Focus on Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a plant which is native to the Mediterranean region, western Asia, and parts of southern Europe. Today, it is widely cultivated in many countries, particularly in South Asia, with India being the largest producer.

Why feed Fenugreek or add it to treats?

Firstly, Fenugreek enhances digestive enzyme activity. These enzymes are needed to break down food into absorbable nutrients. Fenugreek contains specific compounds that may help increase the production and activity of these enzymes, thereby improving digestion. This means a healthier gut and more efficient nutrient absorption, which can be especially beneficial for horses in training or those requiring higher nutritional intake.

Fenugreek is also a probiotic. The fibre in fenugreek acts as food for the good bacteria in the horse's gut. This supports not only digestion but overall health, as a balanced gut flora can improve immune function and reduce inflammation.

Regular inclusion of fenugreek in a horse's diet could potentially reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal disorders, such as gas, bloating, and indigestion, which are common issues in horses.

Fenugreek is also an appetite stimulant. This is particularly useful for horses that may be under stress from competition or illness. The enhanced palatability and aroma of feeds containing fenugreek can increase appetite significantly.

Something particularly interesting and unique about Fenugreek is that it has mucilaginous properties, which help to coat the stomach lining This provides a soothing effect that can help prevent the development of gastric ulcers, which are a common ailment in performance horses.

While Fenugreek offers numerous benefits, it's important to approach its use with care in certain situations. This is because there is the possibility that Fenugreek may stimulate uterine contractions in pregnant mares. So it’s best to err on the side of caution and wait until your mare has foaled before adding it to the diet.

In conclusion, Fenugreek is a versatile supplement that can significantly benefit horse digestion, from stimulating appetite and supporting enzyme production to soothing the gut and preventing ulcers.

Freshly harvested fenugreek