Prebiotics help to promote healthy gut function so that the horse can utilise his feed as efficiently as possible. The two main types of prebiotics used in horse feed are short chain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS). Only certain types of beneficial bacteria in the hindgut can break FOS down and utilise the energy it provides. Recent research has suggested that supplementing a horse's diet with FOS may help to reduce the extent of digestive disturbances. MOS mop up harmful pathogenic bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella and carry them out of the gut as if harmful bacteria become established in the gut this could have serious health implications for the horse.

Probiotics contain live bacteria populations to help top-up the numbers of beneficial bacteria in the horses hindgut. Due to the limited research in this area of equine nutrition, current legislation issues restrict the types of bacteria that can be included in products specifically for horses which is why Dengie only includes Enterococcus faecium in its Natural Vitality Digestive Health Plus supplement.

Protein is vital for growth and repair of bosy tissues such as muscle, hair, blood, skin and hoof. Enzymes, hormones and anti-bodies are also made of protein. Protein is made up of amino acids, those that have to be supplied in the diet are termed essential amino acids and the ‘quality’ of a protein is often measured by the levels of essential amino acids it contains. Alfalfa is a good source of 'quality protein' so its ideal for meeting the requirements of horses and ponies in work and breeding stock.

Also known as Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy, this condition also affects the horse's muscles, but in a different way. PSSM is a genetic disease where the storage form of sugar (glycogen) accumulates in the muscle due to an unregulated uptake of sugar and is thought to be the result of increased insulin sensitivity. Whereas ERS has a higher occurrence in thoroughbreds or thoroughbred crosses, Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy is most likely to affect heavier breeds such as draught horses or warmbloods. With regards to feeding you should make sure your horse's diet is balanced by feeding a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement and keep it as low in sugar and starch as possible. Suitable feeds from the Dengie range include Alfa-A Oil, Alfa-Beet, Alfalfa Pellets and Fibremix Complement.