Optimum Probiotic

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Mad Barn’s 5-strain blend of probiotic bacteria is formulated to help balance the horse’s gut microflora and support digestive function and the immune system. No fillers, simply a great probiotic supplement at the lowest possible cost.  2 months for $20!!! WOW

* Based on a 500 kg (1100 lb) horse at a feeding rate of 1 gram per day
SKU: 888 Categories: , ,
We stand behind our products to provide the best nutrition for your horse. No fillers, just research-backed ingredients. If your horse doesn't love this product, our Customer Happiness team is here to help or give you a refund guaranteed.
Optimum Probiotic Supports:
  • Gut Health
  • Improved Digestion
  • Proper Intestinal pH
  • Immunity
  • Protection from Toxins
  • Nutrient Absorption
  • Feed Efficiency
  • Weight Gain
  • Prevention of Colic & Diarrhea
  • Allergies & Skin Conditions

Mad Barn’s Optimum Probiotic is a blend of 5 pure bacterial strains shown to promote healthy intestinal flora, digestive comfort, and immunity in the horse.

Our once-daily equine probiotic supplement has been scientifically formulated for regular maintenance of gut health and for preventing digestive issues.

Optimum Probiotic is a highly concentrated formula consisting of 5 probiotic strains that are resistant to stomach acid, bile and digestive enzymes, working to populate your horse’s gastrointestinal tract with beneficial microorganisms.

Each serving of Optimum Probiotic provides a guaranteed minimum of 20 billion viable CFUs (Colony Forming Units) of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus farciminis.

Looking for even more powerful protection for your horse’s digestive system? Consider our Optimum Digestive Health supplement which contains probiotics along with prebiotics, digestive enzymes, yeast cultures and more.

 

Why Use Optimum Probiotic?

Probiotic bacteria exist naturally throughout your horse’s gastrointestinal tract, playing an important role in metabolism, nutrient absorption, vitamin & protein synthesis, feed efficiency and overall digestion. These beneficial microorganisms also help to maintain appropriate pH balance by producing lactic acid, inhibiting the growth of pathogens and supporting the immune system.

However, the delicate balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria is frequently upset by changes in diet, excess grain consumption, stress, environmental factors, illness, medication use and more. If your horse’s gut microbiota becomes imbalanced, dysbiosis can occur leading to potential symptoms including:

  • Diarrhea or loose stools
  • Abdominal pain, bloating or constipation
  • Colitis, laminitis or colic
  • Impaired immune function
  • Gastric Ulcer Disease
  • Weight loss or ill thrift
  • Systemic inflammation
  • Poor skin & coat quality
  • And more…

Regular use of direct-fed microbials like our Optimum Probiotic supplement can prevent dysbiosis by seeding the horse’s gut with large quantities of beneficial bacteria, maintaining a favourable microflora population.

But not all probiotics work equally well. Many products on the market simply do not supply enough bacterial colonies to be effective, providing a fraction of the dosage required to make a meaningful impact. Other products are composed largely of fillers or contain probiotic cultures that die off before they reach their intended site of action in the gut. And COST a lot more!

That’s why we designed Optimum Probiotic to be a pure, cost-effective equine probiotic that replenishes gut bacteria with strains proven to work and deliver real benefits to your horse. No marketing hype. Simply a great probiotic supplement at the lowest possible cost.

Instead of paying for fillers, unnecessary ingredients or supplements with ineffective dosages, choose Mad Barn’s Optimum Probiotic:

  • Guaranteed 20 billion CFUs per serving
  • Pure 5-strain blend with no fillers
  • The best value for your money

Does My Horse Need Probiotics?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, your horse may benefit from the inclusion of bacterial probiotics like Mad Barn’s Optimum Probiotic.

  • Has your horse recently received NSAID’s like Banamine, Bute or Firocoxib?
  • Is your horse currently taking antibiotics and/or wormers?
  • Does your horse show signs of digestive upsets, have loose stools or bouts of equine diarrhea?
  • Does your horse appear underweight or unthrift?
  • Is your horse elderly?
  • Has your horse recently experienced an illness, infection or other stressor?
  • Have you recently changed your horse’s diet or environment?

