Purina Animal Nutrition’s new product line is formulated to support gastric health in horses. Outlast Gastric Support Supplement, Race Ready GT and Ultium Gastric Care horse feeds are available at participating retailers.

Research shows up to 90% of active horses experience gastric discomfort, affecting health, attitude and performance. Purina’s Gastric Support products contain a proprietary seaweed-derived blend of natural and bioavailable calcium and magnesium in a unique honeycomb structure that allows for a greater buffering capacity to support gastric health and proper pH.

“Horses evolved as grazing animals, designed to consume forages 18-20 hours a day. To support this grazing behavior, the horse’s stomach consistently secretes stomach acid, which is naturally buffered by bicarbonates in saliva and is produced as the horse chews,” explained Dr. Robert Jacobs, research equine nutritionist at Purina Animal Nutrition. “In modern management practices, however, horses spend more time confined and eat distinct meals, leading to less chewing, less saliva and less buffering of acid in the stomach.”

In a fasting state, a horse’s stomach maintains an acidic pH of 2. In vitro and in vivo research trials demonstrated Outlast Supplement to quickly and effectively buffer natural and simulated gastric environments to a physiologically normal pH of 6.

“We’ve done a significant amount of lab work at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center, as well as in multiple university trials to better understand how Outlast buffers the equine stomach,” Jacobs said. “Compared to some of the competitive products on the market, Outlast Supplement acts more quickly, lasts longer and has a significantly higher buffering ability.”

In field trials around the country and research trials at the Purina Animal Nutrition Research Farm, more than 200 horses consumed more than 95,000 feedings of Outlast Supplement. Purina ambassadors competing and training across all disciplines were among those participating in field trials.

“Our ambassadors and field trial participants have reported improved body condition and appetites, as well as better overall attitude and more relaxed horses when supplemented with Outlast Supplement,” said Dr. Mary Beth Gordon, director of equine research and new product development at Purina Animal Nutrition. “Additionally, horses notorious for girthiness and grinding teeth showed improvement, even in stressful situations.”

Designed for flexible use, Outlast Supplement can be fed as a snack or top dressed on a daily ration. Ultium Gastric Care and Race Ready GT horse feeds both contain full rations of Outlast Supplement when fed as directed. Additionally, Ultium Gastric Care and Race Ready GT are formulated with optimal fuel sources and a proprietary yeast-derived beta-glucan to best support the unique needs and immune function of the equine athlete.