D-Carb Balance (Pellets)

SKU:
73160730
$69.45
(9 reviews)

Helps maintain a healthy metabolism D-Carb™ (Balance) is designed to help manage insulin resistance, a condition that is part of Equine Metabolic Syndrome, and frequently associated with obesity. This comprehensive formula supports healthy metabolic function by providing ingredients such as chromium and magnesium to support proper insulin function, along with Vitamin E, Vitamin C and ot… Read More

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Helps maintain a healthy metabolism

D-Carb™ (Balance) is designed to help manage insulin resistance, a condition that is part of Equine Metabolic Syndrome, and frequently associated with obesity. This comprehensive formula supports healthy metabolic function by providing ingredients such as chromium and magnesium to support proper insulin function, along with Vitamin E, Vitamin C and other antioxidants to combat oxidative stress. Along with diet and exercise, D-Carb  may help your horse achieve and maintain a healthy weight.  Pellets.

D-Carb™ (Balance) is formulated for diets consisting of approximately 15-20lbs of Timothy or Bermuda grass type hay, no grain, or small amounts and/or similar low carb feedstuffs (beet pulp) to provide calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and trace minerals that would be lacking, given the restriction of grain and alfalfa-type hay (both high in carbohydrates). Hay is normally fed at a rate of 1.5% of ideal body weight, Example: 1,000lb horse x 1.5%= 15lb hay (Hay should not contain more than 10% starch/sugar). Given many variables and conditions, consult your veterinarian for specific ration and feeding levels. 

 

 

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Magnesium (Mg) is a macro mineral that is frequently recommended for a wide range of equine health conditions. Magnesium helps to maintain normal muscle and nerve function, a healthy heart, healthy immune system and strong bones. Magnesium aids to regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Since a symptom of magnesium deficiency is agitation or anxiety, it is included in many calming supplements.

Phosphorus is a macromineral that, like Calcium, is found in highest amounts in bone. It is also required for energy production and the synthesis of many vital compounds such as DNA. The minerals calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) play a major role in proper growth and development of the skeletal system in horses. Ideally, horses should receive slightly more calcium than phosphorus – a ratio between 1:1 and 2:1.

Calcium is a micromineral found in highest amounts in bone and teeth. However, it also has important roles in supporting muscle contraction, cell membranes, blood clotting, enzymes regulation, and hormone release. Absorption of calcium from the small intestine is controlled by vitamin D but can be reduced if there is too much phosphorus in the diet. Ideally, horses should receive slightly more calcium than phosphorus – a ratio between 1:1 and 2:1. Pregnant and lactating mares, growing horses, and exercising horses may need more dietary calcium than an adult horse at rest. 

Zinc (Zn) is a micromineral involved in over 100 enzyme systems ranging from support of connective tissue formation and antioxidants to carbohydrate metabolism and immune system function. It is most recognized for its role in healthy skin and hooves.

Manganese is a micromineral that aids in bone formation, growth and reproduction. It also supports carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Supplementation should be considered because not all diets provide the same levels of manganese. It plays an important role in young growing horses as well as active performance horses.

Salt (sodium chloride or NaCl) plays an important role in maintaining hydration, nerve and muscle function and also helps regulate body's pH balance. Many equine diets can be low in sodium, therefore additional supplementation may be necessary and can vary depend on workload, exercise, weight etc. According to the Nutrient Requirements of Horses (NRC), a 1,100 pound adult horse in no work requires 10 grams of sodium daily, which can be met by giving 1 ounce of salt daily.

Vitamin E is considered the most important antioxidant and works closely with selenium to protect the body from the oxidative stress of exercise and illness. Found in high amounts in fresh pasture, levels begin to decay the moment pasture is cut for hay. That is why any horse that does not have access to grass, regardless of its activity level or health, would be a candidate for vitamin E supplementation. Horses are not very efficient in storing vitamin E and deficiency may be accelerated if the diet is deficient in selenium.

