As the title says. I’ve been using the SmartGut, like it, do think it helps. But it is beyond expensive. Thinking perhaps I can just replace using the Outlast AM/PM (no need to do multiple servings per day, and not sure how I’d manage that anyway).
Thoughts?
Oh, and since nobody will answer ONLY my question… :lol: miss maresy’s management is plenty of turnout (with grass!), alfalfa, grass hay available always, a consistent schedule, etc etc etc!
Honestly I didn’t find them worth it. Horse had some ulcer issues (now resolved) and trouble maintaining weight and I ended up putiing him on soaked alfalfa cubes along with his grain (Safechoice Original) and he’s shiny and happy. I tried the Outlast b/c everyone raved about it and I needed to be able to say I tried it. But he wasn’t a fan and I didn’t notice any difference in him. What are you trying to solve with the Outlast?
I used to do SmarGut Ultra. But it’s crazy pricey.
After moving my guy home I eventually switched to G.U.T. It’s got a lot of similar ingredients and isn’t crazy inexpensive.
I also switched feeds and am using Bluebonnet’s Intensify Omega Force which can be fed in smaller amounts and has gut support as well. And he’s also now on 24/7 turnout and always has access to forage. And he gets alf pellets with his feed and alf hay in the winter with his grass hay. Felt good about a cheaper supplement because of all the other management things I was able to do.
My geriatric gelding was on Smartgut Ultra for about 8 months, but I found it expensive too. Vet recommended it while we were trying to get to the bottom of why he kept developing colitis (24/7 turnout, grass, 24/7 access roundbales, no stomach ulcers, retired, sound, low stress, loved his herd arrangement…) Discontinued after not seeing any improvement after 8 months. What did make a huge difference was a fecal transplant! (P.S the chronic colitis was caused by him not digesting hay well and it irritated his intestines… very expensive, very interesting case lol)
I haven’t tried Purina Outlast, but I have heard people rave about it in OTTB groups.
I’m with Hilary, what is it you’re trying to solve?
@beowulf & @Hilary - at this point there isn’t anything to “solve”, I don’t think. But missy can be a real princess. I have treated for ulcers, she is an OTTB… blah blah the usual “suspects”.
We haul out frequently, she does get nervous about it, I guess I am more looking to head off or mitigate issues before they arise. Basically, I can “soothe your tummy so you have one less thing to worry about”.
I will say, I am ‘pretty sure’ (because I just can’t know for 100%) that doing this for her has helped. It seems to have. It’s just ridiculous expensive.
Given all I’ve gone thru with her anything I can take off the table is helpful.
I don’t know anything about smartgut but love outlast. We don’t have alfalfa hay and my horses (TBs, sensitive but with no raging ulcer issue) have always done well on alfalfa - they’re just chill and settled on it - so I feed soaked cubes daily. Before I ride, though, I prefer outlast, because it’s easier: dump a scoop in the feed tub while I change. Might be worth giving it a shot.
Outlast is pretty inexpensive per serving and easy to feed, like @Saskatoonian says, so it might be worth a try.
PSA: Currently, if you submit a sample to the Equine Microbiome Project, they will send you a coupon for $20 off a bag of Outlast! You can email them to request sample kits at EquineMicrobiomeProject@landolakes.com. I’m not affiliated with them in any way but it’s too good a deal not to share!
I have had great luck with Redmond’s daily gold on my ulcer prone sensitive mare and its super affordable, just another option 
I have used Outlast with good results. I have a gelding who can be anxious and over reactive at times, and since using Outlast he has become much more chill and much less dramatic. It’s pretty cheap to feed, too. I generally feed it twice daily, with extra feedings if trailering or in some sort of stressful situation.
Thanks all. My inclination is to do my own ‘experiment’ and just take her off the Smartpak product, only use Outlast, and see what happens, if anything.
If it doesn’t work, then I know the SP product was worth the money.
A little bit more affordable combo that I’ve found to work well for my gelding is SmartDigest Ultra powder for his hind gut and then Outlast for his stomach. My guy has been really happy on this combo.
I know you specifically mentioned above that nobody would only answer your question… but if it is preventative, which it sounds like, have you tried Nexium on days before trips, etc?
I also own a TB who hates trailer rides. He always loads up, is always a great traveler, and is always great off property – but I can tell he doesn’t care for the trailer because he always makes himself scarce once he hears me hook it up. It’s the only time he isn’t up in my BIDNESS when I am in the paddock/down at the horses. :lol: I started chucking him some Nexium the day before, during, and after any time we trailer… and the playing Hide & Seek behavior stopped. :encouragement:
Just know that regular use of bentonite clay can inhibit absorption of some minerals, so not something I would be using long-term.
Huh, I did not know that, can you send me more info in PM, I don’t want to derail this thread. Thanks!
Oh go ahead :lol:!! Actually it says right on the label not to give it with meds or supplements because it can interfere. When I used it, always gave in the morning when I wasn’t adding anything else to her bucket.
Thanks! I knew not to feed it with medication but I guess I will feed it in a different meal than her vit/min supplement from now on. Learn something new everyday :lol:
Beowulf, you are the second person that I know of to mention fecal transplant. Can you please share what that involved?
I also had it done to my horse and can share a link to the paper my vet sent if you’d like!
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