Essential GI is a Winchester Feed proprietary combination of ingredients for GI maintenance supporting TOTAL horse health. Containing a mixture of research-based ingredients, Essential GI is designed to support the gut microbiome, which is estimated to support up to 80% of the horse’s immune system. The highly palatable combination of widely held gut support ingredients of antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins is why we call it Essential GI.
Essential GI ingredients are procured from longstanding US-based worldwide providers of high-quality feed ingredients for equine, human, and animal consumption. Over 200 scientific research-based articles support these ingredients.
Active ingredients: Encapsulated Butyric Acid, Beta Glucan 1&3, Bacillus subtilis PB6, Sodium Hyaluaronate, L-Glutamine, L-Theronine, Zinc Oxide, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Ground Flaxseed Meal, Flaxseed Oil
In addition, active immune system support is provided by essential amino acids, minerals and fermentation pre- and probiotics.
Encapsulated Butyric Acid, Beta Glucan 1&3, Bacillus subtilis PB6, Sodium Hyaluaronate, L-Glutamine, L-Theronine, Zinc Oxide, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Ground Flaxseed Meal, Flaxseed Oil
Inactive: Natural and artificial flavorings.
Encapsulated Butyric acid is a short chain fatty acid (SCFA) believed to be essential for gut health. It may play a beneficial role in the control of gastrointestinal infections. Supplementation of SCFAs reduce congestion, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and damage in the gut lining.
Beta Glucans 1&3 are soluble dietary fibers found in various plant sources, including oats, barley and yeasts. They act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria which improves digestion and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal issues. Beta-glucans stimulate the immune system by activating white blood cells, known as macrophages, which are scavengers against infections and boost the body’s resistance to diseases.
Beta-glucans have antioxidant properties, which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. This has been shown to help healing of gastric ulcers in horses.
Bacillus subtilis PB6 is a feed additive that contains spores of a strain of Bacillus subtilis. It is used to improve the health of poultry and other animals
Sodium hyaluronate is a naturally occurring substance that provides numerous benefits, particularly for skin and joint health. Sodium hyaluronate promotes the formation of new skin cells and supports wound healing. It is a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture and therefore helps to hydrate the skin to protect and soothe burns, cuts, and other skin injuries. Sodium hyaluronate is a component of synovial fluid, which lubricates and cushions joints. It can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
L-Threonine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain the proper protein balance in the body. It is important for the formation of collagen, elastin, and tooth enamel, and aids liver and lipotropic function when combined with aspartic acid and methionine which are common amino acids.
L-glutamine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining and supports a healthy gut microbiome. It helps strengthen the immune system and fight infections and is a primary fuel source for immune cells, such as white blood cells which can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of “leaky gut”. L-glutamine is a building block for muscle tissue and helps repair and rebuild muscles after exercise or injury and promotes protein synthesis and provides energy for muscle cells. L-glutamine is essential for collagen production, which is crucial for wound healing and repairing damaged tissues. L-glutamine is a precursor for neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, which plays a role in brain function.
Zinc Oxide is a mineral compound with various benefits, particularly for skin health. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can help prevent skin infections and promotes the production of collagen, a protein essential for wound healing.
Lactobacillus delbrueckii is a probiotic bacterium that helps improve digestion by producing lactic acid, which lowers the pH in the gut and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. This may reduce symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome and by association “leaky gut”. It stimulates the immune system by producing antimicrobial peptides and polysaccharides. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Its anti-inflammatory effects include the production of metabolites that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce pain and swelling associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Ground Flax Seed Meal/Flax Seed Oil are a good source of protein and contain all the essential amino acids. These benefits are obtained when they are consumed in their ground form. Grinding flax seeds releases their nutrients and makes them more easily digestible. Flax seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can boost metabolism and reduce inflammation which may benefit conditions such as arthritis. Flax seeds are rich in antioxidants, including lignans and omega-3 fatty acids.. These antioxidants also help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Flax seeds are rich in fiber which slows absorption of glucose thereby regulating blood sugar. The high fiber content of flax seeds promotes regular bowel movements and improves digestive health. The soluble fiber in flax seeds forms a gel-like substance in the gut, which can help bind toxins and waste products.
