OKAPI Psyllium Husks
For a healthy gut
1,500g sufficient for approximately 2–4 weeks
3,000g sufficient for approximately 1–2 months or multiple horses
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More information.
More information.
What are OKAPI Psyllium Husks?
OKAPI Psyllium Husks are free from starch and particularly low in sugar, making them suitable for horses that are to be fed grain-free or are prone to weight gain. These are the seed husks of the Indian plantain, known for their strong mucilaginous and swelling properties. They absorb water in large quantities, which you can test yourself by pouring some water over them in a cup. They become very slimy, a process that also happens in the digestive tract of the horse after feeding.
They are commonly used in horses that tend to have sensitive stomachs, as well as for supporting the natural balance of the large intestine. Due to their high water-binding capacity, they can also bind free water in the digestive tract, thereby contributing to the improvement of natural digestion and defecation. For horses that consume their food directly from the ground or those that tend to eat sand or plants with their roots, we recommend regularly giving OKAPI Psyllium Husks for short periods to help the gut naturally eliminate the increased sand intake.
Although studies show a positive effect of psyllium husks on the digestive tract of horses after sand ingestion, no standard dosage can be provided. We recommend not exceeding the daily amount stated on the packaging and, if in doubt, giving the OKAPI Psyllium Husks for a few extra days.
The amount of sand in the horse’s manure can be measured quite easily. You will need some examination gloves (about arm-length) which you can obtain from your veterinarian. Fill fresh droppings (without dirt or sand contamination) into the glove, add water, tie the top of the glove, and shake it to dissolve the manure. Hang the filled glove with the knot on a hook and wait for the sand to settle in the fingertips while the organic components of the manure rise to the top (usually about half an hour). You can then feel from the outside of the glove how much sand was in the manure. You can repeat this measurement weekly while feeding the psyllium husks to your horse, helping you estimate how long to continue feeding them. If you are unsure, we recommend contacting a therapist, and our partner Sanoanimal can assist you: https://wissen.sanoanimal.de/therapeuten.
Are OKAPI Psyllium Husks suitable for my horse?
OKAPI Psyllium Husks is suitable for adult horses of all ages and breeds.
Can I combine OKAPI Psyllium Husks with other products?
OKAPI Psyllium Husks can be easily combined with other products.
How long should I feed OKAPI Psyllium Husks ?
OKAPI Psyllium Husks should not be fed on a permanent basis. We recommend a limited feeding period of 2-6 weeks, which can be repeated after a break of at least 2 weeks, if necessary.
How are OKAPI Psyllium Husks fed?
OKAPI Psyllium Husks can be directly integrated into the horse’s existing feed. Psyllium seeds and husks have the ability to swell significantly, which is why it is generally recommended to soak them before feeding. However, considering the amount of water a horse consumes daily, along with the fluids added during the digestion process, soaking is more of a precaution. The digestive tract of a medium-sized horse typically contains around 100 litres of fluid, so there is enough liquid available to allow the normally fed quantities to swell sufficiently without causing health issues.
Particularly, psyllium husks are often rejected by many horses due to their slimy and slippery texture, even when attempts are made to hide them in soaked hay cubes or similar feed. Therefore, it is suggested that they can be fed dry if necessary. However, if a horse generally drinks too little or is prone to impaction colic or similar digestive issues, it is advisable to soak all feed before feeding to ensure adequate fluid intake. In such cases, it is also worth having your horse checked for gastric ulcers, as this could be the cause of drinking issues. For finding a qualified therapist, our partner Sanoanimal can assist you. You can find a list of therapists by contacting us at https://wissen.sanoanimal.de/therapeuten/
How do I calculate the correct dosage for my horse?
To calculate the appropriate dose for OKAPI PankrEMS forte, determine the weight of the horse. The horse’s weight can be measured by weighing, using a measuring tape, or with apps like the BCI App from our partner Sanoanimal (available for free in the Google Play and the Apple Store).
The general recommendation for OKAPI products is based on a 600 kg horse. The recommended daily amount is 1 mL (1 scoop = 10 g).
To adjust the dose: If the horse weighs 300 kg, the dose should be adjusted accordingly. The calculation is as follows: daily dose (10 g) / 600 kg × weight of the horse (300 kg) = daily ration (5 g). This method helps determine the appropriate amount.
Due to the higher content of trace elements, this supplement should only be fed up to 1% of the horse’s daily ration.
What is included in OKAPI Psyllium Husks?
OKAPI Psyllium Husks contains: Indian psyllium husks.
Analytical components and contents:
Crude fibre: 3.3%
Single feed for horses.
Store in a cool, dry place! Best before: see label.