have you ever fed baking soda to horses?

[only_me]

if so, for what reasons and how did you feed it and how much?

If not, why not, or something else?

 

[silvershadow81]

Sorry i havent heard of feeding them baking soda?? Why would you want too? What is it for? x

 

[only_me]

apparantly it acts as a pick me up, and also buffers the pH of the stomach? I think is also used to help prevent tying up?

I think, im not really sure, hence asking on here

it is old fashioned, but google isnt really being much help

 

[silvershadow81]

AARRRHH!! Thanks for letting me know! Ill be interested to hear the responses... love all the old fashioned motions and potions! x

 

[Woody78]

yes, we used to! Actually on vet's recommendation. After long hard days/long journeys and also for a colicky one.

I think being alkaline it is supposed to settle the gut and also to aid with lactic acid build up.

Vet folk on here may be able to be a bit more scientific!

 

[Angua2]

baking soda or sodium bicarb is what is known as an amphoteric substance that can buffer both acid and alkali so is used in antacid preperations. Alka selzer the antacid preparation is sodium bicarb aka baking soda

 

[tinawales]

No - although I have seen some research on windsucking/cribbing being related to excess acidity in the stomach so horses are being fed similar substances to seek to reduce acidity to see if it helps prevent the vice. Some New Zealanders seem to have started it by feeding Tums etc. Others responded by pointing to the old practice of feeding baking soda for same reason.