PLYMOUTH, MA (February 2013) Research shows that changes in the batch or type of hay you give your horse can increase his chances of developing colic by 10 times!
Fortunately, studies also suggest that there are things you can do to help reduce the chances of your horse developing colic, which is responsible for more horse deaths than any other condition.
“The drought conditions causing this season’s hay shortage have led to hay changes for many horses,” says Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak’s Medical Director and Staff Veterinarian. “Changes in a horse’s forage, such as switching from one cut of hay to another or to a different species of grass, can disrupt the fragile microbial population in the hindgut. Fortunately, research has shown that key ingredients can help reduce digestive disruption and support proper digestion. With this research in mind we have developed a new and improved version of SmartDigest® Ultra that provides unparalleled GI protection. In addition to making hay changes gradually over 7-10 days and keeping up with regular veterinary care, giving your horse SmartDigest® Ultra in SmartPaks is the best thing you can do to support his digestive balance and help lower his risk of GI upset.”
The clinically studied ingredients in SmartDigest® Ultra include:
* prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides), proven to reduce disruption in the cecum and colon;
* prebiotics (mannanoligosaccharides) proven to inhibit the absorption of harmful bacteria in the hindgut;
* yeast (Saccharomyces cereviseae) shown to improve fiber digestion and assist the beneficial bacteria of the cecum in adjusting to feed changes; and
* enzymes (amylase) demonstrated to increase the proper digestion of starch in the foregut.
The benefits of feeding SmartDigest® Ultra go beyond comprehensive digestive health support. Horses fed SmartDigest® Ultra in SmartPaks may be eligible for SmartPak’s new ColiCare™ program, which includes up to $7500 of colic surgery reimbursement. “We are so confident in ColiCare’s combination of SmartDigest® Ultra and a vet-directed wellness program that we’ve backed it with this groundbreaking free offer,” says Paal Gisholt, SmartPak’s CEO. “With ColiCare, horse owners can sleep soundly knowing their horses have the best digestive supplement and the best wellness program in their corner.”
If this season’s hay shortage has caused you to switch your horse’s hay, then you may want to make another switch and start giving your horse SmartDigest® Ultra in SmartPaks!
Further information on SmartDigest® Ultra and SmartPak’s ColiCare™ program is available on line at www.SmartPak.com/ColiCare . To see SmartPak’s full inventory of products for you and your horse, and to place a risk-free order online, just go to www.SmartPak.com .
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 Platinum award as well as an “Excellent” rating from STELLAService. An eight-time Inc. 500/5000 honoree, SmartPak is the only equine company ever named to the Inc. 500 list.
Holistic Horse: your guide to natural horse health