Supplementing beneficial bacterial probiotics can help to restore your horse to optimal health and well-being faster. Get your horse’s microbiome back on track with Optimum Probiotic.

 

Ease of Use

Adding probiotics to your horse’s diet is now more economical than ever with Optimum Probiotic powder for horses, costing as little as $0.25 per day.

Optimum Probiotic is highly concentrated. Simply feed a single 1-gram scoop per day to supply the recommended serving size of 20 billion CFUs.

This extremely low inclusion rate along with high palatability means there will be no issues with fussy eaters leaving the supplement behind!

 

The Right Combination

Optimum Probiotic is composed of a hardy blend of 5 natural bacterial strains that grow at a wide range of pH conditions.

Probiotics only work if they are alive when they reach the gastrointestinal tract. The digestive system can be a hostile environment for bacteria to traverse, between the acidic conditions of the stomach, enzyme activity and bile in the small intestine and the competitive environment of the hindgut.

Containing 5 strains that are able to flourish in all environments, Optimum Probiotic ensures maximal activity in all areas of the digestive tract.

These lactic-acid producing bacteria competitively inhibit the growth of disease-causing pathogenic bacteria and help to clear out toxins from the digestive system. They also contribute to improved fiber breakdown and nutrient assimilation from feeds, supporting energy metabolism and healthy weight gain.

Research continues to uncover benefits linked to probiotic supplementation in horses and other animals. Optimize your horse’s gut today with Optimum Probiotic.

You should always consult a qualified nutritionist before altering your feed program. Submit your horse’s diet for analysis online and one of our equine nutritionists will be happy to provide a complementary review.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus2023-03-20T14:57:12-04:00

Lactobacillus AcidophilusLactobacillus Acidophilus is one of the most widely supplemented species of Lactic Acid Bacteria with well-researched probiotic effects. These bacteria produce lactic acid in the gastrointestinal tract by breaking down carbohydrates (sugars) like lactose. L. Acidophilus helps to maintain an acidic environment in the gut that is not hospitable to pathogenic bacteria and germs.

L. Acidophilus exists naturally within the horse’s microbiota, but adding this probiotic to the diet in adequate quantities can help to improve the balance between good and bad bacteria within the intestines. These bacteria attach to the gut wall, limiting the number of places where harmful bacteria can gain a foothold and begin to colonize. This may improve digestion processes and contribute to overall health by supporting the immune system.

In horses, Lactobacillus Acidophilus supplements are believed to enhance nutrient uptake from food, assist in hindgut fermentation and help maintain a healthy pH balance. L. Acidophilus may also support horses with digestive issues such as colic and scours.

Lactobacillus Casei2019-09-12T14:39:28-04:00

Lactobacillus CaseiLactobacillus Casei is a species of Lactic Acid Bacteria from the Lactobacillus genus that is noted to have probiotic effects in a wide range of acidity and temperature conditions. It is commonly supplemented together with L. acidophilus because the two species support each others growth.

Within the gastrointestinal tract of the horse, balancing the microflora can promote improved nutrient utilization, digestion, and build immunity. L. Casei has been studied for its effects on colic, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis and other gastrointestinal issues.

In research studies, supplementation with L. Casei has been shown to reduce the probability of intestinal infections and improve bowel regularity. This beneficial bacteria helps to protect the horse from pathogens by competing with harmful bacteria for resources and space on the intestinal walls. L. casei also produces bacteriocins or antimicrobial proteins and stimulates lymph tissue to release substances that combat infections.

Lactobacillus Farciminus2023-03-21T10:12:55-04:00
Lactobacillus Farciminus

Lactobacillus farciminis is a lactic acid producing bacteria that can be supplemented to livestock to support fibre digestion. These microbes break down fibre (such as cellulose and hemicellulose) to yield free fatty acids that the horse can use for energy. 

