Health Food for Horses!

Want to feed your horses treats which they love and are good for them too? Here are a few of nature's health foods for horses.

By Jackie Rive at www.brookbyherbs.co.nz
Helping horses and dogs live healthier and happier lives, naturally.

APPLES are the number one fruit fed to horses as a treat. Like carrots, they are a good source of Potassium, vitamin C, and Complex Carbohydrates. Not only do they taste good but they contain Flavonoids, which are naturally occurring plant compounds that have antioxidant properties.

BREWER'S YEAST is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. It contains Calcium, Methionine, Chromium, PABA, B Complex, and Potassium to name a few. It also contains all the essential Amino Acids needed for complete Protein utilization. Brewer's Yeast is a valuable addition to any conditioning program.

CARROTS are the number one vegetable fed to horses as a treat. They are a rich source of vitamin A which is important for healthy skin and eyes. Carrots are a good source of Potassium, vitamin C, and complex carbohydrates.

FENUGREEK seed is an appetizing herb that can be used for conditioning the body and hooves. Its rich vitamin content makes it an excellent tonic.

CALENDULA aides in maintaining a healthy digestive system. It is useful for liver conditions and so could be helpful with things like arthritis and laminitis.

CHAMOMILE is used to relieve anxiety and restlessness, while aiding digestion. Chamomile is high in B vitamins and is a bit of a cure all.

GARLIC is an amazing herb. It has been used for everything from fighting infections, cough and inflammation to aiding the circulatory system to fly control. And garlic is loaded with vitamins and minerals.

GINSENG is an adaptogen. It can strengthen both physically and mentally the ability to manage stress. Ginseng also improves resistance to infection and is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Iron, and Calcium.

HAWTHORN adds PABA, which aides in the metabolism of protein and 19 important Bioflavonoids which can improve circulation, normalize blood pressure, and cause blood vessel to become stronger and more flexible. It also adds B vitamins, Iron, and potassium.

HOPS are a soothing and relaxing herb, which can help to relieve flatulence. It adds B vitamins.

LEMON BALM is relaxing and helpful for improving the digestive system and relieving flatulence. Lemon Balm has a high mineral content including Iron, Calcium, and Potassium.

NETTLE is loaded with minerals, especially Iron. Nettle is especially helpful for improving the condition of the hair coat.

PARSLEY is a dark, leafy green herb that is high in vitamins A and C, and in iron, magnesium and potassium. It has been used as a tonic and to aid digestion. It is a good "pick me up" food.

PEPPERMINT aids digestion, has a wonderful aroma and taste. It is soothing to the stomach.

ROSEHIPS can strengthen and condition hooves and connective tissues. They are also a good tonic for liver based ailments, are high in vitamin C, and can help build a barrier against infection.
Visit www.brookbyherbs.co.nz for a full range of natural organic herbal health blends for animals.

Pet Owners Favouring Organic And Natural Options For Both Themselves And Their Animals

By Jackie Rive at www.brookbyherbs.co.nz
Helping horses and dogs live healthier and happier lives, naturally.

 Increasing numbers of pet owners are paying more attention to what they are feeding their dogs, cats and horses, with many turning to organic, natural and herbal alternatives.
According to recent research from the United States, spending on nutraceuticals and pet care supplements is expected to continue rising throughout 2011, with sales predicted to reach $1.6 billion by 2015, a 27% increase from 2010. The senior and joints category is especially buoyant, accounting for approximately one-third of retail sales of dog supplements, one-fifth of sales of cat supplements and almost one-third of horse supplement sales.

Brookby Herbs founder and Managing Director, Jackie Rive, believes that the growing popularity of these pet care supplements is due to an increased awareness of alternative treatment options in general.

‘More and more people throughout both New Zealand and the rest of the world are now taking an interest in using non-pharmaceutical treatment options to care for their own health as well as the health of their families,’ explains Jackie. ‘Pets are an integral part of many households so it comes as no surprise that people want to include them in their quest for healthier living.’

‘There has also been something of a backlash against unnatural processed foods recently,’ she adds. ‘Individuals are becoming much more aware of where their food and supplements come from and just how much they are contributing nutritionally. This new found attitude is crossing over to how they look after their pets and is driving purchases of natural and organic products.’

Jackie also points out that the fact that herbal supplements are gentler and often involve fewer side effects than the conventional pharmaceutical medicines is also a draw card.

‘Of course, the first step should always be to take the pet to the vets if there is anything wrong,’ says Jackie. ‘However, more veterinarians both here and overseas are now recommending herbal treatment alternatives for certain conditions. It is becoming widely accepted that they can be kinder on the organs, such as the liver and kidneys, than some of the pharmaceutical options.’

For more information on Brookby Herbs, visit http://www.brookbyherbs.co.nz/
Visit www.brookbyherbs.co.nz for a full range of natural organic herbal health blends for animals