Probiotics

[LSM1212]

Okay, there are so many options for digestion supplements that contain probiotics.

Can someone give me the run down on what ingredients are necessary and which are just "filler"? And at what amounts/percentages?

I've been reading about direct fed microbials which seem to be the backbone of the supplement. But what is the correct amount needed?

Thanks!

[sublimequine]

There really isn't a correct amount, as no one has been able to prove the effectiveness of probiotics in the adult horse as of yet.

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, I've always gone with the probiotics that have more than one type (ie, not just lactobacillus). And as for amount, most are measured in CFUs, or Colony Forming Units. The higher the CFUs, the more probiotics you're getting per scoop.

[LSM1212]

Thanks "sub"!

I'm a bit surprised that I haven't gotten any other responses. When I did a search but didn't find what I was looking for... alot of people have suggested Probiotics for numerous issues.

Hmmmm....

[sublimequine]

Yeah, maybe you'll get more responses tonight. :)

Personally, I've used Probios treats, Fastrack, and Tractgard (not just a probiotic, but great for the entire GI tract). The treats are nice and handy.. the Fastrack is inexpensive but my mare didn't like to eat it.. she's on the Tractgard now and I like it a lot. But if you want just plain old probiotics, I like the Probios treats.

[LSM1212]

Yeah, maybe you'll get more responses tonight. :)

Personally, I've used Probios treats, Fastrack, and Tractgard (not just a probiotic, but great for the entire GI tract). The treats are nice and handy.. the Fastrack is inexpensive but my mare didn't like to eat it.. she's on the Tractgard now and I like it a lot. But if you want just plain old probiotics, I like the Probios treats.

Thanks... my horse was on TractGard. But not anymore. Just as an FYI, TractGard doesn't have probiotics just the prebiotics.

I'm looking for something to put him on post colic surgery. The TractGard didn't seem to help... obviously. :)

[Sparky Boy]

Fastrack was suggested to me by the vets after colic surgery. This was 10 yrs ago though. I still feed it to him, it's so cheap.

[sublimequine]

Fastrack was suggested to me by the vets after colic surgery. This was 10 yrs ago though. I still feed it to him, it's so cheap.

That's what my vet suggested as well.

[jaimebaker]

This is the one I feed, CRS Equine Gold

http://www.jeffersequine.com/ssc/product.asp?CID=1&mscssid=E9N8J96BXJNS8MLVP31SW4SWQFUT2NHB&pf_id=0031526

I've also fed Fasttrack and Optizyme. Whichever I can pick up is what I get. I have one feed store though that sells the CRS by the pound cheaper than what I would pay for $10 through Jeffers (before freight) so that's generally what I go with.

[Peggy]

Have you talked to the vets at the clinic where Stitch had his surgery? See if they have any recommendations?

When I asked after Star's medically-treated impaction if there was any supplement or whatever they recommended, the vet who treated him said no. Now, if I'd asked a different vet I might have gotten a different response:lol:.

[LSM1212]

Have you talked to the vets at the clinic where Stitch had his surgery? See if they have any recommendations?

When I asked after Star's medically-treated impaction if there was any supplement or whatever they recommended, the vet who treated him said no. Now, if I'd asked a different vet I might have gotten a different response:lol:.

Yes, I did. But that's another story. :winkgrin: Fantastic surgeon... but bedside manner, not so much. LOL He said he wouldn't need anything... same as your response. And I didn't get the chance to ask the on-call Vet who saw Stitch first. Both of them did the surgery. But my Vet and the Rehab facility that he is at suggested I do put him on one. They said anything that has pro and pre "biotics" was fine. But didn't recommend any specific brand. Just thought I'd poll the wisdom of COTH. :)

[Peggy]

Yeah, sometimes seems like there is an inverse relationship b/w bedside manner and surgical skills:lol:.

Aside from the collective wisdom of COTH, you might try a consult with the SmartPak people. They offer that service. There is also a handy chart in the catalogue that indicates which Digestion supplements have pro- vs prebiotics and the website should have a chart with amounts.

[tuckawayfarm]

When my foal had to be on antibiotics for an extended period, my vet suggested saccharomyces boulardii. I buy the Jarrow brand +MOS and it's worked very well. It is very inexpensive and easy to use. Just have to be very careful about washing your hands prior to giving any IV medications.

[LSM1212]

Yeah, sometimes seems like there is an inverse relationship b/w bedside manner and surgical skills:lol:.

Aside from the collective wisdom of COTH, you might try a consult with the SmartPak people. They offer that service. There is also a handy chart in the catalogue that indicates which Digestion supplements have pro- vs prebiotics and the website should have a chart with amounts.

:lol: Very true. But I have found that in the human version too! That's okay... as long as he did a good job on the surgery, I don't care if he's a bit..... ummmm.... we'll just leave it at that! ;)

I've been pouring over the SmartPak chart and the detailed analysis on each one on and off all day! Guess I'll call and see what they suggest. But with the length of the ingredient names.... holy smokes! :eek:

I was thinking of using the SmartDigest. Affordable and seems to have the 4 major ingredients that most others have. Along w/ the yeasts and such. And I've used the other SmartPak brand supplements w/ great results.

[EAHS]

Ration plus is both a prebiotic and probiotic. It comes in a 16oz bottle and lasts for approx. 80 days. It is a liquid which makes it so much easier to give to those picky eaters.you can read more about the product on my website http://www.equinealternativehealthsupply.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=100

[ThoroughbredFancy]

I use Pro Balance.

It's a pre and pro biotic.

The horse eats it and it's cheap.

Another boarder uses it and likes it a lot.

[Angela Freda]

I use Pro Balance.

It's a pre and pro biotic.

The horse eats it and it's cheap.

Another boarder uses it and likes it a lot.

Second to all TBfancy said.

Plus it's a pellet, which is what keeps my horse from turning up his nose.

[LSM1212]

Thanks everybody for their input..... :)

[Buffyblue]

I've always used Ration Plus.

[LetsRide]

http://www.forco.com/main/prod-forcosup.asp

Forco is wonderful if you can get it where you are. :)

[stryder]

I like LMF Digest 911:
http://www.actionridertack.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=329&products_id=1321