Shape-Up

Diet Description

It is well documented that inappropriate dietary management and insufficient exercise is one of the main causes of equine obesity in the UK horse and pony population. Any horse or pony that carries excess body weight over a prolonged period of time will suffer from health problems. Such problems include increased stress on the cardiovascular and skeletal systems and most importantly an increased risk of laminitis and hyperlipemia; both of which can have fatal consequences.

Shape-Up™ is the result of nearly two years of research and development and incorporates some of the most recent and up to date nutritional innovations specifically for horses and ponies that require a low starch and low energy feed. Saracen Shape-Up™ is formulated to create a balanced diet at low intake levels.

When considering how to feed a horse or pony to promote and optimise normal metabolism there are three aspects that should be taken into account when evaluating suitable feeds:

• The carbohydrate composition of the feed
• The glycemic response that will follow ingestion
• The feeding strategies that will be used

Shape-Up™ is based on Saracen Horse Feed's unique super fibre technology to produce a low starch, low sugar feed to give a minimal glycemic response post feeding when fed in small quantities. The high fibre content of Shape-Up™ and the inclusion of an original neutralizing ingredient, helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. This product is one of a kind in that it works in both the stomach and the hindgut. In the stomach it will help to promote normal acidity levels in horses on a restricted diet. In the hindgut it maintains a normal pH to ensure the health of the bacterial population in the large intestine.

Research continues to reveal more information about the many benefits of supplementing horses with omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to inhibit production of substances that cause inflammation and cartilage degradation. Shape-Up™ provides a balanced source of omega 3 to help maintain healthy joints and mobility.

Mycotoxins can be produced by moulds in cereals, forage and pasture. To help manage body condition in 'good doers' they are normally fed a lower nutrient value forage and have access to poor or scarce grazing. This may increase the risk of the possible presence of Mycotoxins. Shape-Up™ contains a yeast cell wall that has been identified for its ability to absorb Mycotoxins thus helping to protect horses against their possible effects.

Shape-Up™ contains high levels of essential antioxidants, including cinnamon and a natural source of vitamin E, which are known for their benefits in helping to promote cellular defences, health and wellbeing.

A specific healthy hoof package containing research-recommended levels of biotin, bioplexed minerals (inc Zinc), essential amino acids (Lysine and Methionine) and quality protein sources is also included to encourage hoof quality, growth and development.

A unique bioavailable form of magnesium is included, which has been shown through digestibility trials at Kentucky Equine Research to increase the uptake of magnesium from 10-30% (traditional source) to 80-90% (proprietary blend). Magnesium helps to maintain normal cell and platelet function, nerve transmission and muscle contraction. Research suggests that magnesium is also important for maintaining normal cell sensitivity for normal metabolism.

Shape-Up™ should be fed at the recommended levels in conjunction with a suitable forage source. For weight loss and weight management, hay should be analysed for its non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content and ideally should contain less than 10-12% NSC. Providing that your horse is sound, every effort should be made to implement a sensible and regular exercise regime.  If you would like further help and advice on this please call Saracen Horse Feeds nutritionist team on 01622 718487.