Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Janet,
Wellll, it has some nutrients but it really isn't a complete vitamin/mineral supplement after all. So, I still say that you wouldn't want to give another vitamin/mineral supplement with this due to potential overlaps, but your horse would do much better with a vitamin/mineral supplement that is more complete and also offers omega 3 fatty acids -- the one I like the best is Glanzen Complete because it is in a flaxseed meal base and provides support for feet, immune function, digestive function, and nervous system (high in B vitamins).
You would do much better for your horse by choosing Glanzen Complete and then replacing this lick with a plain, white salt lick to provide necessary sodium.
So, if you went with Glanzen Complete, you wouldn't need the BPlex I previously recommended. But, addtional magnesium (Quiessence) would still be helpful. There is only a small amount magnesium in this EquiLix50 product -- 2.5%. So, let's say he consumes 1 ounce per day. He'd be getting approximately 700 mg of magnesium. But, to be therapeutic, he would require 10,000 mg of magnesium (from 2 ounces of Quiessence).
Also, the vitamin E content is extremely low in EquiLix50 -- 350 IU per pound! He needs to have much, much more than that to be healthy.
So, these are but a few analyses that show me to suggest another product. I hope this is helpful.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hi Janet,
The issue of enteroliths is certainly a concern but most horses do not get enough magnesium in their diet and magnesium from forages is poorly absorbed.
I copied, below, a response that I made previously to a similar question that I thought you'd find helpful:
"Enteroliths are generally caused by a diet that causes the pH of the hind gut to become to high (alkaline). The presence of magnesium can also lead to enteroliths, when combined with high levels of phosphorus. Too much protein can also be problematic.
Genetics also plays a large role in the development of these stones. So, it's not just magnesium.
For example, I have seen enteroliths in horses that are fed diets that contain more than half their forage from alfalfa. This is because of the high protein content of alfafa. Some alfalfa can be a wonderful addition to most horse diets, but too much can be problematic.
Quiessence is a magnesium supplement that is beneficial for those horses that need more due to insulin resistance or for nervous system issues. If the diet is high in alfalfa, it is best to cut back on this type of hay while feeding a magnesium supplement. Also, excess phosphorus can contribute to the dangerous mix, so bran should be eliminated from the diet, since it has a great deal of phosphorus (and very little calcium).
The other thing to consider is the amount of calcium in the diet. There should be more calcium than magnesium or at least an equal amount, but magnesium should not exceed calcium intake.
In a horse that is prone toward enteroliths, I like to recommend the following:
1. Cut down on alfalfa.
2. Eliminated bran
3. Exercise keeps the gastrointestinal tract in good shape.
4. Try to lower the pH of the hind gut either through adding some apple cider vinegar to the diet or, if the horse can tolerate it, a small amount of grain.
5. Keep fiber levels high to keep the intestines moving -- all the grass hay they want, plus, adding some psyllium to the diet for a few days each month, will also increase bulk.
6. Plenty of water, which is of special concern as the weather gets colder. Water supplies should be temperature controlled and not go below 50 degrees (Farenheit) so horses will drink enough."
I hope this is helpful.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
P.S. Your BPlex is on its way and expected to arrive by the 15th. So, since you're giving B Plex, I would still recommend Glanzen Complete, just at 4 ounces per day instead of 6 and only one scoop of BPlex.
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hello Valorie,
I don't doubt the veracity of the testimonial for EquiLix. What I take issue with are the low vitamin E content and the iron content. Horses need much more vitamin E than what is in EquiLix and iron is not necessary because forage is already very high in this mineral.
This is very typical of many supplements which is why I often suggest adding vitamin E to "supplement th supplement."
Thank you for sharing,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Hello Volarie,
If your hay is sufficient in selenium, you can provide a supplement that just contains vitamin E such as E5000 or SuPer E Natural. Some areas of Colorado are high in selenium, so check this out.
If, however, you need additional selenium, go with SuPer E/Se Natural. It is well balanced providing 1 mg of Selenium and 2000 IU of natural vitamin E.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO