Updated on September 21, 2022.

When you read about superfoods, you'll see some consistent food items on nearly every list, such as kale, eggs, blueberries, and salmon. There's another superfood, however, that you don't always see on popular lists. It's called "spirulina" and it can also be a fantastic supplement for your horse.

In this post, we will look at what makes spirulina a superfood, the overall benefits it can provide for your horse(s), possible side effects, and its often-misunderstood relationship to kelp.

Overall Benefits of Spirulina for Horses

Spirulina is a blue-green algae found in both fresh water and saltwater. The fresh water variety is the one more commonly used in supplements. From a nutritional standpoint, it is often given as a protein supplement, as its nutritional profile is 55-60% protein. In addition, Spirulina's amino acid profile is ideal for aiding in proper organ and muscle function.

Another benefit of Spirulina is its ability to help support a body's healthy response to respiratory inflammation and its immune system support with regards to antihistamine reactions that can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

Spirulina and Heaves

Heaves is a respiratory condition characterized by an allergic reaction that causes lung tissue and bronchial passages to narrow. The condition is chronic, but non-infectious. You may have also heard the condition referred to as Recurrent Airway Obstruction (ROA). In the past, it has also been known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is also common in humans.

Symptoms of Heaves usually start with a cough. As it progresses, you may also notice an increased heart rate, wheezing, and nostril flaring. Heaves is much more common in horses that are six years old or older.

While there is no known cure for Heaves, the first suggestion for easing symptoms of Heaves is removing the allergens that are causing problems. Hay is usually the number one culprit, particularly round bale hay. Straw commonly used for bedding is also a common allergen.

Adding Spirulina to your horse's dietary routine can help support normal respiratory functioning and immune system responses, which are involved in allergic reactions that characterize Heaves.

Spirulina and EMS

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is characterized by insulin dysregulation, which can lead to, among other things, Laminitis, a hoof disease that can cripple horses.

Recent research studies have uncovered a link between EMS and intestinal inflammation. Because Spirulina is a natural substance known to help support a normal inflammatory response, it was tested in a controlled environment to see if it had any effect on horses with EMS.

Spirulina extract was given to effected horses, in vivo, and responses were measured. The results showed that horses that received Spirulina lost weight and displayed improvement with regards to insulin sensitivity.

Possible Side Effects of Spirulina for Horses

Spirulina offers no known toxic side effects when taken at recommended doses and has even been tested at doses many times the normal recommended dose with no side effects. As with any supplement, however, you'll want to follow dosage recommendations. Pay attention to any possible changes in your horse after starting Spirulina as a dietary supplement.

Spirulina vs. Kelp

Spirulina and Kelp are often mentioned in the same conversation. If you are reading this post, it might be because you are wondering if there are any differences between the two and, if so, what they may be.

First, they are both algae. As mentioned above, Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows in fresh water and saltwater. Kelp, on the other hand is a brown algae that grows in saltwater environments. While we have already discussed some of the characteristics of Spirulina, one major difference from Spirulina is that kelp is particularly rich in iodine. As such, it is commonly used as a supplement for horses with thyroid issues stemming from low levels of iodine. Too much kelp, however, can lead to excessive levels of iodine, which can present its own issues, including thyroid inflammation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In Conclusion

In recent years, Spirulina has been hailed as the secret superfood that can improve overall quality of life in humans and horses alike. Because of its ability to support normal anti-inflammatory and allergen responses, it's easy to see why.

At Springtime, we offer Spirulina for horses in a convenient wafer form to help reduce the mess that can come from powders and ensure that your horse is getting the full dosage each time.

Directions for use and how to get the most out of your Bug Off Garlic!

Bugs can be found everywhere, hiding in tall grass fields or surrounding your home. Many of the options for protection from biting insects rely on toxic chemicals with potentially significant side effects. That's why many people are looking to natural remedies to help protect themselves and their loved ones from unwanted pests.

As Springtime celebrates 40 years of providing natural supplements, you could say that we know a thing or two about the helpful and natural ways to protect against bugs. Garlic has been a part of Springtime customers' lives for almost 25 years, and it continues to be the go-to solution for natural insect protection and immune support for their dogs, horses, and the people who love them. Over the years we've heard a lot from customers on how they incorporate garlic into their lives and the lives of their animals.

Here are some pointers we have received to help you make the most of your garlic experience!

Start out slow and increase gradually!

Sudden changes in our lives can be jarring. Customers have found that the best approach is a slow, gradual introduction of less than the minimum amount and working up to the recommended amount at a slow and steady pace. Doubling and tripling is always an option once your horses or dogs have become accustomed to the garlic.

The more you give the better!