By producing lactic acid, these microbes help maintain a healthy hindgut environment that limits the growth of pathogenic microbes. 

Based on hindgut samples taken from horses fed L. farciminis, this strain improves gas production and fibre fermentation. Other studies suggest these microbes attach to the gut wall to support a healthy mucosal barrier. 

L. farciminis may be beneficial for horses with hindgut issues such as hay belly, diahhrea, colic and dysbiosis. 

Lactobacillus Fermentum2019-09-12T14:01:44-04:00

Lactobacillus FermentumLactobacillus Fermentum is a Gram-positive species of Lactic Acid Bacteria that exists naturally in the horse’s gut bacteria population. Like other probiotics, it helps to support healthy digestive function, immune response and increased nutrient absorption.

L. Fermentum helps promote a favourable composition of gut bacteria by inhibiting the growth of harmful disease-causing microorganisms. In research studies on mice, it has been shown to combat the growth of pathogenic bacteria and increase the presence of virus-neutralizing antibodies in the gut.

It is commonly used as a probiotic culture to address digestive disorders and gastrointestinal discomfort. It has been shown to reduce colonic inflammation when supplemented in experimental animal models with colitis. Research shows that it can ameliorate the inflammatory response within gastrointestinal tissue by reducing levels of colonic tumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).

Lactobacillus Plantarum2019-09-09T18:34:13-04:00

Lactobacillus PlantarumLactobacillus Plantarum is a species of Lactic Acid Bacteria with probiotic effects in the horse macrobiome. Research shows that supplementing with probiotics can improve inflammation, oxidative damage, immune fuction and insulin sensitivity in horses.

DFMs (direct-fed microbials) are commonly used in horses to support digestive function, hindgut health and nutrient absorption from the gut. Lactobacillus Plantarum naturally occurs in the horse intestine and helps to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria through competitive exclusion.

Equine researchers have also been examining the effects of L. Plantarum on exercise performance in horses. In one preliminary study involving mice, adding this strain of probiotic bacteria to the diet was shown to increase muscle mass and type I slow-twitch muscle fibers. According to the researchers, long-term use of this supplement could “enhance energy harvesting, and have health-promotion, performance-improvement, and anti-fatigue effects.”

Recommended Use: Supports gut health and immune function.

Directions for Use:

Administer with feed. Provide Daily.

Body Weight Scoops Dose
< 200 kg 0.5 scoops 0.5 g
200 – 500 kg 1 scoop 1 g
> 500 kg 1.5 scoops 1.5 g
1 scoop = 1.2 cc = 1 grams

Caution:

This VHP may not be incorporated into a mixed feed.

Store in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed when not in use.

Not for use in horses intended for food.

Shelf Life:

12 months from date of manufacture.

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS:
A blend of 5 strains of pure probiotics.
Nutrients Units
Proprietary Active Blend per gram:
Contains not less than:
Lactobacillus fermentum (min) 1 billion cfu/g
Lactobacillus acidophilus (min) 1 billion cfu/g
Lactobacillus casei (min) 1 billion cfu/g
Lactobacillus plantarum (min) 1 billion cfu/g
Lactobacillus farciminis (min) 1 billion cfu/g
Total Bacteria (min) 20 billion cfu/g

Ingredients: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus farciminis, dextrose.

Excipient Ingredients: Dextrose, calcium silicate

Register & manufactured by: Mad Barn Inc., Petersburg, ON, Canada.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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* Recommended serving size of 0.2 grams per 100 kg (220 lb) of body weight
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Disclaimer: Recommended feeding rate varies depending on your horse's condition and current diet. Consult with a nutritionist to determine the appropriate inclusion rate for your horse.

