A Winter-time Boost: Omega Supplementation for Horses

Much of North America has been feeling the effects of the “arctic blast” these past few months and it has taken a toll on our equine companions as well.  During “typical” winters, horses in the Deep South may not even come off of pasture or will spend a few nights with a turnout rug on. But this year, many horses have had to spend more time indoors and have even experienced a change in diet due to the unusual weather. 

Despite our best efforts, there are many essential bioactive compounds that may be missing from your horse’s diet during these long months of hay and grain.  I’m going to discuss how omega essential fatty acid supplementation can help your horse get through the winter and transition into spring in good health. So how can omegas help keep your horse stay healthy this winter?

Gastrointestinal Support

Every horse owner knows that horses can have finicky digestive systems. Horses are designed to be eating roughage such as grass or hay around the clock. In the winter-time, horses are often kept indoors and often don’t have 24-hour access to forages to munch on. This can lead to a pH imbalance in the stomach, predisposing your four-hooved friend to painful gastric ulcers and poor digestion.  Also, many horses don’t drink or eat as much when their “routine” has been changed.  Due to these factors, veterinarians usually see a spike in the number of colic cases during the winter months.

When your horse’s GI tract is under stress, prevention is the key.  As the winter months continue to bear down on us, keep your horse healthy from the inside out with Seabuck 7 Equine. Omega-7 packed sea buckthorn berry has been clinically shown to keep the mucosa healthy in the horse’s GI tract. If your horse does succumb to GI problems this winter, sea buckthorn is recommended as an all-natural adjunct therapy for the treatment of gastric ulcers.(1,2)    

Skin and Hair Health & Omega-7

Many horses will develop a lack-luster coat during the winter months and even dry skin around the eyes and muzzle. Omega-7 fatty acids in sea buckthorn are key building blocks for skin health. It helps support collagen production within the skin, which improves its elasticity and strength. You will be surprised at the sheen your horse will have from sea buckthorn’s unique nutrition once that winter coat has been shed away this spring.

Heart- healthy Omega-9 & Omega-3

Omegas 9 and 3 are “good” fats that provide a host of health benefits.  They are found in many vegetarian sources such as sea buckthorn berries, canola seed and nuts. These fats have a positive effect on cardiovascular health and can provide your horse with an energy boost to stay warm during the cold weather. Intake of omega-9s has been linked to increases in metabolism and improved mood. When it’s cold and dreary outside, who wouldn’t benefit from a little boost? 

This is a perfect time to start your horse on a whole-food essential fatty acid supplement. Products like Seabuck 7 Equine, made from whole-fruit sea buckthorn, are bursting with omega-3, 7 and 9 essential fatty acids and over 190 bioactive compounds.


References
1. Huff, N. et al., 2012 Sep-Oct, Effect of sea buckthorn berries and pulp in a liquid emulsion on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med. Vol. 26(5) 1186-91.
2. Reese, R. et al., 2008, The Effect of Sea Buckthorn Extract on the Prevention and Treatment of Gastric Ulcers in Horses. University of Tennessee publication.

5 Healthy Diet Tips for Pet Owners

It breaks my heart to see so many pets come into the animal hospital suffering from preventable diseases usually caused by lifestyle choices, not bodily invaders. While the battle rages on between researchers on the causes of obesity in humans (Is it caused by food addiction? Is sugar addictive? How do genetics play into the problem? Is it a lack of food education or worse- simply bad food choices?) – we are 100% in charge of our pet’s food intake. For dogs and cats and even horses, humans dictate what and when they eat- they have no choice.

After helping obese and underweight pets for many years, I’ve found that some small changes can make a big difference in managing your dog’s weight.

1. Portion control

Most pet owners are guilty of over-feeding their pets. We like to show our love and affection by providing full bowls.  Sometimes we feed more than we should when our animals beg for more. They like the way their food tastes and it is our job to say when enough is enough. If you are not sure about how much your pet should be eating, look on the side of the bag of food for recommendations and talk to your veterinarian.

2. Limit or eliminate snacks

For many years scientists have been debating the causes behind the “French paradox”. This ‘paradox’ is that while the French eat what Americans consider the ‘bad foods’- full-fat dairy, fatty meats, alcohol and carbs – they have some of the lowest instances of coronary disease and obesity in the world.

After living in Europe for a few years, I think I have cracked this ‘paradox.’  The French, like the Poles and other European groups, limit their portion sizes at meals and do not snack between meals.  The culture around their food is one of pleasure and celebration, they don’t want to ‘ruin their appetite’ by snacking between meals.  Processed snacks, while not taboo, are especially frowned upon.

These cultural lessons can be applied to ourselves and our pets. There is no nutritional reason to give our dogs treats or snacks between meals. Pet stores are bursting with fatty, salty processed snacks for dogs and they love them. Their waistlines and their health do not. Small snacks can help while training because dogs are usually very food-motivated. However, these snacks should be very tiny and only given during training sessions.

If you must give a snack or a reward during training, portion control is key. Use a very small piece of raw veggie or fruit, such as carrot or apple. I’m talking the size of your thumbnail. It is low-calorie and just enough to let your dog know that he/she is being rewarded and enjoying a tasty treat.

3. Whole-foods

Whole foods that are less processed provide better nutrition for your pet. Select commercial brands of dog food that list whole-food ingredients such as ‘brown rice’ and ‘chicken breast’ and leave out ingredients such as ‘high fructose corn syrup’ and other by-products. Some dogs that are chronically underweight may have problems absorbing nutrients and commercial dog food just isn’t for them. For these types of patients, home-cooking a diet custom-formulated by a veterinary nutritionist may help them maintain a healthy weight.

4. Incorporate ‘superfoods’

‘Superfoods’ such as sea buckthorn berries, blueberries and sweet potato are great additions to your dog’s diet.  These can be incorporated in small amounts every day for a nutritional boost without adding too many calories. Even if you select a high-quality, whole-foods based commercial pet food, some essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-7 need to be supplemented, as processing can diminish the levels of these nutrients. 

If your pet suffers from chronic disease, food can also be medicinal and extremely helpful in the healing process. Talk to your veterinarian about the role that superfoods and supplements can have for your pet’s health.

5. Unusual but nutritious

If you cook for your pet, consider incorporating less expensive but highly nutritious cuts of meat and offal. Talk to your butcher about purchasing organ meats such as beef heart for your dog or cat. Beef heart is less expensive than other ‘choice’ cuts of meat and is packed full of vitamins such as B12, and minerals like iron and high-quality protein.

What are your top diet tips for your pets? Share them in the comments below.