G’s International Formula: Still Only 4 Natural Ingredients for Your Horse’s GI Health
At G’s Organic Solutions, we have always believed that the food we eat - and feed our animals - has great natural capability to heal and protect the body. The extensive research that went into creating the original G’s Formula, and the successful clinical studies only strengthened our resolve!
To continue our mission, we introduced G’s International Formula to the market in 2020 with only one ingredient change: whole organic chia seeds. Many of the beneficial health properties found in hemp meal are also contained in chia seeds (such as high protein, fiber, and omega fatty acids), making chia the perfect substitute!
Why Is A Different Product Needed?
Though hemp fiber meal may be a controversial food, the benefits of G’s Formula are proven and becoming more widely known. We are proud that our customer base continues to grow, both in and outside of Canada, and among international competitors.
It’s very important to us that all horses have access to simple and natural digestive supplements that work to make them feel better. G’s International is an alternative. Still simple, all-natural, effective GI support for horses.
G’s International is on schedule to begin similar, in-depth, University of Guelph-led clinical testing that the original G’s Formula has undergone. Join our mailing list to stay informed as these studies take place!
Why Did We Pick These 4 Ingredients?
Each ingredient contains specific nutritional qualities known to provide benefits to the digestive tract tissues and functions.
Cabbage
Cabbage is the richest plant source of S-methylmethionine (SMM) - an enzyme used in both human and horse supplements to aid healing ulcers, colitis, and gastritis.
Cabbage contains the amino acid, L glutamine, which:
Promotes a more alkaline environment in the stomach
Supports immune cells lining the digestive tract
Has been shown in studies to repair leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel, and diarrhea, and to strengthen and lengthen the intestinal villi (ripples) that allow for optimal nutrient absorption
Cabbage also contains the B vitamin, choline, which:
Supports cell membrane maintenance
Combines with inositol to produce lecithin (another amino acid) which keeps cholesterol soluble, detoxifies the liver, and supports T cells development for immunity
And cabbage is high in folate, which:
Is critical in tissue repair
Enables constant regeneration of digestive tract lining
Carrots
Nobody loves carrots as much as a horse!
Carrots contain:
Massive amounts of beta-carotene, which are converted to vitamin A during digestion. Vitamin A is crucial for eye health and vision, a strong immune system, and healthy skin.
Beta-carotene is also an antioxidant that improves blood circulation, chronic inflammation and helps decrease cancer risk.
Stellar amounts of biotin - a vitamin that has the ability to stimulate cell growth, and is necessary for the body to metabolize keratin and fatty acids, which are essential elements in hair growth and skin quality (source)
Carrots also provide:
Vitamin C for immune system support
Folic acid (B9) to assist the liver in flushing out toxins and help cleanse the colon
Vitamin K, for bone health
Other antioxidants (phytochemicals) to combat free radical damage from regular metabolism or inflammation
Oat Groats
The oat “groats” are the hulled kernels of the oat. Groats are whole grains that include the cereal germ and fiber-rich bran portion of the grain, as well as the endosperm. They are minimally processed, so are lower on the glycemic index, and take longer to digest compared to rolled oats. This allows for more nutrient absorption.
Oat groats are a rich source of beta glucans which:
Are prebiotics supporting the normal gut flora needed for correct digestion
Aid in maintaining a regular rate of food passage through the GI tract
Are key in improving immune response and eliminating toxins
An important function of beta glucans in the oat groats is to prevent excess sugar and undigested starches from reaching the hindgut, which could cause a rise of lactic acid-producing bacteria leading to acidosis and ulcers. For horses, the hindgut flora are necessary for the fermentation of fiber, and beta glucans help feed these beneficial bacteria.
Whole Chia Seeds
We use whole chia seeds in G’s International. Produced by the Salvia hispanica plant, our chia seeds are grown and harvested exclusively in South America.
According to D-Kuzu, in an article for Equi-Med, “Year-round supplementation (of omega 3s and 6s) is necessary for horses consuming hay-based diets because once grass is cut, dried, and stored, most, if not all, of the essential fatty acids are oxidized and destroyed.”
We chose chia seeds because they are:
Low in sugar and starch
High in water-soluble fiber which form a gel in water and lowers glucose absorption, and reduces the incidence of sand colic by facilitating sand removal from the cecum
20% quality protein, which boosts the amino acid variety available to horses, to support those areas that aid in digestion, immune function, water balance and nutrient transport
A concentrated source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which decrease inflammation
Additional benefits of chia seeds for horses include:
Lowering circulating insulin and glucose
Balancing immune function
Protecting joints and ligaments
Reducing pain
Decreasing nervousness
Improving heart and blood vessel integrity
Reducing allergic reactions to insect bites
Diminishing respiratory inflammation
Supporting normal gastrointestinal function
Maintaining hair and hoof health
Healing damaged skin
Hydrating intestinal contents
And a little chia seed goes a long way! You don’t have to feed a lot of it to get the nutritional benefits.
Key Take-Aways
G’s International Formula expands on our mission to help all horses live healthier, simply. It is an internationally available, hemp-free alternative to the original G’s Formula as an all-natural supplement for your horse’s digestive system health.
G’s Organic Solutions partners with the University of Guelph to conduct ongoing studies, seeking to understand how and why this combination of four ingredients works to improve horses’ digestive health. While the research on G’s Formula continues, studies on G’s International are slated to begin soon. We welcome you to read the published results.
Are you in the market for G’s International?
Learn more about G’s International and shop for yours today!