Garlic works differently for everyone and some need a little extra to get the job done. If it's your horse, your dog, or you, gradually increasing to an amount that shows you that bugs are steering clear is exactly what you need to do! But Springtime wants to help keep your horses, dogs, and your defense against insects strong and we recommend giving as much garlic as it takes. That's the beauty of a natural garlic supplement, you can never give too much!

Daily and year-round.

Once garlic is in the system, there is consistent protection through the year. Doubling or tripling the doses when bugs tend to surge (early spring and late fall) is recommended to increase protection. In areas of high infestation, such as tall grasses, bushes, woods, trails, overgrown areas, woodpiles, etc... The nasty little ticks are much more likely to find your pet as a tasty snack. As the seasons change, do some research to find out what time of the season ticks get extra hungry in your area. Ticks usually tend to latch on more aggressively and vigorously if it is their first meal of the season coming out of hibernation or their last meal when they are getting ready to hide away for the winter.

Give it time.

As with any natural supplement, garlic needs to make itself at home in your dog's system. This can take up to 2-4 weeks, but once it's settled in, with constant use, it will continue to protect your dog from fleas and ticks.

Don't forget about the health benefits!

As garlic shields against pesky bugs, it also promotes friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. Garlic is a known prebiotic, which are substances that create favorable conditions for probiotics. This is one of the reasons garlic has been used for many years to support a healthy immune system.

What is Astaxanthin?

Have you ever wondered why wild salmon and flamingos are pink? The answer to that question is astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment that belongs to a group called carotenoids, and it occurs in some algae, crustaceans, and small fish. Both salmon and flamingos eat these diets that are rich in astaxanthin, which in return, turns these animals from gray to pink. Farm-raised salmon are often dyed, so we would recommend purchasing wild fish, rather than farmed, if possible, so that you are consuming natural astaxanthin, not synthetic, and you can reap the benefits of it as well (we can promise you that you won't turn pink!). Flamingos are pink because of the astaxanthin they consume in their diet.

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant...

An easy way to remember the word astaxanthin is antioxidant. Antioxidants are nutrients that neutralize oxidants, commonly known as free radicals. Free radicals in the body can cause damage to our cells, which can lead to health issues. Astaxanthin is rich in antioxidants, which absorb these free radicals before they can do further harm. Astaxanthin is one of the world's strongest antioxidants. The antioxidant power of foods can be measured and compared with a test developed by the National Institute of Health called the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). Astaxanthin has an ORAC value of 2,822,200, making it 293-times more potent than wild blueberries, a well known antioxidant-rich food.

COMPARISON OF ANTIOXIDANT SOURCES

Source: ORAC value

• Goji berries: 4,310
• Kidney beans: 8,606
• Cranberries: 9,090
• Artichoke (boiled): 9,416
• Wild blueberries: 9,621
• Elderberries: 14,697
• Pecans: 17,940
• Dark chocolate: 20,816
• Astaxanthin: 2,822,200

Great for Eyesight...

Astaxanthin helps protect hard-working cells, such as your eye cells and brain cells. Because astaxanthin supports the body's healthy inflammatory response, it can help support the tissues and blood flow from your brain to your eyes.

Supports the Body's Immune System...

The red algae help support the body's immune system so that your immune system does not over- or under-react to environmental stimuli, either of which could cause more harm than good.

Astaxanthin Promotes Skin Health...

As your skin ages, it is becoming more oxidative, which astaxanthin can help mitigate. Astaxanthin can also help protect your skin by acting as an internal sunscreen. This amazing benefit does not replace good habits for protecting your skin from harmful rays with clothing and sunscreen, but it does give you a natural level of protection 24/7 in addition to the conventional best practices for skin health.

Amazing for Both People and Dogs...

Because of its strong benefits, Astaxanthin is a supplement that you will want to add to your daily routine -- and into your dog's routine as well. As spring and warmer weather are approaching, try Springtime's Astaxanthin for people and dogs that want a unique and powerful defense from free radical damage to the brain, nervous system, and eyes, as well as augmented protection from harmful rays during sun exposure.

Works Cited:

Astaxanthin for Dogs - /product/astaxanthin-dogs

Astaxanthin for People - /product/Astaxanthin-people-supplement

Sears, W., MD. (2013). Astaxanthin - Seafood's Ultimate Supernutrient.

Ever wonder what ingredients make up the perfect joint supplement for your horse?

At any supply and tack store there is a hodgepodge of products that tout the ability to support joint health for horses. With so many options and so many bold claims, it's difficult to know what works and what doesn't. When seasoned horse people need advice on how to ensure that their equine companions are happy and comfortable, they turn to their veterinarians and their peers in the equestrian community.

