Product Info
Gastro™ - Step 1 is a gut supplement for horses showing signs of gastric issues & discomfort. It’s used as the first step in our gastric programme, helping stabilise the gut microbiome & restore intestinal barrier function.
· Supports a balanced microbiome for healthy digestion
· Includes Inulin helping feed beneficial hindgut bacteria
· High in protein, amino acids & vitamins
Packed with key ingredients that support gut health including Inulin, Papaya, Aloe Vera and L-Arginine, which utilises Nitric Oxide pathway precursors, helping to deliver nutrients to the entire gastric system, supporting gut mobility.
Ideal for horses showing symptoms of gastric discomfort, changes in behaviour, grass, routine and turnout and horses that travel and compete.
Can be used for part of a short or long-term feeding plan or used as and when required during times of stress or changes.
Inulin
Inulin is used to support a healthy gut by selectively encouraging certain beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to proliferate in the horse's hindgut. This, in turn, can improve fibre metabolisation, nutrient absorption, and overall digestive health.
Papaya
Papaya, particularly the papain enzyme found within it, is used to support digestion and gastric health. It can help the process of protein breakdown, nutrient absorption, and stimulate salivation, which can benefit horses with digestive issues.
Aloe Vera
Helps soothe the digestive tract and is beneficial for protecting the sensitive lining of the stomach.
L-Arginine
An amino acid, converted in the body into Nitric Oxide(NO), helping to deliver nutrients to the entire gastric system.
Beta-Alanine
Beta-Alanine works in the body by producing 'Carnosine'. This supports the horse’s ability to absorb acidification.
3-Step Gastric Programme
Step 1 - Gastro™ is the most concentrated formula in the gastric range, helping preserve & restore intestinal barrier function. Ideal for horses showing symptoms of gastric discomfort, changes in behaviour, grass and turnout changes, travelling and competitions.
Step 2 - Gastro Extend™ can be used as a follow on from Gastro™ - Step 1 or used as maintenance if your horse has a sensitive gut or is prone to stress.
Step 3 - SFM PRO™ & SFM PRO - Extra Calmer™ is a daily gut maintenance for your horses gut health. Includes essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids, ideal for when grazing is limited, grass is lacking and throughout winter when nutrients in the grass are lower or turnout is restricted.
FAQ’s
What are the signs of gut discomfort?
It could show itself in many ways including being sharp, bucking, spooky or behind the leg, loose droppings, sensitive to groom or girth up, general behaviour changes (you know your horse best!)
How long should my horse stay on Gastro™ Step 1?
We would recommend you use Step 1 for 4-8 weeks and you see consistent improvement in symptoms and/or behaviour in your horse before moving on to Extend Step 2™.
Should I split the daily amount over two feeds?
It is recommended that your horse is fed its maintenance amount in one feed - do not split over two feeds. To find out your horse’s daily requirements, see the feeding guidelines below.
For loading doses (the first 3-5 days of feeding), feed the required amount twice daily.
I’m not sure my horse will eat it?
We offer free trials so that you can ensure your horse is happy to eat it.
P&P applies. Available to customers who have not fed it previously to their horse. Just call one of our team to arrange delivery. 01184 676715
My horse is spooky, should I get a calmer instead?
Behaviour issues often arise when the gut brain axis is compromised. The Gut Brain Axis is controlled by the Vagus Nerve and can be disrupted and show as signs of ‘behaviour’ if gut health is compromised.
Feeding Guidelines
We would recommend you use Gastro™ Step 1 for 4-8 weeks. When you see consistent improvement in your horse it is time to move on to Extend Step 2™.
1 serving = 18g (25ml Scoop)
Maintenance:
Under 500kg ½ - ¾ scoop once a day
500 kg – 550 kg 1 - 1½ scoop once a day
550kg – 600kg+ 1½ - 2 scoops once a day
First 3 - 5 days feed twice daily
For best results, mix with feed, store in a cool dry place in an airtight container & use within 6 months of opening
Recommended by professionals.
