Day: November 14, 2021

Amino Acids For Exercising Horses, The Benefits Of Branched Chain Amino Acids For Exercising Horses
November 14, 2021

The Benefits Of Branched Chain Amino Acids For Exercising Horses

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Background: Protein vs. Branched Chain Amino Acids:

Many people tend to think of protein as one substance — like one ingredient needed in our horses’ (or our own) diets. But that’s actually not the case.

There are many different types of proteins, each with a specific role to play in the body. Some proteins are structural parts, giving cells their shape or helping them move. Other proteins act as signals, communicating with different cells. Still other proteins aid in metabolism.

However, one thing all proteins have in common is their basic structural parts: amino acids. Each protein is made up of one or more chains of amino acids (known as polypeptides), and there are twenty types of amino acids in all.

Of the nineteen amino acids needed for normal adult bodily function (one is only required in infants), eight are considered essential amino acids. This means they must be consumed in the diet. The remaining eleven are known as non-essential amino acids, which is actually somewhat of a misnomer because they still play essential roles. But since these amino acids are synthesized by the body, they are not essential in the diet.

While good pasture and/or hay usually meet leisure horses’ protein requirements, hard-working horses can often benefit from added protein, specifically in the form of branched chain amino acids (B.C.A.A.’s). Named for their unique chemical structure, the B.C.A.A.’s include three of the essential amino acids: (L-) isoleucine, (L-) leucine, and (L-) valine.

How Branched Chain Amino Acids Work

B.C.A.A.’s work by aiding in the growth and repair of hard-working muscles, as opposed to allowing muscles to use existing protein which can lead to catabolism (muscle break-down). These amino acids increase protein synthesis, which helps to add more muscle. At the same time, B.C.A.A.’s reduce the rate of protein breakdown by decreasing the activity of the protein breakdown pathway and also decreasing the expression of several complexes involved in protein breakdown.

B.C.A.A. Benefits for Exercising Horses:

  • Provide support for muscle growth
  • May help horses maintain top speed longer
  • Support muscle preservation during intense activity
  • Support reduced muscle breakdown
  • Support recovery after strenuous activity

Supplemental B.C.A.A. Complex from Peak Performance Nutrients

Our B.C.A.A. Complex can be fed daily to improve attitude and aid in muscle growth and recovery. It can also be administered for three days prior to an event to support a more alert, energetic horse and to help your horse maintain top speed for a longer amount of time. The product comes in either powder or convenient paste form.

Whether you have race horses or compete in speed events, three-day eventing, or endurance rides, your horse may very well benefit from receiving additional protein supplementation in the form of B.C.A.A’s.

Sources:

Equine Protein Requirements

Introduction to Proteins and Amino Acids

BCAAs: The Many Benefits Of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplements

Best Electrotyte Balance For Horses, Electrotyte Balance
November 14, 2021

Electrotyte Balance For Horses

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It doesn’t matter whether your horse is a top-performing athlete, a trail horse out on a weekend ride, or a Cushing’s horse whose coat hasn’t fully shed even though it’s summer, if your horse is sweating more than normal, his electrolyte balance could very well be affected, and supplementation is likely necessary.

Electrolytes Explained 

Electrolytes include the minerals sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), and Calcium (Ca). In solid form, these minerals bond into salts (sodium chloride, for example), but when dissolved in water, they break down into individual ions which carry either a positive or negative charge.

The charges carried by electrolytes allow them to conduct electricity and assist in electrochemical processes in the body such as regulating heartbeat, muscle contraction, and even digestion. They also help to move fluids in and out of cells and aid in nutrient absorption. Without electrolytes, water cannot be properly retained and utilized by the body.

However, the key with electrolytes is balance. Horses naturally lose electrolytes through sweating, urine, and feces, but they gain them by consuming grass, hay, and/or feed. The exceptions are sodium and chloride, which should always be provided in the form of plain white salt (loose or in block form).

Hard-working horses who sweat for a prolonged period of time can have high levels of electrolyte losses, however. For these horses, supplementation is crucial. If electrolyte levels become unbalanced or depleted, cell function in the muscles, gut, and heart will slow or possibly shut down.

After a period of prolonged sweating, electrolytes should be supplemented for several days to make up for losses. If you plan to go on a weekend trail ride or horse show during hot weather, you can also start supplementing electrolytes several days in advance and then continue giving them throughout the event.

By the same token, not all horses need electrolyte supplementation. Horses living in cooler climates who don’t sweat regularly likely won’t. As stated above, balance is what’s most important!

Types of Electrolyte Supplements

One thing to keep in mind is that not all electrolyte supplements are created equal. Many contain sugar and other fillers, which aren’t desirable—especially for horses with insulin resistance, Cushing’s, or other metabolic conditions.

Peak Performance Nutrients, Inc. carries both paste and powder electrolytes which are made with high-quality, food-grade ingredients.

Our electrolytes contain:

• Concentrated chloride levels;

• Chelated minerals for improved absorption; and

• No sugar, fillers, dextrose, or sodium bicarbonate.

Bottom Line

It’s important to understand not only what electrolytes are, but which horses can benefit from supplementation. When choosing an electrolyte supplement for your horse, always look at the ingredients to ensure you’re getting a quality product which will provide minerals without the added sugar.

