Psyllium husk is a popular supplement for horses, best known for its ability to remove sand from the intestines. It’s the ultimate “broom” for the digestive system.
Here’s everything you need to know about its benefits, how it works, and how to use it.
Why give psyllium husk?
Horses grazing on sparse pasture or eating from the ground inadvertently ingest sand. This sand accumulates at the lowest point of the intestines.
The husks of the psyllium seeds have been ground: very effective!
- Preventing sand colic: Accumulation of sand irritates the intestinal wall and can lead to severe colic.
- Improving manure consistency: For horses with chronic diarrhea or “watery manure,” psyllium can help bind the stool.
- Intestinal flora: It acts as a prebiotic, which supports healthy intestinal flora.
How exactly does it work?
When psyllium husk comes into contact with moisture (in the intestines), it turns into a thick, sticky gel. This gel acts like a magnet: the sand sticks to it and is thus carried out with the manure.
Important: Without the formation of this mucilage, the supplement has no effect on sand removal.
Dosage and Use
Most experts recommend giving psyllium as a treatment course rather than daily. If you give it continuously, the gut bacteria get used to it and the fiber is broken down before it can do its job as a “sand trap.”
Guidelines for the course of treatment:
- Duration: Usually 5 to 7 consecutive days per month.
- Administration: Mix the dry pellets or husks directly into the feed (such as mash).
- Water: Ensure the horse always has access to fresh drinking water. The fibers absorb a lot of moisture; without water, it can actually cause constipation.
- Horse Type Average Dosage (Course)Pony 25 grams per dayHorse (600 kg) 50 grams per day
- Use for horses: Horses and ponies: Once daily, mix with a generous amount of water and incorporate into the feed. Horses: 50 g per day Ponies: 25 g per day.
- Do not let the feed sit; offer it immediately. The binding effect of psyllium fiber begins immediately.
- Preferably mix with 30 to 50 ml of oil. (Flaxseed oil, if desired).
- Tips for optimal results Contents: 1 kg
- Do not soak: Mix the psyllium into wet feed only at the very last moment. If it sits in the bucket too long, it turns into one big clump that the horse often refuses to eat.
- The sand test: Not sure if your horse is ingesting sand? Place a few manure balls in a clear glove or small bag filled with water. Shake it, let it hang, and check after an hour to see if there is sand in the fingers of the glove.
- Prevention: Feed hay on a dry surface (e.g., a rubber mat or in a hay rack) to limit sand intake.
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