Customer Questions About This Product

    I just opened this package today but have decided to try the vitality instead. Will this product still be good in two months? Should I store it in the fridge until I use it again?
  1. 0 votes
    Q I just opened this package today but have decided to try the vitality instead. Will this product ...... Read more
    Asked by Jessica on October 24, 2023 10:52 pm
    Answered by the admin Optimum Probiotic is stable for one year from the date of manufacture listed on the container, opened or unopened, if stored in a room temperature or cooler space and kept dry. 
  2. "This VHP may not be incorporated into a mixed feed." Can you please explain what this means? What does VHP stand for? What are you referring to specifically by the term mixed feed? Can this product be fed with the Omneity Pellets?
  3. 0 votes
    Q "This VHP may not be incorporated into a mixed feed." Can you please explain what this means? Wha...... Read more
    Asked by horse_speak on October 17, 2023 10:37 am
    Answered by the admin Please disregard this caution on the label as it is not applicable to consumers. VHP stands for "Veterinary Health Product". The caution is applicable to commercial manufacturers that may be adding the product into feeds undergoing processing, which could cause the probiotics to degrade. Yes the probiotics can be fed along with Omneity. However, Omneity contains the same 5 strains of probiotics so we typically don't recommend feeding the same additional probiotics as it is not necessary for most horses. Please let us know if you have any additional questions!
  4. Is it necessary to supplement with this product if a horse is already on Omneity premix?
  5. 0 votes
    Q Is it necessary to supplement with this product if a horse is already on Omneity premix?
    Asked by onceuponapony on August 22, 2023 9:25 am
    Answered by the admin Omneity Premix contains probiotics and yeast to support overall digestive health so it is not necessary to add additional probiotics unless recommended by your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist.
  6. Is the tiny scoop provided with the probiotic pwd equal to the daily dosage of 1 gram?
  7. 0 votes
    Q Is the tiny scoop provided with the probiotic pwd equal to the daily dosage of 1 gram?
    Asked by Heidi Dionne on July 22, 2023 12:00 pm
    Answered by the admin Hi Heidi,  Thanks for reaching out! Yes, the tiny scoop in the Optimum Probiotic is equal to the daily dose of 1 gram.  Have a great day! Kind regards, Kirah Mad Barn
  8. What exactly are the 5 strains of prebiotics?
  9. 0 votes
    Q What exactly are the 5 strains of prebiotics?
    Asked by Elle corvin on May 26, 2023 4:52 pm
    Answered by the admin The five strains of probiotics are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus farciminis.
  10. I've heard that salt can hurt the benefits of probiotics, Is this true? I am feeding this with salt in warm water meals and wondering if I should change my tactics. I'm fighting loose stool syndrome in two elderlies.
  11. 0 votes
    Q I've heard that salt can hurt the benefits of probiotics, Is this true? I am feeding this with sa...... Read more
    Asked by Laura Orr on April 24, 2023 11:52 am
    Answered by the admin Assuming there are other feeds in the mixture and it's a normal amount of salt being fed(~ 1 - 2 tbsp) it will be fine! However, I would try adding the probiotics into the mixture directly before feeding it. The warm water may 'activate' the dried probiotics, which should then be provided directly to the horse.
  12. My senior horse, 27, is on Optimum Probiotic. He has no weight issues but just diagnosed with Cushings. He also has EORTH which we are waiting for a mobile dentist. My question is because of the Cushings should he be on something else. He is on 1 pill of Prascand which upset his stomach so I reduced it to 1/2 for the time being. He didn't colic but was just off. He gets soaked hay cubes 2 X/day as hays balls up due to back teeth issues. Picking hay out of his hay net seems to be OK as long as he takes small amts. Grazing is fine. i have worked with a nutritionist regarding his diet - he is on a senior feed. Other than that he is healthy. Weight is 1156 lbs 15 h. Stocky QH.
  13. 0 votes
    Q My senior horse, 27, is on Optimum Probiotic. He has no weight issues but just diagnosed with Cus...... Read more
    Asked by Glenna Lea Benson on January 15, 2023 7:59 pm
    Answered by the admin Hi Glenna! It would be best to chat with one of our nutritionists about his diet.  If you visit this link, you can enter his diet and one of our nutritionists will review it and get back to you: https://madbarn.ca/analyze-diet/  
  14. Hi, you answered a previous customer's question with, "Exposure to heat and moisture can render the bacteria unviable before they reach your horse's hindgut." If that is true, how can this beneficial bacteria survive any part of the horse's digestive tract up to and including the hind gut. The horses' digestive tract is by design both warm and moist.
  15. 0 votes
    Q Hi, you answered a previous customer's question with, "Exposure to heat and moisture can render t...... Read more
    Asked by Gwen McGillivray on December 28, 2021 4:07 pm
    A Exposure to extreme temperatures and moisture can decrease the ability of the probiotics to withstand the hostile environment of your horse's digestive system. 
  16. Is this safe for my Insulin Resistant horse? I see it has dextrose added to the powder form.
  17. 0 votes
    Q Is this safe for my Insulin Resistant horse? I see it has dextrose added to the powder form.
    Asked by Kathy on April 6, 2021 9:06 am
    A

