The Science Behind Shape-Up™
SHAPE-UP™ is a low starch, high fibre mix designed to provide a balanced diet even at low intake levels.
It can be used as a calorie-controlled ration for ‘good-doers’ in work as a way to help maintain a normal, healthy metabolism and provide slow release energy.
SHAPE-UP™ is suitable for:
- Good doers, warmbloods & native breeds
- Horses & ponies requiring a specialist feed to help maintain a healthy metabolism
- Horses & ponies that require a low calorie feed
- Horses & ponies that may have an increased risk of metabolic issues
SHAPE-UP™ is based primarily on digestible fibre sources, which help to keep sugar and starch levels low. Many low-calorie feeds are typically low in quality protein and oil and this can give rise, over a period of time, to horses that have persistent poor coat and hoof quality and a lower tolerance to exercise. We have ensured that these factors are addressed while also ensuring that excess calories requirements are kept in check. Take a look at the science behind each ingredient with SHAPE-UP™.
OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS
Omega 3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and help to inhibit the inflammatory process that occurs during the metabolism of omega 6 fatty acids. Omega-3’s also promote the formation of much less inflammatory series 1 and 3 prostaglandins and help to relieve stiff joints, maintenance of cartilage cells, provide antioxidant properties to help ‘mop up’ free radicals whilst also enhancing coat condition.
ACID BUF AND THE HINDGUT
Acid Buf is a unique marine derived dead seaweed that gradually releases bioavailable calcium and magnesium throughout the digestive tract over a 6 – 8 hour period. Calcium and magnesium are known to help support an optimal environment in the stomach and hindgut.
SOURCE OF MAGNESIUM
Research has shown that horses supplemented with 1.5 to 6.0grams of magnesium per 450Kg bodyweight responded with a reduction or softening in ‘crestiness’. The recommended intake of Shape-Up™ for each bodyweight will provide the optimum level of magnesium to help support normal cell sensitivity. Shape-Up™ has a balanced calcium: magnesium ratio.
MOS INCLUSION
Mannooligosaccharide (MOS) is a non-digestible sugar that help to remove harmful pathogens from the digestive system. It is included in Shape-Up™ to help support the horse’s immune status and to maintain a normal bacterial balance in the digestive system, particularly in horses that do not have regular access to grazing.
CINNAMON
Shape-Up™ contains cinnamon to help maintain normal blood glucose levels and to ensure even body condition scores. Cinnamon also has strong antioxidant properties
HEALTHY HOOVES PACKAGE
Shape-Up™ is packed full of essential nutrients to ensure that hoof and coat condition is not compromised. It contains calcium, zinc, lysine, methionine and biotin to support hoof and horn growth.
Calcium: Enables hoof horn cells to bind to the intracellular substance making a strong cohesive structure.
Biotin: This has been shown to consistently be the most effective vitamin at improving horn quality when fed at 30g/kg. Additional biotin will be provided by forage sources and may need to be ‘topped up’ in cases of very poor hoof quality.
Zinc: Required for correct formation of the equine epidermis and is an essential co-factor in over 200 enzyme systems.
Lysine and Methionine: Determine the quality of the protein source and support the growth of the hoof wall and support its structure. The hoof is composed of proteins called keratins and these are rich in sulphur containing amino acids such as Methionine.
Feed Advice Form
Complete our online form to receive a detailed nutritional plan for your horse or pony from one of our registered nutritionists.
Quick Feed Finder
Use our quick and easy feed finder as a guide to select the right feed for your horse or pony.