Here's what those equine experts list as the top 5 joint health ingredients...

#5: MSM

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in plants, animals, and humans. MSM is believed to support healthy joints when taken as a supplement.* People can get dietary MSM from a variety of plant sources, including various fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; however, MSM can be taken as a supplements.

Approximately one third of MSM is sulfur, and MSM delivers an absorbable form of sulfur that the body needs for the production of cartilage. Glycosaminoglycans are the building blocks of joint cartilage, and these molecules are connected with disulfide bonds (the bonding of two sulfur atoms). Sulfur is also vital to the production and function of glutathione, an important intracellular antioxidant and detoxifier in the body. It is believed that people and animals are not getting as much natural sulfur in their diets as they once were, as the result of food processing and soil depletion.

#4: Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced by the body for use in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the fluid around the body's joints. Glucosamine can be helpful for joint health (e.g., as a supplement) to people, dogs, and horses to support healthy joints because it provides building blocks for synovial fluid, cartilage and connective tissues.

Glucosamine is one of the most commonly used dietary supplements in the United States. Commercial glucosamine is typically extracted from shellfish. Because it is taken from the shell rather than the flesh of shellfish, glucosamine supplements are generally safe for those with shellfish allergies; however, it is best to consult a doctor first if you have a shellfish allergy before consuming glucosamine.

Glucosamine comes in three forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl glucosamine. Glucosamine is one of the essential components of cartilage and it is made by the combination of glucose and the amino acid glutamine by the enzyme glucosamine synthetase. Human and animal studies suggest that glucosamine supports healthy cartilage production and maintenance. Although it is a stand-alone supplement, glucosamine for joint health is reported to be more effective when combined with chondroitin sulfate.

The University of Utah School of Medicine coordinated a large-scale, multicenter clinical trial. The study found that glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate provided significant joint health benefits 79% of a study group.For more info on the study, visit https://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/gait/qa.htm

#3: Ahiflower Oil^®

Ahiflower Oil is a new omega fatty acid supplement that comes from seeds of theBuglossoides arvensis, an obscure plant that is about to become famous due to its uniquely potent omega 3, 6, and 9 composition.

Horses evolved to get their daily omegas through fresh pasture grazing, not fish sources. Ahiflower Oil is a safe, balanced, and superior plant-seed omega 3, 6, and 9 supplement oil, backed by clinical trial data in performance horses. Grown entirely from non-GMO crops, Ahiflower Oil supports exercise recovery, joint and ligament health, luster, and stress responsiveness.

Many active and retired horses experiencing post-exercise stiffness, joint/muscle strain, respiratory allergies, and skin challenges are recommended to try omega-3 supplementation. In horses and humans alike, omega-3 deficiency prolongs exercise recovery time and suppresses a healthy immune response. Ahiflower Oil has been shown to convert to omega-3 EPA and DHA in horses far more efficiently than flaxseed oil. Ahiflower Oil for Horses supports your horse's natural post-exercise response for improved mobility and suppleness, while also supporting wonderful skin health and luster.

#2: Boswellia

Boswellia (also known as frankincense) is an herbal supplement with potent health properties made from the resin of the boswellia serrata tree. For thousands of years, boswellia has been prized for its health properties, including support of a healthy inflammatory response.*

Studies have shown that boswellic acid supports a normal inflammatory response by blocking the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase which then inhibits the synthesis of leukotrienes. It has also been shown to support healthy cartilage.

#1: Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring molecule found in the cartilage and connective tissues of people and animals. Chondroitin is the substance that enables cartilage to provide cushion to healthy joints, and it is what the body uses to make new cartilage. Chondroitin also serves a vital role in the maintenance of healthy skin. Chondroitin can be taken as a supplement to help maintain healthy cartilage, joint lubrication, and healthy skin, nails, and hair.*

The chondroitin used in dietary supplements is extracted from the cartilage and connective tissues of animals. The most common animal sources are cow, pig, chicken, and shark. Chondroitin varies depending on the source, and scientists have separated it into three distinct classes: A, B, and C. This is important because chondroitin A has greater health benefits than B or C, and some animal sources have more chondroitin A than others. For instance, beef trachea cartilage has among the highest concentrations of chondroitin A. Conversely, some products on the market are labeled as 100% chondroitin but contain little to no chondroitin A, rendering them woefully ineffective.

Chondroitin sulfate is one of six related substances called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are also referred to as mucopolysaccharides. Adequate amounts of chondroitin are vital for normal joint function and maintenance as well as many of the body's normal self-healing mechanisms.

