Blue-green algae plays a very important part in my holistic healing practice. It is very high in chlorophyll, beta-carotene, vitamin B-12, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
The algae is enzymatically active and nutrient dense. The enzymes are critical. Most horse owners realize how much better horses do on natural pasture than hay. Hay does not have enzymes and the heat drying process causes even good hay to lose much of its vitamin content fast. Feeding blue-green algae is as close as you can come to having your horse on pasture year round.
Of all the benefits I have seen from the algae, the improvement in hoof quality is probably the most dramatic. I have always believed that good hooves come from within, but have been frustrated with poor results feeding most hoof supplements. I noticed on myself that within a few weeks of starting on the algae, my fingernails got tougher. The same is true for hooves; they grow faster and are much tougher. I suspect it is the high trace mineral content of the algae that accounts for this.
I have also noticed that horses on algae have better attitudes and are easier to train. The algae seems to help horses in heavy competition maintain a positive attitude and competitive edge.
Other benefits:
- maintains beautiful coats and healthy, shiny eyes
- offsets Vitamin A inadequacy
- aids in detoxification
- supports healthy immune system
Is the algae right for everyone? No. It is a food and everyone handles certain foods differently. Horses are the same. As with any new dietary ingredient, the algae should be started in small amounts such as 1/2 to 1 tsp/day mixed with the regular grain. If your horse refuses this, cut back even more. If he still refuses, it may not be the right food for your horse. I believe we can trust the horse's instinct.
Once your horse has become used to the taste of the algae, you can increase the amounts to fit his needs. Most do well on 1 tsp/day for maintenance. Remember this product is 97% absorbed, so it does not take much. Thoroughbreds may need significantly more, especially if they have bad feet and are hard keepers.
To get maximum benefit, the algae should be fed twice a day on a regular basis. It is very economical. Your horse will love you more, especially if you take it too.
Madalyn Ward, DVM, owns Bear Creek Veterinary Clinic in Austin, Texas. She is certified in Veterinary Homeopathy and Equine Osteopathy. Memberships include American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinay Medical Association and the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. She has authored several books and publishes the monthly newsletter, “Holistic Horsekeeping.”
[The Blue-Green Algae Dr. Ward uses and recommends comes from Klamath Lake in Oregon and is manufactured by Simplexity.]
http://www.holistichorsekeeping.com
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