WeightGainWise Calorie-Dense / High-Fat Supplement for Horses

High-quality fat

The fat sources utilized in WeightGainWise include rice bran, ground flax, and flaxseed oil. Fat contributes positively to the diet in multiple ways. Fat does not cause the hindgut imbalances that high levels of starchy/sugary grains will, reducing the risk of grain overload and the dangers it presents. Once digested, fat is utilized without producing the extreme hormone spikes known to negatively affect temperament and glucose metabolism. Horses require a certain amount of fat in the diet to properly digest fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.

The caloric density of fat makes it an incredible source of energy. Because fats contain 2.25 times the energy of carbohydrates, supplementation with fat can reduce the amount of starchy/sugary grains needed in the diet. By decreasing meal size and offering a diet rich in fat and fiber, horses become less prone to colic, laminitis, and insulin resistance-related disorders. Smaller meal sizes are also more attractive to picky eaters.

Fat is a wonderful energy source for performance horses. Research has proven that fat is a superior energy source when compared to high-starch grains and commercial concentrates. Scientific studies have shown that, during strenuous exercise, horses fed fat had lower lactic acid levels and lower heart rates than horses fed high-starch feeds. Because lactic acid causes muscle fatigue, horses fed fat had improved stamina and subsequent shorter recovery periods after exercise.

In broodmares, studies have shown that mares in good condition and positive energy balance (those who are not skinny or losing weight) have better conception rates. Adding fat to the diet allows breeders to keep mares in better condition without the risk of grain overload.

Growing horses raised on high-fat, high-fiber, low-starch diets exhibit a lower incidence of developmental orthopedic disease.

Direct-fed microbials

A healthy GI tract is essential in order for your horse remain in good condition. Along with nutrient absorption, the GI tract plays a significant role in the horse’s immune system and appetite stimulation.

Direct-fed microbials, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger, help to regulate pH (acid) balance in the GI tract, producing a hindgut environment that encourages beneficial bacteria to grow. When beneficial bacteria flourish the digestive tract operates at an optimal level, digestion improves, and horses utilize their feed more efficiently.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium are two lactic acid-producing direct-fed microbes that researchers have been working with recently. Scientists have found that these lactic acid-producing bacteria also influence pH balance in the GI tract, which may play a role in boosting immunity levels.

When a horse’s digestive tract is healthy, his appetite is stimulated. Horses that feel good are less picky and more likely to clean up their feed.

Lecithin

Lecithin is a beneficial fatty acid that aids digestion and encourages maximal absorption of nutrients. Lecithin also contains choline, a factor necessary in the production of acetylcholine. As a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine is a critical component of the nervous system.