    Yes, this is safe for insulin resistant horses.

  18. Hi there! How does this product compare to Omega Alpha Biotic 8? I understand they have more strains of probiotics (and it’s $$$), but realistically what is the difference on the horses end? Thanks!
  19. 0 votes
    Q Hi there! How does this product compare to Omega Alpha Biotic 8? I understand they have more stra...... Read more
    Asked by natacharowsell97 on March 15, 2021 9:34 am
    Answered by the admin

    There are some similarities, as with any probiotic product.  Although they list more strains of bacteria Optimum Digestive Health has more than 4x the number of bacteria or cfu's per serving.  It also contains novel nucleotides and a comprehensive enzyme blend along with toxin binders and support for the immune system.

  20. My horse is not currently on grain. Can this probiotic be mixed with water and be given in a syringe?
  21. 0 votes
    Q My horse is not currently on grain. Can this probiotic be mixed with water and be given in a syri...... Read more
    Asked by Sophie on March 8, 2021 7:55 pm
    Answered by the admin Hi Sophie, Yes the product can be mixed in water and given by syringe. We don't recommend mixing the product with water and letting it sit for a long period of time. However, if you are adding it to the water right before administration this will not significantly affect efficacy.
  22. Can I feed this to my large breed dogs
  23. 0 votes
    Q Can I feed this to my large breed dogs
    Asked by Sharon on February 3, 2021 7:05 am
    Answered by the admin We recommend asking a vet before feeding this product to your dog.
  24. What do you recommend the Optimum probiotic be mixed with? Is adding to beet pulp or fat and fibre ok?
  25. 0 votes
    Q What do you recommend the Optimum probiotic be mixed with? Is adding to beet pulp or fat and fibr...... Read more
    Asked by tracyleaenglish on January 20, 2021 8:27 am
    Answered by the admin

    Either of those are fine options.  It's only 1 gram, so very easy to mix with anything.

  26. What product(s) have you seen success with equine diarrhea.? Senior horse / has been repeatedly checked by vet/ teeth issues . I’m thinking his gut needs help ..
  27. 0 votes
    Q What product(s) have you seen success with equine diarrhea.? Senior horse / has been repeatedly c...... Read more
    Asked by Dale Butt on January 3, 2021 9:56 am
    A

    Hi Dale,

    For horses with chronic diarrhea, we recommend starting with Visceral+ for a minimum 2 months, to support gastric and hindgut health.

