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Equine |
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Canine |
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Everyday Nutrition |
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Sports Nutrition |
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Nutrition Articles |
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Media Releases |
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Nutrition Articles |
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The following are articles written by Uckele's team of experts.
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Ingredients for Calming and Focusing your Horse's Behavior
When you take on the responsibility of owning a horse, you know it will be equal parts of fun and hard work, but what happens if you properly feed, train and exercise your horse and he is still hard to handle in some situations, or stresses out a lot? Jessica, a serious Dressage student, had this problem, “My horse, Papillon, spent over a year unable to concentrate, pawing in his stall, head shaking, rearing, spooking, bucking, and had gotten to the point I was too scared to canter or even ride him. I had tried a lot of "calming" supplements and Vet recommended treatments, but nothing even began to help him.”
There are nutritional answers for these issues that provide support for brain and nervous system function to bring a better balance and improve stress response and recovery. Jack Grogan, Certified Nutritionist and Chief Science Officer for Uckele Health & Nutrition, has developed formulas for behavioral issues that contain combinations of herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that help soothe, relax, strengthen focus and provide restorative benefits to nervous system function.
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Addressing Your Horse's Joint Concerns
Many of our customers concerned over joint issues are familiar with supplements containing Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM to support their horses’ joint health and reduce the risk of joint stress from everyday activities and events such as trail rides or more competitive equine endeavors. For many horses, these simple foundation formulas work very well. However, there are times when a stronger, more complex formula is sought, either because of inherent weaknesses or the stress of competitive events.
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Supplement Success for Insect Control
Do you wish you could stop those biting insects from driving your horse crazy? More than a pest, insects can spread infection and disease and over time, can injure equine skin tissue and affect the horse's immune system. Many horse owners have tried external treatments that include everything from fly sheets to sprays, to shampoos and coat conditioners only to see their horse suffer from inflammation, scabs and patchy coats.
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Electrolytes
All three of Uckele's electrolyte formulas contain balanced amounts of the major electrolytes sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride. These products are highly concentrated so that smaller amounts can be utilized to give the greatest benefit. Electrolytes with proper fluid intake are vital for hydration, energy production, muscular contraction and relaxation, acid base balance, heart and lung function and the ability of all the muscles to recover from any type of stress, whether it's related to illness, travel, training or performing.
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ImmunoQuench Pellet for Allergy Support
At certain times of the year, does your horse exhibit wheezing, patchy coat, running eyes and/or nose, malaise or general edginess? If so, this could be an indication of an increased amount of internal stress and/or a decrease in the ability to manage environmental stresses.
Jack Grogan, CN and Uckele's Chief Science Officer has a deep understanding of what can cause these issues, "Studies show that stress of all kinds can influence immune function. Stress can include activities such as heavy training, competition, trailering, or even social changes such as a new pasture mate. Stress also includes internal metabolic changes, such as hormone imbalances, blood sugar changes, toxic accumulations and the effect that the environment has on the body's adaptive capabilities."
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The Benefit of Poultices During Show Season
During show season, horses are worked harder and stalled more often. This can generate a greater amount of stress on the muscles and the connective tissue.
Jack Grogan, Certified Nutritionist and Chief Science Officer at Uckele Health & Nutrition, believes that it is vitally important that the strong, yet delicate muscles and connective tissue in the legs be protected and cared for day in and day out, especially during this period of time, “As a result of the increased work load, it is very common for muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue to be overworked or strained; not necessarily to the point of injury, but as a normal consequence of the extra training and performance.”
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Sit. Stay. Supplement.
Deborah L. Johnson, CVM, CVMRT
Currently the Head Veterinarian at the Toledo Area Humane Society, Dr. Johnson is a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and certified in Animal Chiropractics by the AVCA.
Dr. Deb Johnson firmly believes that choosing the right foods is the best thing you can do for your pet's health. She also recognizes that even high quality commercial foods cannot provide everything your pet needs to be at their optimum level of health, "Feeding a commercial food is not ideal on its own. While there are nutraceuticals today for almost every health condition, there are several basic supplements I recommend for all healthy pets. These include digestive enzymes with beneficial bacteria, vitamins, and essential fatty acids."
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Allergy Management Through Antioxidant and Digestive Support
By Jack Grogan, CN
Chief Science Officer, Uckele Health & Nutrition
Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system when the horse's body reacts to a normally harmless substance in the environment, such as dust, pollen, substances in feed, mold, insect bites or injections. Almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction, which can range from mild and annoying to sudden and life-threatening, if not reversed.
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Vitamin/Mineral Formulas
Why Your Horse Needs a Balanced Vitamin/Mineral Mix
The science of equine nutrition recognizes that horses need a wide variety of vitamins and minerals to maintain overall health, performance levels, proper growth and reproductive health. The specific types and amounts of nutrients required can vary widely from horse to horse and breed to breed. Special needs factors must also be considered for horses that are pregnant, suffer from Cushing's syndrome, insulin resistance or founder.
