By now, all of us have heard about probiotics and are aware that they are beneficial organisms that live in and on all species of plants and animals, including humans. That was not always the case. When I discovered the formulation for our Natural Digestive Support by BioEquine about 25 years ago (no, I did not formulate that one…), I had a very hard time trying to talk to people about probiotics for horses. My personal experience told me that probiotics were good for me — so why not my animals? Then, when I started seeing the wonderful results I was having on my ranch with this formulation, I began studying all of the ingredients in detail to understand what made this product so supportive.

In a previous newsletter, I talked about the base of our Natural Digestive Support (Diatomaceous Earth), which helps support a balanced digestive environment. But why add “bugs”?

1. A horse’s stomach is not much larger than its heart and produces acid 24 hours a day — unlike humans and carnivores.  
2. Much of the digestive process in a horse takes place in a large “container” called the cecum — basically a fermentation chamber full of beneficial bacteria.  
3. Excess acidity in the gut (from limited grazing, concentrated feeds, or management practices) can disrupt these beneficial microbes.  
4. For healthy digestion, a robust population of digestive bacteria — especially in the cecum — is essential. Regular support helps maintain this balance.

“We created our formulation for Natural Digestive Support 25 years ago!”

Here at BioEquine, we believe digestive wellness plays an important role in overall equine health. Our focus is supporting gut function by delivering a small amount of nutrients into a balanced digestive environment, helping maintain beneficial bacterial populations, and allowing the horse to get the most from its feeding program.

We do NOT believe every horse needs a different supplement. Instead, owners can adjust protein, fat, and carbohydrates to suit the individual horse. Of course, if your horse has special nutritional needs identified by your veterinarian, additional support may be appropriate.