  28. I prep the supplements for my horse in daily containers for the week. Can the Optimum Probiotic be put in these same daily containers and prepared for the week ahead of time?
  29. 0 votes
    Q I prep the supplements for my horse in daily containers for the week. Can the Optimum Probiotic b...... Read more
    Asked by Karen on December 2, 2020 3:57 pm
    A Karen - We recommend adding in the Optimum Probiotics separately right before feeding if possible to maximize viability.
  30. Can you feed to a pregnant mare
  31. 0 votes
    Q Can you feed to a pregnant mare
    Asked by Jenn on November 30, 2020 11:39 pm
    A Hi Jenn - Yes, you can feed Optimum Probiotics to a pregnant mare.
  32. I am switching from the optimum digestive health pellets to this just for the winter while my mare is not in full time work, I pre-make all my mares feed for ease of feeding by barn manager, can this be added into pre-made rations or does it have to be added in during feeding time? thanks!
  33. 0 votes
    Q I am switching from the optimum digestive health pellets to this just for the winter while my mar...... Read more
    Asked by keyisforever1 on October 16, 2020 4:55 pm
    A Hi there - We recommend that you add the Optimum Probiotics in separately to your horse's ration to maximize viability of the bacteria. Exposure to heat and moisture can render the bacteria unviable before they reach your horse's hindgut. We also don't advise soaking the probiotics in hot water, as this will kill the bacteria.
  34. Riva's Pro-Colon Optimum Digestion is a pre and probiotic blend of: - Acidophilus (24 billion CFU's) - Bifido bifidum (25 billionCFU's) - Fructooligosaccarides (250 mg Only a 1/4 tsp (1 gm) daily. It requires refrigeration. Why don't your products? Thank you.
  35. 0 votes
    Q Riva's Pro-Colon Optimum Digestion is a pre and probiotic blend of: - Acidophilus (24 billion CF...... Read more
    Asked by Friedel, Marsha* on August 25, 2020 9:04 am
    Answered by the admin Hi Marsha, Our probiotic is formulated to be shelf-stable. This means that it doesn't require refrigeration. With all probiotics, there may be some loss of the number of living Colony Forming Units (CFUs) over the lifespan of the product. Our product is formulated with a high enough dosage of living bacterial microorganisms that it will provide beneficial results over the shelf-life of the product.
  36. I want to order one probiotic at $20. Why do I need to order two to get free shipping?
  37. 0 votes
    Q I want to order one probiotic at $20. Why do I need to order two to get free shipping?
    Asked by Mad Barn Customer on May 31, 2020 9:03 pm
    Answered by the admin Unfortunately shipping costs are so high if we send out one package of the probiotics at a time that we had to set a minimum order of two in order to ship via courier. I’m sorry for the inconvenience!
  38. How does your probiotic supplement compare to Equine Choice's probiotic?
  39. 0 votes
    Q How does your probiotic supplement compare to Equine Choice's probiotic?
    Asked by Mad Barn Customer on May 31, 2020 9:03 pm
    Answered by the admin Optimum Probiotic is just 5 strains of bacteria, nothing else. It's a great probiotic if you are looking for a product with no fillers to add to your horse's diet. Equine Choice's probiotic contains other ingredients besides just bacteria. While you can switch to our Optimum Probiotic, if you wanted to switch to something more like Equine Choice, it would be our Optimum Digestive Health Pellets which is a more comprehesive gut health supplement that also contains yeast, digestive enzymes, prebiotics and more.
  40. I recently acquired a yearling. At what age you can start them on the probiotics?
  41. 0 votes
    Q I recently acquired a yearling. At what age you can start them on the probiotics?
    Asked by Mad Barn Customer on May 31, 2020 9:03 pm
    Answered by the admin The probiotics can be started at any age. Just adjust the dose to your horse’s body weight.
  42. Is Optimum a pellet or a powder?
  43. 0 votes
    Q Is Optimum a pellet or a powder?
    Asked by Mad Barn Customer on May 31, 2020 9:03 pm
    Answered by the admin We have two products under the Optimum line. The first is the Optimum Probiotic which is just a straight powdered probiotic supplement. It contains a pure blend of 5 probiotic strains. The second product is Optimum Digestive Health which is a more comprehensive gut health supplement and contains probiotics and prebiotics. That comes in a pelleted form.
  44. Is the dosage for Optimum Probiotic given per feed or per day?
  45. 0 votes
    Q Is the dosage for Optimum Probiotic given per feed or per day?
    Asked by Mad Barn Customer on May 31, 2020 8:05 am