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Phytonutrients, the Natural Alternative to Controlling Free Radicals
Phytonutrients are a relatively new class of natural compounds showing tremendous value in controlling inflammation and its negative effect on health. Hundreds of plants naturally produce these compounds, known as flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenolics and anthocyanins, to protect themselves from oxidative damage. These protective substances are antioxidants that give plants and fruits their color. Citrus fruits, grapes, berries, and green, red and yellow vegetables are all examples of antioxidant-rich foods.
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Equine Joint Health
Tools for Choosing Joint Supplements
Not all nutritional joint products are created equal. The grade of the raw ingredients, the potency and formula combination are just a few of the important facts that will determine the product's effectiveness. Jack Grogan, Certified Nutritionist and Chief Science Officer for Uckele Health & Nutrition, has developed several formulas that work strategically for horses with joint issues specific to their ages and activity levels, "Important research regarding joint structure and natural supplements has shown that Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, Silica, Yucca and Devils Claw are significant to joint health. Knowing what these nutrients are, and how they perform in the body will provide you with the tools you need to make educated choices when addressing your horse's joint issues."
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A Vet's Perspective: What Should I Feed Fido?
HOW TO READ AN INGREDIENTS LABEL
Dr. Deb Johnson has some answers when it comes to choosing the right food for your dog. Her main objection is that owners often make their choices based on fancy packaging, slick advertising campaigns and brand name foods they have known forever. "That's a mistake," Dr. Johnson advises, "Skip the glitz and go straight to the ingredients label. That's where the choices you make can make the difference in your pet's health and quality of life."
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Gastric Ulcers and the Performance Horse
Gastric ulcers occur in up to 90 percent of performance horses for a number of reasons. The leading causes are the stomach's exposure to excessive acid levels, a reduction in the natural protection of the stomach's lining, or both. Most equine ulcers occur in the upper portion of the stomach near the esophagus, where feed enters the stomach. Under normal circumstances, these cells in the stomach are protected from excess acid by the production of the horse's saliva.
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The Science of Nutrition
by Jack Grogan, CN
As the science of nutrition has evolved, the relationship between diet, optimal health and performance is now widely accepted and understood. It has become very clear that what we eat and what we feed our animals provides information to the cells & genes; diet and nutrition play an essential role in health risk prevention and recovery.
However, the science behind how nutrition influences health becomes even more vital as health issues become more common and prominent, such as obesity, diabetes, joint problems, Cushings syndrome, and insulin resistance.
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Nutritional Advice on Economical Approaches to Horse Supplementation
Effective Programs Encouraged to Reduce Potential Problems
The science and implementation of equine nutritional supplementation has expanded enormously in the last decade. Never before have more horses been better cared for with their nutritional and metabolic well-being in mind. However, the economy has forced even the most devoted horse owners to consider cutting back on their horse's supplements. Important questions need to be considered regarding whether your horse's supplements should be discontinued and the possible effects of a supplement being suddenly or gradually withdrawn. Are there certain supplements, that once begun, should NOT be discontinued, and might certain conditions be exacerbated without supplements?
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The Importance of Protein to Equines
Proteins are in the class of essential nutrients for horses, and are comprised of both essential and non-essential amino acids. The quality of any given protein source is determined by the amount and balance of the 10 essential amino acids.
Protein is essential for life, health and growth. It is utilized to support lean mass; muscle, bone, joint, tendon, organ, hormone, enzyme, hoof and connective tissue health. Proteins aid in maintaining the structural tissues of the body and are also involved in metabolic stability by contributing to balance in the body's many enzymatic and hormonal functions.
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Mineral Imbalances, Manifestations and Effects
Your horse's mineral status and the metabolic state associated with it can be a very significant indicator of inflammatory stress. Mineral imbalances can contribute to stress response and recovery, blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity and immune defense patterns. Understanding mineral excesses, deficiencies, the presence of toxic minerals and the inter-relationships between them can guide you toward achieving a state of optimal health for your horse and decrease the risk of developing health problems.
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Joint Support in Horses
Joint Health
Over the past several decades, important research has emerged regarding joint structure and natural supplements shown to enhance joint health, with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, Silica, Yucca and Devils Claw showing the most significance. What are these nutrients, and how do they perform in the body? The following information will provide you with the tools you need to make educated choices when it comes to addressing joint issues your horse may already have or develop in the future.
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Ulcers in Horses Q&A
Question:
Why does my horse get ulcers during show season? How can I manage the current problem and can it be prevented in the future?
Answer:
Ulcers are a common occurrence in performance horses for a number of reasons. Horse's stomachs produce hydrochloric acid 24-hours a day, not just when feed is consumed, so there is a constant...
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The Horse's Skin: Function, Allergies & Inflammation
The horse's skin is a highly organized, complex system of nerves, muscles, connective tissue, and highly specialized cells and tissues. It is designed to harmonize the horse's metabolism with both the internal and external environment. The horse's skin is the largest, heaviest organ in equine anatomy and includes the hair, hooves, specialized sweat glands and oil-producing glands. A large number of specialized sensory nerve cells function within the skin to allow the body to respond to touch, pain, pressure, and temperature changes of heat and cold.
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