Probiotics?

Question

Just a few questions here:

Does anyone use probiotics for their horses?

How often do you use it and for what purpose?

I do give my horses psyllium husk (sand clear) once a month to clean out their systems. Does this upset their digestive track enough that probiotics along with this would help?

Let me know what you think

Thanks

Answer 1

I use probiotics daily (one scoop) on one of my mares.  She gets diarrhea very easily if she's on any kind of carbs (grain) and the probiotics seem to help.  Not 100% but she is definitely better than she was.

The sand clear shouldn't hurt their systems.  It's just a little extra fiber that "latches on" to bigger particles like sand and dirt in their system and flushes it out.  I don't think it really affects the bacteria in their system.

But then again, I'm a firm believe that probiotics can't hurt either.  I take them daily for myself to keep my digestive system working properly!  What's that saying...an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  So your horses seem to have any digestive issues at all, try the probios.

EDIT:

I didn't know you could use Metimucil either.  Awesome, I'm totally gonna try that.  Thanks JJH!

Answer 2

I use probiotics when a horse is acting like they have colic. That's the only time I use it and I don't know how it would react with the psyllium. If I were you, I would ask a vet.

Answer 3

The only time I'd give probiotics would be after a horse finishes a round of antibiotics, or has gone through a digestive upset that led to diarrhea.  Otherwise, I think it's fine but not necessary, and you're spending money for nothing.  It's just like eating yogurt for people....some eat it every day as maintenance, and some only eat it when there is a known disturbance in the normal bacterial flora of internal organs, like when women have yeast infections from taking antibiotics. Psyllium shouldn't have any affect on the bacterial flora, but you could ask your vet to be sure.

Answer 4

Hello,

My input:

SAND clear 3-5 days in a row every month to help clear sand build up!  But, I use WalMart, Sams Club or CostCo brands of Medimucel, it is MUCH cheaper!

WE never have had to give Probiotics during the psyllium treatment.  But, we do keep it in our First Aide Supplies for other reasons!  It is good to have on hand for stomach issues like... diarrhea, it is also given if the horse is receiving certain antibiotics...  IT replaces the "GOOD" bacteria in the digestive system.  Most antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria in the system and Probiotics will help replace the good bacteria.

EDIT****  We give 1/4 to 1/2 cup (depending on the size of the horse) once a day for 3-5 days in a row every month!  

It is psyllium, but just cheaper since it isn't labeled for horses!

EDIT  EDIT***  forgot to tell you how we give it!!!  DRY right out of the container, we usually put it on one HANDFUL of sweet feed!  and they get the usual hay!  We only feed hay, so when they get the "psyllium/sweetfeed treat" they gobble it right up!

JUST make certain the horses have water available, as usual, but more so, since the psyllium mixes with water in the stomach to form the gel that pushes the sand out of the colon!  NOT that they rush to drink, they eat as usual...DON'T worry about that.

Basically it is the same with the Metimucel treatment as with any psyllium treatment, its just not labeled for horses!

WE have used it for years!