GastroBalance Original

Guaranteed Analysis (per 2 oz dose): Calcium (mg) 3,400 4,000, Phosphorous (mg) 1,650, Salt (mg) 5,950 7,100, Magnesium (mg) 1,060, Potassium (mg) 68, Copper (mg) 65, Zinc (mg) 130, Selenium (mg) 1.3, Vit A. (IU) 18,750, Vit D. (IU) 1,875, Vit E. (IU) 45

Ingredients: Sodium Bentonite, Monocalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Unrefined Salt, Ground Limestone, Organic Oil, Lysine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E supplement, Ascorbic Acid, di-Methionine, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Sodium Selenite.

8lb - 64 Days
50lb - 400 Days

Bentonite clay has long been appreciated for its properties as a binder in animal feed and also as a digestive tract conditioner in livestock production. Bentonite clay, a type of smectite, is a natural clay containing sodium calcium aluminosilicate that comes from volcanic ash in the United States. Clays are crystalline molecules made up of alkali cations meaning that they have an alkali acidity. The molecules within the clay are arranged in a 3 dimensional arrangement that results in internal voids and channels in which a wide variety of other molecules can become trapped. When added to diets clays are able to trap toxic materials lowering their toxicity and essentially removing them from the gastrointestinal tract. Smectite clays such as the clay in the EnviroEquine products have high absorption capacity.

Clays such as smectites are able to absorb large amounts of water which is one way that they are able to reduce diarrhea. Additionally in pigs they have been shown to alter the microbial population in the gastrointestinal tract resulting in more favorable gut flora. It is thought that this is achieved by changing the intestinal environment due to the clay’s alkaline pH which influences the growth of specific types of bacteria. One of the causes of diarrhea can be low grade colonization of the gastrointestinal tract with pathogenic bacteria. These bacteria proliferate more readily when the pH of the gastrointestinal tract is more acidic. Therefore the addition of the more alkali clay may help stabilize pH maintaining an environment less favorable for these bacteria and more favorable for the gastrointestinal tract’s “good” bacteria. Additionally clays may attract bacterial cells with enough force to break these cells apart. Smectite clays have been shown to reduce post-operative diarrhea in horses with colic associated with the large intestine.

Other ways in which the gastrointestinal tract may be negatively impacted is from molds that occur in feeds. While thought to be less sensitive to mycotoxins and aflatoxins than some other species, horses may still suffer from the negative consequences of these molds being present in their feed. Bentonite clay and sodium calcium aluminosilicate the two main ingredients of Gastro and ElectroBalance have been shown to be beneficial in livestock feed by reducing the negative effects of toxins such as fumonisin and aflotoxins that are molds that can occur naturally in feeds. Unless removed, these toxins absorb quickly from the gastrointestinal tract after consumption and may cause a number of problems. In other species they have been linked to lack of appetite, weight loss, poor performance, depression, as well as reduced fertility and growth rate. It is thought that the clay binds irreversibly with the toxin in the gut thereby preventing absorption thus acting prophylactically. Preventing these toxins from entering the body has been shown to reduce severity of stress on the liver. Additionally clays bind toxins or detoxify bacterial toxins and have been shown in pigs to reduce permeability and damage to the intestinal lining caused by these toxins.

All GastroBalance products contain a source of naturally occurring unrefined salt. Daily sodium intake is vital for insuring adequate water consumption which is an important component of reducing impaction colic risk as well as the many functions in the body that require water. These include maintaining adequate lubrication of mucus membranes, production of secretions necessary for digestion, proper kidney function and many others. Sodium is also a vital mineral for proper muscle contraction. Horses that become dehydrated will suffer decreased performance.

Q: What is the major difference between GastroBalance and GastroBalance plus?

A: The major differences between GastroBalance and GastroBalance plus are that GastroBalance Plus provides a source of research proven yeast cultures shown to support hindgut health and feed utilization. Additionally GastroBalance Plus utilizes highly bioavailable organic trace minerals, selenium yeast, and natural vitamin E making it an excellent choice for hard working performance horses. GastroBalance is recommended for horses that face lower levels of stress and do not require as much digetstive tract support.