Sand supplements... what do you use?

[Rudey]

Our grazing is on sandy land, and I am ever conscious that with the winter fast approaching grazing is getting low. I want to use a supplement that prevents sand colic. I have two horses, so as ever, something cost effective and readily available would interest me.

I have used a sand product before as a one off treatment. The name/brand of it escapes me, I will have a think. It was under £25 and treated my two horses for a week. It was a powder which was to be added to DRY feed, as when wet and it turns into a gel (which is supposed to happen inside the horse). I feed soaked fast fibre in my feeds now, so this product would be an issue - unless I fed two feeds - too much faff for me.

Are there any sand supplements out there which can be fed with 'wet' feed? xx

 

[Erin]

NAF do one, or you can feed Pysillium

 

[jsr]

I use psyllium husk for my lad. Just one or twice a year give him a course of it as he's also on sandy grazing. Cheap and easy to add to wet or dry feed. Not sure it actually has a taste cos he's never turned his nose up at it. Get mine from here http://www.naturalhorsesupplies.co.uk/p/product/0804062634-Psyllium+Husks++900g++%A3899/

 

[glenruby]

Psyllium is the ingredient that forms a gel - thi is also the active ingredient that removes the sand. Unfortunately there isnt really a way to avoid this. I have yet to see any success from non-psyllium based products with regards to reducing sand colics. Having said that there is no definitive research to say Psyllium is effective.
Try feeding a psyllium pellet as opposed to a powder - I have fed these along with beet pulp without a problem. In the States we used Assure Plus (a very good product and used by colic surgeons all over the States) but I dont think it is available over here.

 

[Rudey]

Ah thanks guys - you both said the same thing! Just had a look at the link, and that is cost effective (YEY)! So that is literally it - just treat once or twice a year? Sounds nice and simple! Thanks for the suggestions! xx

 

[Rudey]

Thankis for the advice Glenruby. I will have a google search and see what comes up pellet wise. xx

 

[nikk62]

Having first hand experience of sand colic (sadly) after referral to one of the top equine hospitals, I was advised to feed a product called Sand out made by Equine America.

This is in a pellet form and fed by weight according to your animals body weight.

I was advised to feed this one week in four. So feed for 7 days, none for 21 days and then repeat.

Sugar beet and fibre in the form of hay and chaff also help to move sand along the gut.

I feed this now as part of my routine to my two ponies.

 

[Rockchick]

I used psyllium when i had this problem

I think Global Herbs do it, or something similar called "Clear Out" ( I think)