Probiotics are defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host".

Probiotics have been shown to work by the following mechanisms:

Competition for nutrients

Within the gut, beneficial as well as pathogenic microorganisms will be utilising the same types of nutrients. This results in a general competition between microorganisms for these nutrients. When a probiotic is administered there is an overall reduction in nutrients available for pathogenic bacteria and consequently this minimises the levels of pathogenic microorganisms.

Competition for adhesion sites

• Probiotics can attach to the gut wall and form colonies at various sites throughout the gut. This prevents pathogenic bacteria from gaining a foothold, resulting in their expulsion from the body.
• Improvement in digestion

The BETA NOPS scheme was set up in 2009 to help reduce the risk of naturally occurring prohibited substances (NOPS) in equine feed.

The definition of a prohibited substance is 'any substance that can exert an effect on a horse' which is a broad, all-encompassing definition. A naturally occurring prohibited substance (or NOPS) is one that is either naturally present within certain ingredients or that occurs as a result of inadvertent cross-contamination during processing before arriving at the feed manufacturer’s facility.

Companies have to be audited to become members. Once accepted, members can feature the BETA NOPS Code logo on product packaging to reassure horse owners, trainers and riders of the stringent quality management procedures that have been set in place. The scheme is a company scheme so the assumption is that all products placed on the market by a scheme member will be NOPS compliant.

ADM Protexin Limited are proud to be members of BETA and are NOPS accredited so you can be assured that all products within the Protexin Equine range are fully compliant.

ADM Protexin Limited are proud to be members of BETA and are NOPS accredited so you can be assured that all products within the Protexin Equine range are fully compliant.

Gut Balancer contains a palatable probiotic and unique dual source prebiotics, specifically designed for horses and ponies. Use daily to support digestive function and efficiency and for general wellbeing.

Acid Ease contains the same probiotic and prebiotics found in Gut Balancer, alongside a combination of calcium and magnesium carbonate, fibre, kaolin and amino acids which together act to buffer excess acid and soothe the gut lining. Acid Ease is suitable to calm excess acid in all horses and weaned foals.

Acid Ease contains the same probiotic and prebiotics found in Gut Balancer, alongside a combination of calcium and magnesium carbonate, fibre, kaolin and amino acids which together act to buffer excess acid and soothe the gut lining. Acid Ease is suitable to calm excess acid in all horses and weaned foals.

Yes it is safe to give Acid Ease alongside a pharmaceutical such as omeprazole.

Yes, Acid Ease is safe to use to support optimal gastrointestinal pH for long periods. The daily amount given can be reduced to the maintenance level for long term use.

Acid Ease contains a high concentration of probiotic organisms which should be sufficient for most horses. However, for additional probiotic support Gut Balancer can safely be given alongside Acid Ease.

If you need to mix Acid Ease with water, it should be fed as soon as possible after mixing.

The patented ingredients in Cosequin Equine are supported by unrivalled clinical evidence in horses. Glucosamine Hydrochloride (FCHG49®) and Chondroitin Sulphate (TRH122®) feature in extensive research in equine and companion animal joint health support – including over 50 published scientific articles.

Both ingredients are of the highest quality and importantly both have proven bioavailability (absorption from the diet into the bloodstream). This makes Cosequin one of the most trusted joint products on the market for horse owners, trainers and vets.

If you need to mix Fifteen Plus with water, it should be fed as soon as possible after mixing.

Whilst Fifteen Plus contains a lower level of probiotic than Gut Balancer it is sufficient for the majority of senior horses. Those that require extra help may benefit from the additional support of Gut Balancer at half the usual daily amount. Fifteen Plus contains the same Preplex prebiotics as Gut Balancer.

Acid Ease contains ingredients specifically targeted to help calm excess acid which are not found in Fifteen Plus. If you think your horse would benefit from additional support for their stomach please continue using Acid Ease alongside Fifteen Plus.

Fifteen Plus provides support for joints, through the inclusion of glucosamine, highly bioavailable curcumin and omega-3s. This will be sufficient support for most senior horses, but some, such as those in regular hard work, will benefit from the additional support of Cosequin Equine. Cosequin Equine is our most advanced joint support product and contains two well-researched ingredients at high levels - Glucosamine HCl (FCHG49®) and Chondroitin Sulphate (TRH122®).

Yes, Fifteen Plus is suitable for horses with laminitis.

Absolutely. The product is designed to be fed continuously to support the older horse.

Gut Balancer contains a palatable probiotic and unique dual source Preplex® prebiotics. It is specifically designed for horses and ponies. Use daily to support digestive function and efficiency and for general wellbeing.

If you need to mix Gut Balancer with water, it should be fed as soon as possible after mixing.

Gut Balancer can be given during weaning and in weaned foals. There will be no issues if your foal consumes a small amount of the mare’s Gut Balancer

Gut Sponge is a palatable nutritional supplement formulated to support hind gut health and encourage the formation of normal droppings[GL1] , especially during hind gut disturbances. It contains an absorbent clay (bentonite-montmorillonite) and psyllium, which both acts as a prebiotic and helps absorb excess water.

Unlike Gut Balancer, Gut Sponge does not contain a probiotic and Preplex® prebiotics. If a highly-concentrated probiotic and prebiotic is required as well as Gut Sponge, then Gut Balancer can be added in at the same time.

Gut Balancer is designed to be given daily, for the life of the horse where necessary. The horse’s gastrointestinal system is influenced by many different factors throughout its life and is constantly changing. Therefore any horse at any age can benefit from the support provided by Gut Balancer.

Yes. Both Gut Sponge and Gut Balancer support hind gut health, but by different mechanisms. The addition of Gut Balancer provides probiotic and additional prebiotic support. They can be fed together, but when you’re feeding Gut Sponge once daily it’s best to feed Gut Balancer at the opposite end of the day.

Whilst it would be safe to feed both products together, Gut Sponge and Gut Bind support gut health in a similar way. It would be better to feed Gut Balancer alongside Gut Sponge to provide additional probiotic and prebiotic support.

Yes. Both Gut Sponge and Gut Balancer support hind gut health, but by different mechanisms. The addition of Gut Balancer provides probiotic and additional prebiotic support. They can be fed together, but when you’re feeding Gut Sponge once daily it’s best to feed Gut Balancer at the opposite end of the day.

Whilst it would be safe to feed both products together, Gut Sponge and Gut Bind support gut health in a similar way. It would be better to feed Gut Balancer alongside Gut Sponge to provide additional probiotic and prebiotic support.

Yes. It is safe to feed Gut Sponge alongside all other Protexin products. For more information on Gut Balancer and Gut Bind see above; for other products, or to ask a specific question about your horse please get in touch with our technical team.

Macrolides are a class of antibiotics, including erythromycin, clarithromycin and others. Smectite clays are known to bind macrolides and stop them from working. It is therefore not recommended to use Gut Sponge alongside oral macrolides. However, macrolides are very rarely used in horses – except when treating Rhodococcus equi infection in foals. If you have any doubts, please speak to your vet.

Gut Balancer contains a palatable probiotic and unique dual source Preplex® prebiotics. It is specifically designed for horses and ponies. Use daily to support digestive function and efficiency and for general wellbeing.

Yes absolutely! The hind gut provides an excellent environment for microorganisms and consequently this is where the microbiota is most highly concentrated. Hind gut conditions, such as acidosis, are closely linked with an imbalance in the microbiota. Probiotics have been shown to increase the numbers of ‘good’ microorganisms, promoting a healthy hind gut, and healthy horse.