Make sure to check out Springtime Supplements to find all your equine supplement needs.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The science behind the supplement

The secret to kelp's success

Springtime uses the highest quality kelp -- fully tested for potency, purity, and safety. Below you will find more information on Springtime products containing kelp:

Gamma oryzanol is a mixture of antioxidant compounds that occurs naturally in rice bran oil. Gamma oryzanol is believed to support healthy muscle tone and performance, which has made rice bran oil a popular supplement among athletes and animal breeders. Gamma oryzanol contains antioxidants, which are known to remove damaging free radicals, to protect body cells and tissues. Gamma oryzanol was first extracted from rice bran oil in Japan in 1953, and rice bran oil has since gained a reputation as a very healthy seed oil.*

The science behind the supplement

Gamma oryzanol is a collection of ferulated sterols, which the body can metabolize to provide circulating ferulic acid. These ferulic acid esters are thought to have support healthy hormone function, resulting in anabolic effects on healthy muscle growth and normal recovery from fatigue. Studies have indicated that gamma oryzanol also activates the higher center of the endocrine system and the automic nervous system, helping to promote healthy balance in both systems.

Gamma oryzanol shown to be effective in scientific study

The antioxidant activities of gamma-oryzanol from rice bran were investigated in a study¹ published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry. The study found that gamma oryzanol "exhibited significant antioxidant activity in the inhibition of cholesterol oxidation." Gamma oryzanol components of rice bran oil were also shown to have greater antioxidant properties than vitamin E.

¹Antioxidant activity of tocopherols, tocotrienols, and gamma-oryzanol components from rice bran against cholesterol oxidation accelerated by 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride. Xu Z1, Hua N, Godber JS. J Agric Food Chem. 2001 Apr;49(4):2077-81.

²Anti-aging efficacy of topical formulations containing niosomes entrapped with rice bran bioactive compounds. Manosroi A, Chutoprapat R, Abe M, Manosroi W, Manosroi J. Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology, Thailand 2012 Feb;50(2):208-24

The science behind the supplement

Scientific study on dogs

The global super-supplement supports the immune system for a variety of health benefits

Below you will find more information on Springtime products containing spirulina:

Updated on September 21, 2022.

Bee Pollen uses support energy, digestion, immune health, and more.

Bees collect more than honey! They collect granules of flower pollen as a food source for the adult bees in the hive. Bees would not have their famous reputation for staying busy without flower pollen. Bee-collected pollen is densely nutritious, and it has been treasured for its health properties for thousands of years for both people and animals. The benefits of bee pollen include:

• It helps support healthy muscle condition, essential for strength & endurance
• It has hive enzymes, which support healthy digestion
• Supports a healthy immune system
• It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals

The key benefit of bee pollen is that it contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein, and live enzymes. Because of its dense nutrition bee pollen uses include supporting energy needs, muscle strength, healthy digestion, and immune support. Bee pollen is taken as a supplement in its naturally occurring granule form, ground into a fine powder, or as part of an ingested supplement, such as a pill or chewable tablet.

Pollen is the part of the plant that contains enzymes. Scientists state that enzymes are essential for biochemical functions of the body. They are completely destroyed by high temperatures (130 degrees) - cooking! Enzymes are the essential triggers for the metabolic machinery of living things. The enzymes in raw foods are important because they help support the body's own enzyme systems. Enzymes are the life principle of every living cell.

Bee Pollen for Seasonal Support

Bee pollen supports the immune system. When the immune system is functioning properly, it is less likely to overreact to non-threatening stimuli, like seasonal allergens, with annoying sneezing, coughing, and itching.

Typically it is not necessary to consume local bee pollen to achieve the health benefits. This is a common misconception. The immune system benefits of bee pollen operate with a biological mechanism in which the origin of the bee pollen makes no difference whatsoever.

Bee Pollen for Dogs

As a densely nutritious food source, bee pollen has been treasured for its health properties for thousands of years. Not only is it a great food source for adult bees in the hive, but it can also be beneficial for dogs.

Bee pollen can help to improve a dog's skin health, as well as their overall energy levels. It is also a natural way to help boost the immune system. 

Bee Pollen for Horses

Horses can also benefit from bee pollen, as it is a great source of nutrients and antioxidants. Bee pollen can help to improve a horse's coat and skin health, as well as their overall energy levels. It is also a natural way to help boost the immune system. Bee pollen can be given to horses in several different ways, including mixing it into their food or giving it to them in a treat form.

If you're looking for a natural way to help your horse stay healthy and boost their overall health, bee pollen is a great option to consider.

More Info on Bee Pollen Uses...

Bee Pollen for Dogs

Bee Pollen for Horses

Bee Pollen for People