Text: Hannah Botha, MSc
Every pony owner aims to provide the best care possible for their beloved steeds, and that extends to supplementing their diet according to their needs. Among the various supplements available on the market, psyllium is getting increasing attention, but what is it, and why is it used?
Understanding psyllium
Psyllium husk is made from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant. It provides soluble fibre, which is commonly used in both human and veterinary medicine. As it contains high levels of mucilage, a gel-forming fibre that absorbs water, it swells to form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract.
Benefits for equine digestive health
One of the main reasons for including psyllium in your pony’s diet is the theory that this gel-like substance effectively removes sand particles in the gut, thereby reducing the risk of sand colic, which is particularly common in ponies kept in sandy areas.
It is also thought that ponies suffering from recurrent episodes of diarrhoea or loose stools could benefit from psyllium’s bulk-forming effects, which help absorb excess water and normalise stool consistency.
Psyllium husk is also rich in fermentable fibre that promotes butyrate (which is a short-chain fatty acid) production in the hindgut. Intestinal cells use butyrate for energy. When these cells are ‘happy’ and well-supplied with butyrate, they can be repaired and regenerated, improving overall gut health.
Recent studies have proposed the theory that psyllium could also help control glucose and insulin, which would benefit ponies struggling with certain metabolic conditions.
But does the science back this up?
Psyllium and sand
In terms of sand clearance, the science is very variable. One specific study by the University of Colorado State found that adding a psyllium product did not improve sand clearance compared to a control group. A study in Finland found that psyllium and magnesium sulfate did improve sand clearance. However, in this study, psyllium was fed at a very high rate.
Sand accumulation
Several studies have interestingly demonstrated that psyllium supplementation is not a 100% effective strategy for sand clearance. However, the most effective sand clearance strategy for horse owners turns out to be feeding free-choice hay, or at least 2.5% of the horse’s body weight per day
Besides feeding free-choice hay, the most effective strategy to mitigate sand accumulation is to prevent sand ingestion from occurring in the first place. Feeding in buckets and off the ground, while preventing overgrazing of sandy paddocks are all effective ways of reducing sand colic risk.
Psyllium and insulin control
Ponies who received psyllium for 60 days had lower average blood glucose levels after feeding and lower average peak glucose levels. The psyllium-fed horses also had lower average post-feeding insulin levels and lower average insulin concentrations.
This suggests that psyllium could be beneficial to obese, insulin-resistant ponies or those predisposed to metabolic concerns, but larger populations of ponies, obese ponies, and ponies exposed to pasture forages need to be studied to understand its benefits further.
Administration and dosage guidelines
Dosage and administration should always be discussed with your vet in cases of digestive disturbance. Psyllium is typically administered orally in the form of a powder or granules, which can be mixed with the pony’s feed. The dosage varies depending on the pony’s size, weight, and specific needs.
As a general guideline, based on some of the scientific studies, up to 500g per day, split into separate servings for five consecutive days per month for an average 500kg horse for sand clearing, can be helpful.
On the other hand, for ponies with a history of digestive issues, a daily administration of one heaped dessert spoonful twice a day is recommended.
Ideally, the psyllium product should be mixed with dry feed (or slightly dampened immediately before feeding), as adding larger amounts of water or fully soaking feed can lead to swelling before eating, which can be an issue for some ponies.
While psyllium is generally safe for ponies and well-tolerated, certain precautions should be observed. It’s crucial to ensure that the pony has access to ample fresh water when consuming psyllium, as adequate hydration is necessary to facilitate its passage through the digestive tract. Additionally, psyllium should not be administered concurrently with medications or supplements, as it may interfere with their absorption.
Note
Pony owners should always consult with a vet before initiating psyllium supplementation, especially if the pony has preexisting medical conditions.
Final thoughts
It seems there is a role for psyllium in some ponies. However, a vet must be consulted before psyllium is given.
