Last updated on October 25, 2024
Is Spirulina for Horses Worth the Hype? Hint: It’s in Our Best-Selling Supplement!
Do a half-hearted search into healthy hacks or green smoothies for yourself, and chances are good that “spirulina” will come up as a recommended ingredient. Many households use this ingredient to sneak in more nutrients into baked goods or smoothies. It’s also finding its way into food and treats for our four-legged companions. In fact, Animal Element has been using spirulina for years to help fight against inflammation in horses and dogs!
Did you know that if your horse has been getting Foundation Daily Detox for years (preferably paired with NuTrack) then they have been getting the benefits of this superfood the whole time? But what exactly IS it, and is it really safe and effective for horses?
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is often considered a single type of blue-green algae (BGA) but is actually 3 different types of BGA that grow in both fresh and salt/brackish waters. While some BGAs like Microcystis, Dolichospermum, and Planktothrix are known to be toxic, spirulina is safe for consumption, and so beneficial it’s been touted as a key to food security worldwide. It is an ancient cyanobacterium that is so nutritionally dense it is commonly referred to as a “superfood.” It is extremely high in protein (50-70%), B vitamins, iron, and other minerals.
Historically, spirulina was an important food source for ancient peoples, including the Aztecs, and today, it is used during extended space flights and Mars missions! Health nuts will add it to their smoothies, juices, or baked goods to get the extra protein and anti-inflammatory properties.
Spirulina has taken off in the equestrian world in recent years, as it’s been proven just as safe for livestock and other animals as it is for humans. We’ve included it in our best-selling FDD, Product X Performance Enhancer, and In The Zone Calming Paste to give horses an immune boost during stressful times. Plus, the high protein content is great for performance horses who expend a ton of energy during competitions and training.
Top 5 Benefits of Spirulina for Horses
1. Allergy and Respiratory Support
One of the most studied benefits of spirulina is its positive effects on allergies. It’s believed that spirulina prevents histamine release, the chemical that prompts allergy symptoms like itchiness, rash, and breathing issues.
2. Decreases Inflammation
Because spirulina is high in antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and B6, it is able to protect cells from oxidative stress (damage) and kick-start immune responses to keep the cells from damage.
3. Boosts the Immune System
Spirulina has the unique ability to modify immune function by either inhibiting inflammation and histamines (as mentioned above), or by increasing the production of white blood cells when there is a virus or bacteria present.
4. Increase Joint Health
Besides being an anti-inflammatory, spirulina has also been shown to protect the structure of the cartilage from exercise-induced stress (again going back to the antioxidant properties) and increase blood flow to the joints, aiding in recovery.
5. High Protein Source
Containing up to 70% protein, spirulina is a highly digestible complete protein source (meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids) and is excellent for muscle growth.
How Spirulina is Cultivated
Historically, spirulina was found in ponds with high pH levels in Mexico and Chad. It requires intense sunlight, heat, and calm waters. Today, spirulina can be grown in agricultural ponds conditioned specifically for spirulina production or in laboratories.
Several countries including the United States, China, India, and Australia grow spirulina on a large scale. When sourcing your spirulina, pay attention to where and how it’s sourced. If it’s grown in seawater, it can contain high levels of iodine and pollutants. Ponds or pools used for growing spirulina that are not cleaned properly may contain bacteria or other harmful algae.
For this reason, the majority of commercially used spirulina is lab-grown in glass tubes called bioreactors. This allows for perfect growing conditions without the possibility of contamination. As always, purchase from sources that don’t use fillers or additives. Our spirulina is whole cell grown in a reputable lab in China. It is free from chemical additives, and processed and dried naturally. All of our supplements contain only the best ingredients.
We Fully Believe in Spirulina for Horses
With all the research available, it’s clear that spirulina is a fantastic supplement to improve your horse’s overall health. With its strong antioxidant properties, it helps boost the immune system, suppress allergies, and fight inflammation- all of which are crucial to traveling performance horses. Add in its high protein value and its ability to protect and support cartilage, and spirulina is one of the best all-around supplements for horses of all ages and disciplines.
That’s why Animal Element has included it in our best-selling Foundation Daily Detox, to give your horse that extra health boost. When paired with NuTrack Digestive Support, FDD supports every function and system in the horse’s body from their nose all the way to their tail! So take advantage of the 20% off FDD + NuTrack bundle going on until 11/15/24 by using the code FAM20 at checkout. The transformation you see in your horse, from the inside out will have you stunned!
All content is intended for informational purposes only. Proudly written for Animal Element by the team at FaithHanan.com.
Resources:
- Karkos, PD et al. “Spirulina in Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Human Applications.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 19 Oct. 2010. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3136577/
- Kellon, Eleanor. “Spirulina for Horses.” ForagePlus Talk, 21 April 2022. https://thrivecart.com/special-offer/?ref=tcdotcom
- Kerstetter, Haylie. “Researchers Explore Spirulina Supplementation for Horses.” The Horse, 03
Aug. 2023. https://thehorse.com/1122425/researchers-explore-spirulina-supplementation-for-horses/ - Kropshofer, Kristina. “Spirulina: How It’s Grown.” Food Unfolded, 09 April 2019. https://www.foodunfolded.com/article/spirulina-how-its-grown#:~:text=How%20spirulina%20is%20grown,lap%E2%80%9D%20takes%2012%20hours).
- Liao, Sharon. “Is Spirulina Good for You?” WebMD, 26 May 2024. https://www.webmd.com/diet/spirulina-health-benefits
- Pearson, Wendy. “Spirulina for Horses.” Horse Journals, 29 Jan. 2016. https://www.horsejournals.com/horse-care/feed-nutrition/spirulina-horses
- “Spirulina (Dietary Supplement).” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 31 Aug. 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spirulina_(dietary_supplement)&oldid=1243237408
- “Where Does Spirulina Grow?” FULFoods, 26 April 2022. https://www.foodunfolded.com/article/spirulina-how-its-grown#:~:text=How%20spirulina%20is%20grown,lap%E2%80%9D%20takes%2012%20hours).