
About SmartPak
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness. With the success of this simple and convenient feeding system, SmartPak has continued to expand its offering of quality products, including its own line of more than 60 supplement formulas called SmartSupplements, and a wide variety of tack, equipment, and supplies. The company has grown rapidly each year and is now the largest retailer of equestrian products in the United States. SmartPak’s success has been powered by a passion for delivering an unbeatable customer experience, and the company has been recognized with a Bizrate Circle of Excellence award as well as an “Elite” rating from STELLAService. A nine-time Inc. 500/5000 honoree, SmartPak is the only equine company ever named to the Inc. 500 list.