Ingredients
Composition:
Papaya, Turmeric, Aloe Vera, Inulin, Ginger Root Powder, Himalayan Salt,
Amino Acids, Vitamins & Minerals (Additives):
L-Arginine(3c361), Beta Alanine, L-Alanine, L-Tyrosine, Vitamin E (Natural dl-a-Tocopheryl Acetate 700iu), Choline Bitartrate, Vitamin C (Ascorbic), N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine HCL, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide Crystalline), L-Glutamic Acid, Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate, Vitamin B5 (D-Calcium Pantothenate), Manganese Gluconate, L-Histidine HCL, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine HCL), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL), Iron Ferrous Fumerate, Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin), Selenium Yeast
Typical Analytical Constituents % (per serving):
Total Oil 3.20%, Sodium 0.25%, Crude Protein 82.90%, Starch 3.30%, Crude Fibre 0.60%, Sugar as Sucrose 10.71%, Crude Ash 2.70%
Due to the inclusion of natural ingredients, some specifications may vary such as colour and aroma.
Complementary feed supplement for horses
I am extremely sceptical when it comes to supplements, feeling like it was a bit last chance to try something before admitting defeat and selling my daughters horse i enquired about a calmer and received a call and was asked why i had enquired, i explained he resembled and over excited toddler in his work, struggled to focus and maintain any concentration and was like a ticking time bomb ready to explode any moment, i explained about his eating habits and how he was extremely fussy! it was suggested to try this product, no hard sale what so ever, i was encouraged to research the product and read the reviews and to get back in contact if i were interested, this for me was a very pleasant surprise. I did go away and read up and I purchased the product, excellent customer service, it was delivered next day and i was kept updated.
Admittedly i honestly didn't expect him to eat it but knowing i could mix with water and syringe i was willing to give it a go, he is the fussiest horse i have ever come across (I have owned many horses and worked in several competition yards over the years) it takes him the best part of 6-8 hours to eat his feed, so realistically that only gave me the option to feed him once a day. Anything i have previously tried to add to his feed, including electrolytes has been refused, no matter how gradually introduced.
The first few days i syringed it in, then put one dose in his morning feed and syringed the second one as he is currently in during the day and out at night. Since going on to maintenance dose he is eating it happily in his feed, which is just unbelievable in itself.
He is now clearing his feed within an hour, actually seeking his second feed and calling for his feeds - which he has never done in nearly 2 years of owning him, previously you could feed everyone else and he wouldn't even come looking over his door.
He is a lot more content both in and out the stable, not stressing as he was previously was when a horse left the yard to be exercised etc.
So much more relaxed in the stable, Floppy lip and just generally more chilled.
He spends more time in the paddock with his head down grazing, everyday he would throw all sorts of shapes in the field but he just seems more content and happier than ever!
In his work he is much calmer in general, still very alert and off the leg but has a new level of concentration and hasn't had a total melt down since starting step 1 - Gastro 2 weeks ago.
We are yet to take him to a competition, but the difference in him at home alone has definitely been enough to convert us and continue with the product going forward.
i always question how genuine reviews are but i really am so impressed with the difference Gastro step 1 has made to him, even my non horsey husband cannot believe the difference in his appetite and how he now talks for his feeds!
My 10 year old can actually lead him and can safely go into the stable with him and i now feel my eldest daughter has a horse to work with going forward.
Decided to give my 27yr old the Gastro 1 as well as my adopted horse from Malta. They are both very content and eating well. Given the weather, my horses age and the distance my new horse travelled i am very happy this has kept their guts happy.
Literally in over 35 years of owning horses this is the only supplement I would be confident to say categorically works. Used it after a course of omeprazole when the horse was still showing symptoms and always use it on my youngsters when they go away for breaking. Fully recommended.
Horse seems generally more amenable
Pony loved it and seems to be settling her tummy