Spirulina platensis is a blue-green algae that is rich in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is used to support healthy skin, metabolic health, lung function and the immune system in horses. It has anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects that could benefit horses with frequent illness or allergies. It can be used as a 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 mostly 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 rich source of the fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) . GLA is an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. It has been shown to promote health benefits in humans including wound healing and tissue repair as well as exhibiting anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects. [1]
• Spirulina powder is especially high in protein (up to 70%) and is considered a complete protein. This equine supplement might be particularly 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.

Horses affected by any of the following might benefit from spirulina supplementation:

• Have frequent immune challenges related to training, transportation and competition
• Slow recovery from exercise including tying up (exertional rhadomyolysis) and slow respiratory recovery
• Recurrent respiratory issues like heaves/COPD, chronic cough, sneezing, nasal discharge
• Prone to respiratory allergic reactions to dust or pollen
• Prone to skin conditions like sweet itch, an allergic reaction to insect bites from Culcoides (midges)
• Poor metabolic health (easy keepers) that have high body condition scores with abnormal fat deposits like cresty neck
• Equine Metabolic Syndrome – signs of this include frequent urination and drinking, obesity, and laminitis