Copper (Cu) is a micromineral that aids in the production of normal connective tissues including tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone. As a component of many enzyme systems, it is also involved in making iron available to the body for blood, in producing skin and coat pigments, in proper nerve signaling and in repairing antioxidants.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is an antioxidant that plays a role in helping combat harmful free radicals. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the tissues of the body and also important in the production of connective tissues like tendons and ligaments.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) The Vitamin B family is made up of several compounds that serve many important roles in the body: protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism; energy production; proper nerve cell transmission and reproduction.

Vitamin A is well known for its role in supporting healthy vision, immune function, and skin/coat. However, it is also needed for respiratory health, reproduction, soft tissue and normal skeletal development in young growing horses and exercising horses that are remodeling bone.

Vitamin D (Calciferol) plays an indirect role in bone growth and maintenance by managing the levels of calcium (Ca) in the body. It assists in the absorption of Ca from the intestine, the movement of Ca into and out of bone, and the amount of Ca excreted by the kidneys.

Iodine is aids in reproduction and normal physiological function in the horse. This is due to the important role that it plays in natural thyroid metabolism and in the synthesis of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These hormones fulfill multiple functions ranging from healthy cell regulation to tissue differentiation and growth.

Chromium is a trace mineral which works with insulin to regulate blood sugar.

Selenium is a trace mineral that along with vitamin E function together to help to protect body tissues from free radical damage that occurs during oxidation (the conversion of feedstuffs into energy). While some parts of the country have high levels of selenium in their soil and therefore the plants that grow there, selenium deficiency is not uncommon and reported in many states. Therefore, most horses may require supplementation to meet the NRC requirement of 1-3 mg/day, depending on activity level. *NRC upper safe limit approx. 20 mg/day in total diet.

The Vitamin B family is made up of several compounds that support many important roles in the body: protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism; energy production; proper nerve cell transmission, reproduction, and division (especially rapidly dividing ones such as red blood cells). B vitamins include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12), choline, biotin, inositol and others are sometimes referred to as B-vitamins. For most of the B-vitamins, microorganisms in the large intestine make all the horse needs. Only thiamine and riboflavin have NRC dietary requirements. However, research suggests B-vitamin supplementation may be beneficial to horses with little access to fresh pasture and/or during any periods of stress (training, injury, travel, etc.)

Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) that help promote healthy digestive function and support a healthy immune system. Often referred to as ‘good bugs’ they help break down ingredients/contents that the body normally can't, and help inhibit ‘bad bugs’ from growing.

Do you have any tips on how to get a picky horse on a low sugar diet to eat supplements?

MVP:  Find a low sugar “carrier” that your horse will eat and gradually mix in the supplement.  Some low sugar options are; commercial feed formulated for sugar-sensitive horses (NSC level of 10% or less), shredded beet pulp (no molasses), hay cubes broken into pieces (choose a hay cube that is 10% NSC or less) or alfalfa pellets. Only use a small amount of carrier ingredient (1 cup per feeding or less if a mini). Once your horse readily eats the carrier ingredient, add a small amount of supplement and mix well.  Over the next few days gradually increase the amount of supplement until you reach the full serving size.  Soaking the carrier with a small amount of water may make the supplement mix in better and harder to leave behind. Add the supplement right at feeding time, do not soak.

 

I would like to start my mare on a metabolic daily supplement, there are so many to pick from. What sets them apart, they seem similar?

MVP: In review – The most essential ingredient to feed an IR horse is a minimum of 5,000mg/5gm of Magnesium. Chromium and iodine are also very beneficial when the diet is lacking these nutrients.

Anti-Carb – Formulated for a horse that is already on a balanced vitamin/mineral supplement.

Carb-X – An herbal approach, contains good levels of magnesium and chromium along with herbals that may be beneficial.

D-Carb Balance – Provides the Vitamins/Minerals that are lacking for horses receiving a low starch diet.

