Store in a cool, dry place! Best before: see label
OKAPI Helianthus
Supports gut regulation
2,000g sufficient for approximately 3–6 weeks
4,000g sufficient for approximately 2–3 months or multiple horses
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More information.
More information.
What is OKAPI Helianthus?
OKAPI Helianthus is a plant from the sunflower family that most horses enjoy eating.OKAPI Helianthus pellets can be given for a period of 4-6 weeks, particularly as part of gut-cleaning measures, such as during feed transitions. They are also beneficial for horses that tend to have sensitive guts, especially in winter. Jerusalem artichoke can support the natural gut environment in these cases. We recommend combining the Jerusalem artichoke pellets with our Bitter Herbs and ColoBalance in such situations. After a maximum of eight weeks, a break should be taken or switched to OKAPI ColoProtect forte. For horses that refuse OKAPI Helianthus pellets, we recommend using Whole Psyllium Seeds or Lax Psyllium Seed Husks as an alternative. OKAPI Helianthu pellets are made from the entire plant, the above the ground part. We intentionally do not process the tuber as it contains a high level of inulin, which can negatively affect the microbiome (“gut flora”) in the colon.
Is OKAPI Helianthus suitable for my horse?
OKAPI Helianthus is suitable for adult horses of all ages and breeds.
Can I combine OKAPI Helianthus with other products?
OKAPI Helianthus can be easily combined with other products.
How long should I feed OKAPI Helianthus?
OKAPI Helianthus should not be fed for more than 6–8 weeks at a time. After this period, it is recommended to switch to OKAPI Psyllium Husks or OKAPI Psyllium Seeds.
How is OKAPI Helianthus fed?
OKAPI Helianthus pellets can be fed either dry or soaked, provided the recommended amount and the period of around six weeks are not exceeded.
As a general recommendation for pellets of this size (6mm in diameter), it is advised to soak them before feeding, as pellets with a larger diameter can cause an atypical chewing cycle, potentially leading to tooth and jaw joint issues.
However, since OKAPI Helianthus is typically fed in small amounts and only for a limited period of 4-6 weeks (unlike hay or Vitalcobs, which are fed continuously), it is not a problem to feed them dry. In general, most horses enjoy OKAPI Helianthus, so the pellets can be offered without additional (soaked) feed.
How do I calculate the correct dosage for my horse?
To calculate the appropriate dose for OKAPI Helianthus, the following steps can be followed:
Determine the horse’s weight: The weight of the horse can be determined either by weighing it, measuring it with a tape measure, or by using apps such as the BCI app from our partner Sanoanimal (available for free on Google Play and the Apple Store).
Follow the feeding recommendation: The general recommendation for OKAPI products is based on a 600 kg horse.
The recommended daily amount is 50g-100g daily.
Adjust the dose: If the horse weighs, for example, 300 kg, the dose should be adjusted accordingly. The calculation would be: Daily dose (100 g) / 600 kg × Horse’s weight (300 kg) = Daily ration (50 g). This calculation method allows you to determine the appropriate amount.
What is included in OKAPI Helianthus?
OKAPI Helianthus contains: Topinambur (Helianthus tuberosus)
The Topinambur Pellets are made from the entire plant, specifically the above-ground parts. The tuber is intentionally not processed, as it has a very high content of inulin, which can negatively affect the microbiome (“gut flora”) in the large intestine.
Analytical components and contents:
Crude fibre: 22.7%
Feed Material for horses