Loading Dose: Feed 1 oz. per head twice daily for 10-14 days
Maintenance Dose: Feed 1 oz. per head per day.
For equine use only. Keep out of reach of children.
Store in a cool dry place.
The Importance of Gut Health
The equine gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is susceptible to disease and sensitive to changes in diet, has a complex and diverse bacteria population called the microbiome that is critical to a horse’s health.1,2 The microbes within the GI tract assist with the digestion of nutrients, stimulate immune response, help protect against external pathogens, neutralize toxins and regulate gene expression — all of which are vital functions.2,4,5 Poor gut health can result in leaky gut, leading to reduced immune function, systemic inflammation and susceptibility to disease. All four types of ‘biotics can play a role in promoting good bacteria and therefore influence the microbiome and the overall gut health of your horse.
Defining the ‘biotics
How ‘biotics are used to support gut health
Since more than 70% of the horse’s immune system resides in the gut, it’s crucial to approach gut health in a comprehensive way, including management, nutrition, treatment and more. Horse owners and veterinarians may feed probiotics and related supplements to improve microbial balance, help prevent disease and ultimately improve gut health.1,5 The various ‘biotics may be used synergistically to support, regenerate, and diversify the “good bugs” and eliminate the “bad bugs.”
Factors to consider in choosing a ‘biotic
While each horse — and their microbial population — is unique, veterinarians and horse owners should consider some key thoughts when reviewing ‘biotic solutions: survivability, mode of action and safety.10
Probiotic spotlight
The Bacillus subtilis PB6 helps reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria in the horse’s gut, allowing for other prebiotics and probiotics in the horse’s diet to be more effective.10,11 PB6 has a combination of antimicrobial efficacy, pH intolerance and thermostability that makes it one of the most effective probiotics on the market for horses today.12
Safety: PB6 in has been demonstrated to be safe for use in foal and adult horse diets.
Look for science-backed, proven solutions for gut health. There is no silver bullet when it comes to establishing and maintaining optimal gut health for horses, but ‘biotics are an important piece of the gut health puzzle. To find the best solution for your horse, talk with your veterinarian or contact your feed specialist.
Healthy Gut. Healthy Horse.
What is Leaky Gut?
Leaky Gut Syndrome occurs when the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is compromised, allowing harmful pathogens or toxins to cross the intestinal barrier and be absorbed into the bloodstream. A “leak” into the bloodstream will cause intestinal inflammation, resulting in various systemic problems for your horse. These leaks often start slowly, but with time can result in a wide variety of health and performance issues you see every day in your horse:
Common environmental and situational stressors – ranging from pathogens and parasites to hay changes and trailering – can all lead to LGS. Stress can result in damage to the tight junctions of the intestinal lining that are an important barrier between toxic intestinal contents and the bloodstream.
Preventing Leaky Gut
The best way to prevent LGS or help to heal a leaky gut is through good nutrition and attention to gut health. Feeding nutrients provided in Essential GI that support gut health will help mitigate the everyday “slow leak” and improve your horse’s health and wellbeing.
1Weese JS. Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. J Equine Vet Sc (2002);22(8):357-360.
3Gluck C, Pratt-Phillips S. 65 Survey regarding the perception of prebiotics/probiotics amongst North Carolina horse owners or leasers. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. Volume 100, May 2021, 103528, Proceedings of the Virtual Equine Science Symposium 1st – June 4, 2021.
4Loving NS. Equine Immunity from Birth to Old Age. The Horse, April 26, 2019.
6Smith L. What are Postbiotics? WebMD, Sept. 8, 2021.
9Sabahi S, Homayouni Rad A, Aghebati-Maleki L, Sangtarash N, Asghari Ozma M, Karimi A, Hosseini H, Abbasi A. Postbiotics as the new frontier in food and pharmaceutical research. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (2022). Published online March 29, 2022.
10Evaluating the Antimicrobial Efficacy of CLOSTAT® and Alternative Equine Probiotics. Kemin Technical Literature.
12CLOSTAT Active Microbial Mode of Action. Kemin.
Equine Gastrointestinal Research Updates
Polysaccharide Treatment Reduces Gastric Ulceration in Active Horses