Magnesium 5,000 – Should be given when an all-around vitamin/mineral supplement is lacking in high levels. This is the minimum someone should do with an a horse  on a low starch diet and is great for those on a budget!

 

  • 4
    I like the ingredients in D-Carb Balance and...

    Posted by Marilyn Aho on 19th Sep 2024

    I like the ingredients in D-Carb Balance and especially the pelleted form. It seems to be helping my "easy keeper" mare maintain a healthier weight.

  • 4
    I like the ingredients in D-Carb Balance pellets...

    Posted by Marilyn Aho on 12th Dec 2023

    I like the ingredients in D-Carb Balance pellets which are much more convenient to use in a boarding situation. And my mare likes it! Combined with dietary management it helps to control her weight and chronic laminitis.

  • 5
    Good Product

    Posted by Julie on 13th Jul 2017

    I have a 17 year old 1/2 quarter 1/2 percheron gelding. I have used D-Carb Balance for a year and it has helped him a lot. His neck is down and, he is leaner and moving more freely. I have him out to pasture 4-5 hours a day and on timothy grass. I add this to Enrich Plus low carb feed and he likes it. I am also giving it to my 7 year old gelding that loves to eat and easily puts weight on. Good product.

  • 5
    Improved health condition

    Posted by Carol on 25th Nov 2016

    Our two 20 year old Morgan geldings have been fed D-Carb Balance for a year now and are doing great. Their body score has improved and they seem much happier. Our vet and farrier are very pleased with there improved health condition

  • 5
    Vet is amazed

    Posted by Crissy on 3rd Sep 2015

    I have been using D Carb Balance on my Paso Fino Mare for about 8yrs now and it has been a God Send! She is an easy keeper and had a very crusty neck and fat pockets on her ribs but since using this product she has maintained her weight and no more crest! She is also alot calmer and loves the taste, she eats it right up! I just purchased the 35lb size and will be using it on her sister as well. Just feeding this and good quality hay!This is an excellent Product, my Vet is Amazed! I Highly Recommend It!

  • 5
    Product does what it says

    Posted by Pennie on 2nd Feb 2013

    I have been using this product for more than 6 months on a 13 yo paint mare that was getting numerous fat pockets on her. My vet said she was getting susceptible to having medical issues because of this. The mare is ridden regularly and fed only timothy hay. At times, she was abit cranky as well. Within 2 months she lost the fat pockets and has slimmed down considerably. All this without increasing her exercise or cutting back her hay. Her attitude is also back to being pleasing and willing. This product does what is says and I plan on using it for her indefinitely plus letting others know about who may have a horse(s) with similar issues.

  • 5
    Improved greatly

    Posted by Andrea on 13th Jan 2013

    We have been feeding this to our 13 year old halflinger gelding. His attitude has improved greatly, usually he is cranky and tries to break the gate down to get a more food (always hungry and a very easy keeper). He will get this for the rest of his life!

  • 5
    Changed her life

    Posted by Mary on 30th Oct 2012

    I have a 24 year old mare I started on a regular regimen of D-Carb Balance. Since that was started over a year ago, she has experienced NO set backs, has had great energy and we enjoyed a wonderful season of energetic trail rides. I am so thankful for this product! I just mix it with her morning feed. It’s as simple as that. It has changed her life, and mine, as I am able to continue to spend great time on the trail with this long time friend of mine.

  • 5
    Performance improved dramatically

    Posted by Christine on 28th Oct 2012

    I started using D-Carb on my gelding, he’s an easy keeper, so we took him off the little grain he was on and replaced it with D-Carb and a fat supplement. He cleans his bucket without any grain, so it is palatable. My gelding’s performance improved dramatically within a couple of weeks and he’s holding his weight and looks healthy (good hair and hoof)despite the lack of grain. He plays in the pasture much more than he used to so I think he feels good and has more energy. He’ll probably be on this supplement for the rest of his life.