NutrientWise Vitamin & Trace Mineral Supplement for Horses (20 lb)

More information about the ingredients in NutrientWise

NutrientWise is a very palatable alfalfa-based pellet that adds nutrients to the diet without adding additional calories. It contains the vitamins and trace minerals typically missing from the modern equine diet.

Vitamins

Many vitamins are available in fresh plant material, such as pasture, but their potency diminishes over time when fresh forage is stored as hay. Horses that are not consuming significant amounts of green grass may need additional supplementation.

Fat-soluble Vitamins

The fat-soluble vitamins are stored in your horse’s body and used as needed. Hard-working horses or horses under stress can deplete stores of fat-soluble vitamins leading to deficiencies.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a role in digestion, respiration, reproduction, and vision. In growing horses vitamin A is important to proper bone development. Vitamin A is not found in nature; instead, it is synthesized from carotenes in the small intestine. Green grass is an excellent natural source of beta-carotene, which is metabolized into vitamin A. When green grass is lacking in the diet it is particularly important that vitamin A be supplemented.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a major role in the absorption of calcium in the small intestine. Once absorbed, vitamin D aids in the transportation to and the accumulation of calcium in the bone and other tissues.

Natural Vitamin E

Vitamin E cannot be synthesized by the horse; therefore, it is considered an essential nutrient. Natural vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that limits the damage caused by oxidative stress and the actions of free radicals. It maintains healthy muscle and nerve function and supports a strong immune system in horses of all ages.

The best source of vitamin E is fresh green grass; however, the potency of vitamin E declines very quickly once forages are harvested and dried. Multiple research studies have shown that vitamin E is often deficient in the diets of horses that do not have access to continual grazing on fresh green grass, or those grazing on winter pasture. Beware, not all forms of the vitamin are created equally. Many supplements contain synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol), which is not as potent as natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol). Compared with synthetic vitamin E, the body can more efficiently transport and deliver natural vitamin E to targeted tissues. Current research in several species, including horses, shows that natural vitamin E is two to three times more potent than synthetic.

Water-soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in your horse’s body, so they need to be provided in the proper amounts in the diet. Horses that are working hard or are stressed may need additional supplementation.

Thiamine, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid

These vitamins play a role in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Riboflavin

Also known as B2, riboflavin influences energy production and growth.

Folic Acid

Folic acid, or B9, is important for red blood cell development.

Vitamin B12

Cobalamin, B12, plays a role in energy metabolism and maintaining the manufacturing of red blood cells.

Choline

Choline supports cellular functions in multiple ways. It is a component of lipids and plays an important role in normal cell structure and activity. It contributes to normal fat metabolism in the liver, increasing fatty acid utilization. As a precursor of acetylcholine, it supports the transmission of nerve impulses. Choline is thought to have an impact on concentration, memory and muscle performance, and prevents fat buildup in the liver.

Minerals

Minerals are inorganic compounds that serve both as components in body tissue and as catalysts for various body processes. The trace minerals in NutrientWise are chelated, which increases digestibility and absorption.

Calcium

A main building block of your horse’s skeleton, calcium also supports proper muscle contractions and plays a role in blood clotting.

Phosphorus

Essential to healthy bones and energy transfer reactions, phosphorus also plays a role in the synthesis of certain proteins. Calcium and phosphorus must be provided in the appropriate ratios. NutrientWise contains a balanced Ca:P ratio.

Copper

Copper is necessary for healthy connective tissue, cartilage, and bone. Other important functions of copper include red blood cell formation, hoof wall formation, and hair pigmentation.

Selenium

Selenium works in concert with vitamin E to defend the body’s cells from damaging oxidative byproducts known as free radicals. Selenium is a component of a beneficial enzyme that prevents free radicals from forming. Free radicals are released during normal energy production. Horses use energy to fuel bodily functions and movement. The greater the demand for energy, the greater the number of free radicals produced. Your horse’s body is equipped to deal with small amounts of these oxidative byproducts, but as the demand for energy increases, so does your horse’s need for additional antioxidants to counter the onslaught of free radicals.

Zinc

Zinc plays a role in healthy hooves and coat, bone development, and reproduction. It is also critical to proper immune function. Zinc is a trace mineral vital to proper enzyme function in protein metabolism. NutrientWise contains zinc proteinate, the form of zinc most easily digested by horses.

Yeast cultures

Research has shown that high-quality yeast cultures help horses maintain a healthy digestive tract and increase the digestibility of nutrients by stimulating the activity of the good microorganisms in the hindgut. A healthy microbial population will also reduce the incidence of digestive upset and contribute to a healthy immune system.