    Answered by the admin The daily dose for our Optimum Probiotics is 1 gram per day, which can be given in a single feeding or split into multiple feedings during the day.
  46. Why is there a minimum order of two 60 gram probiotics to receive free shipping?
  47. 0 votes
    Q Why is there a minimum order of two 60 gram probiotics to receive free shipping?
    Asked by Mad Barn Customer on May 31, 2020 8:04 am
    Answered by the admin We now ship the probiotic pouches by courier to ensure fast and reliable delivery. This requires us to have a minimum order to keep our prices low and to offer free shipping.
  48. For a senior horse who is having issues with weight would you recommend Optimum Probiotic or Optimum Digestive Health?
  49. 0 votes
    Q For a senior horse who is having issues with weight would you recommend Optimum Probiotic or Opti...... Read more
    Asked by Mad Barn Customer on March 21, 2020 11:49 am
    Answered by the admin The difference between the two is that Optimum Digestive Health Pellets (ODH) have both probiotics and yeasts, toxin binders, enzymes and more to support total hindgut health. Our Optimum Probiotic just contains our 5-strain blend of probiotics. Both are excellent for replenishing and maintaining healthy gut bacteria so that nutrients are better absorbed and the risk of digestive upset is reduced. It depends what your goal is with your horse, but for more comprehensive hindgut support, I would go with the ODH. It is also important to determine whether there are underlying issues contributing to weight loss. Teeth issues and/or ulcers may be contributing to weight loss. I would also ensure that she is getting adequate levels of vitamins and minerals from her feed by weighing it and reading the feed instructions carefully. I say this because we often find that commercial feeds are not fed at the correct rate (by weight) and can result in deficiencies long term that can affect many aspects of health, especially senior horses.
  50. I am trying to decide between the Optimum Probiotic and the Optimum Digestive Health Pellets. Why would I choose one supplement over the other?
  51. 1 vote
    Q I am trying to decide between the Optimum Probiotic and the Optimum Digestive Health Pellets. Why...... Read more
    Asked by Mad Barn Customer on August 24, 2019 2:55 pm
    Answered by the admin Which product to choose really depends on what you're trying to achieve. The Optimum Probiotics are a great product and very affordable for providing everyday digestive support to help enhance immune function or to give before and after worming, antibiotic treatment etc. It is composed of 5 pure live bacterial strains (probiotics) and nothing else. Optimum Digestive Health is a much more comprehensive gut health solution and would be the go-to for horses with ongoing digestive issues or if you just want to improve overall gut health and absorption of nutrients. It has an array of ingredients to improve pre-cecal digestibility of macro-nutrients and improves overall digestibility of minerals. It helps steady the pH in the hindgut, enhances immunity through multiple mechanisms, increases mucin (protective layer in the gut) production and binds toxins.
  52. Are the probiotics provided in a powdered form or is it in the form of a paste/liquid?
  53. 0 votes
    Q Are the probiotics provided in a powdered form or is it in the form of a paste/liquid?
    Asked by Mad Barn Customer on August 24, 2019 12:29 pm
    Answered by the admin Our pure strain probiotics are provided in a granulated powder form. We don't currently offer a pure probiotic supplement in paste form. However, because the serving size per day is so small it is typically not a problem to get horses to eat this product. If you do want a probiotic in paste form, we do offer the Visceral+ paste which contains our Mad Barn 5-strain blend of probiotics along with a number of additional ingredients to support digestive function and gut health.
  54. Does this probiotic contain any prebiotic ingredients?
  55. 0 votes
    Q Does this probiotic contain any prebiotic ingredients?
    Asked by Mad Barn Customer on August 24, 2019 12:28 pm
    Answered by the admin No, the Optimum probiotic powder is a pure probiotic supplement that only contains 5 strains of beneficial bacteria with no fillers or added ingredients. If you are looking for a product that does provide prebiotic fiber, check out our Optimum Digestive Health pellets. Optimum Digestive Health contains, pre and probiotics, along with yeast, immune modulators, toxin binders and ingredients to stimulate growth of cells in the gut.

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