Spirulina platensis is a blue-green algae that is rich in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is used to support healthy skin, a healthy metabolism, lung function and the immune system in horses. It can be used as nutritional support for horses in stressful situations like competition and high-intensity exercise.
Mad Barn's bulk Spirulina powder provides a concentrated form of blue-green algae to support your horse’s immune function and nutritional needs.
Spirulina is commonly referred to as an algae, but it is actually a naturally occurring bacteria that grows in saltwater and freshwater worldwide. Spirulina powder consists of two cyanobacterial species named Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima.
Spirulina is a nutritionally dense supplement that is easily digested. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health and well-being of horses.
It is especially high in vitamin A and vitamin E which are important anti-oxidants that neutralize free radicals in all cells of the body. Horses fed hay-based diets may be deficient in several vitamins and could benefit from the abundant vitamins and minerals found in spirulina.
This supplement is a source of the fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) . GLA is an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. It has been shown to promote support wound healing and tissue repair in humans and exhibits anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects.
Spirulina powder is especially high in protein (up to 70%) and is considered a complete protein. This equine supplement might be beneficial for young animals and heavily exercised horses to support their high protein needs. Although it provides all essential amino acids, it is considered low in lysine and methionine.
All horses may benefit from Spirulina supplementation including horses that are:
- Undergoing stress related to training, transportation and competition
- Slow to recover from exercise
- Experiencing poor metabolic health (easy keepers)
Anecdotal reports suggest spirulina powder can support respiratory function in horses.
Dr. Eleanor Kellon reports on three cases in which a combination of spirulina platensis (20 grams given twice per day) and jiaogulan powder (2 grams given twice per day) improved respiratory function in performance horses with recurrent respiratory issues. Symptoms such as low energy and fatigue, chronic cough, sneezing, head shaking, nasal discharge and respiratory recovery were improved in the three horses studied.
In another case report, three months of spirulina supplementation was shown to support improved metabolic health and weight loss in horses with equine metabolic syndrome.
Horses were fed 500 g per day of a commercial feed containing spirulina platensis. At the end of the three months, horses had diminished cresty neck scores, lower fasting insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance. These benefits were attributed to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of phycocyanin – a selenium-rich protein found in spirulina.
The feeding rate for spirulina varies depending on your horse’s condition and current diet. A typical serving size is 10-20 grams given twice a day for a 500 kg horse. Some horses may be hesitant to consume spirulina powder due to its unique smell. Combining it with Mad Barn’s W-3 oil essential fatty acid supplement may help mask the smell for picky eaters.