Sources

When Your Horse Needs Electrolytes

Horse Health Week: Why Electrolytes are Vital for Healthy Horses

Electrolyte Basics

Turmeric Aid For Horses, Turmeric and horses
November 14, 2021

Turmeric For Horses

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Turmeric Aid For Horses. You may have heard of turmeric (curcuma longa), a culinary spice often used to season Indian dishes. However, turmeric is also gaining popularity as a nutritional supplement for humans and animals alike. In truth, turmeric has been used medicinally for years in both ayurvedic and Chinese cultures, but it seems people in the West are just now catching on.

Many people take turmeric supplements for arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, and the purpose is very much the same when feeding turmeric to horses. Turmeric Aid For Horses

Additionally, Turmeric Aid For Horses has been shown to support:

  • Increased gastric wall mucus production, which helps protect and support normal stomach lining;
  • Healthy immune and respiratory system function;
  • Treatment of skin conditions.

When searching for a turmeric supplement, you may see it labeled as curcumin. This is the active ingredient in turmeric which gives the spice its bright yellow pigment and has also been associated with turmeric’s therapeutic effects. More specifically, curcumin is believed to contain antioxidant (neutralizing damaging free radicals), and anti-inflammatory properties.

Since performance horses commonly suffer from some degree of inflammation in the joints or soft tissue, turmeric may be a good option to support healthy cartilage, synovial fluid in the joints, and pain management.

You can find turmeric in bulk in most health food stores as well as many online locations, but unfortunately, turmeric, alone, has poor bioavailability. Another potential problem is that natural turmeric only contains about 3% curcumin, which is the component with the most health benefits. Turmeric Aid For Horses

There is some good news though: It’s been found that feeding Omega 3 fatty acids in conjunction with turmeric can dramatically increase its absorption, and adding piperine, an extract of black pepper, appears to further increase the bioavailability of curcumin. It’s believed that piperine affects certain digestive enzymes, allowing more time for the curcumin to be absorbed by the body.

At Peak Performance Nutrients, we carry a unique equine turmeric product called TumeriGOLD. This product uses a highly concentrated, extracted form of turmeric and includes Omega 3 fatty acids, as well as Bioperene® standardized piperine black pepper extract.

While other turmeric products often only provide 1% curcumin, fifteen grams of TumeriGOLD is all that’s needed to ensure your horse will receive the full, therapeutic benefits of curcumin.

Best Calming suplements for horses, Equine race horse calming supplement, calming supplements for pet
November 14, 2021

Calming Supplements For Horses

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Just like humans , horses as well has nutrition that keeps them calm. Supplements to calm your horse? While it may sound too good to be true, there are, indeed, certain nutrients which have been known to improve a horse’s “attitude”. We bring you Best Calming Supplements For Horses

Best Calming Supplements For Horses. However, before giving any type of calming supplement, it’s important to rule out other issues that could be negatively affecting your horse’s behavior. Ulcers, subtle lameness, or dental problems, among other things, could be to blame. Likewise, a horse working on an empty stomach is more likely to have behavioral issues—so ensure that forage is always offered before work.

But if other problems have been ruled out, a calming supplement may very well benefit your high-strung horse. Let’s take a look at some commonly used ingredients in Best Calming Supplements For Horses:

Magnesium
Many horses are magnesium deficient and can benefit from supplementation. Magnesium is actually one of the most important nutrients needed by the body as it regulates over 325 enzymes and increases oxygen delivery to muscle tissue. Additionally, magnesium activates enzymes needed for carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. This mineral is well-known for its ability to relax muscles and have an overall calming effect on horses.

B Vitamins
B vitamins may also play an important role in reducing stress. Horses can generate the majority of their own B vitamins, which occur as micro-organisms in the hind gut, but there is some evidence showing that additional supplementation can benefit horses during high stress situations or extreme exertion, such as that experienced with endurance riding or racing.

Let’s take a look at some specific B-vitamins and their functions Of Best Calming Supplements For Horses:

  • Thiamine (B-1): Thiamine aids in transmitting nerve impulses. Feeding higher levels of this B vitamin is thought to have a calming effect on nervous horses.
  • Riboflavin (B-2): Like magnesium, this B vitamin is crucial for carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It also plays an important role in the function of the nervous system.
  • Niacin (B-3): B-3 is also essential for the metabolism of fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Additionally, it helps to increase blood flow in the extremities.
  • Pyridoxine (B-6): B-6 is essential for protein metabolism, energy production, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
  • Folic Acid (B-9): Folic acid helps to produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, essential for a healthy circulatory system.

Herbs
A number of herbs are also known to have calming properties, but the drawback is that they may have an over-tranquilizing effect, interact with other medications, or have possible unwanted side effects. Chamomile, valerian, black cohosh, ginger root, and passion flower are a few examples. Additionally, some herbs will show up on drug testing.

At Peak Performance Nutrients, we carry several calming supplements such as Ex Stress, an all-natural, herb-free formula which can help your horse handle the stress of travel and competition. This product is available as a powder, pellet, or event-day paste. Out of 30 calming supplements tested, Horse Journal picked Ex Stress as the overall best choice.

Best Calming Supplements For Horses, We also have two multi-use vitamin, mineral and amino acid formulas for race horses: Pro V.M. and Pro V.M. with EFA’s. These two products include magnesium as well as several B vitamins and may have a positive effect on behavior.