The evolution of the Training Formula into Core Complete was driven by you – our clients. In response to your feedback that horses sometimes left a portion of the Training Formula powder uneaten at the bottom of the feed bucket, we decided to create a pelleted product.
The evolution of the Training Formula into Core Complete was driven by you – our clients. In response to your feedback that horses sometimes left a portion of the Training Formula powder uneaten at the bottom of the feed bucket, we decided to create a pelleted product.
We used this opportunity to enhance the original formula. Some changes were necessary to allow the product to be made in the pelleted form – for example, the new pelleted version (Core Complete) includes several nutrient-rich foods: flaxseed oil, alfalfa leaf meal, and wheat middlings. Flaxseed oil replaced the mineral oil in the original formula. Mineral oil was used in the original formulation to control dustiness but it has no nutritional value; it passes through the horse’s gastrointestinal tract unabsorbed. In contrast, flaxseed oil is an equine power food, high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that soothe the gut. Flaxseed oil, when fed, penetrates the skin and coat to not only make your horse shine with health but also to make the skin resistant to fungal and bacterial infections. A side benefit of including flaxseed oil is that its presence, as a digestible oil, improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, and E). Alfalfa is another gut-friendly addition that is high in protein, calcium, and potassium. Wheat middlings provide protein, fiber, phosphorus, and carbohydrates.
Additional modifications were made to strengthen gut support. These include the use of encapsulated probiotics that remain intact through the pelleting process and in their passage through the acid environment of the stomach. Importantly, the specific strain of flora selected (i.e., S. boulardii) is antibiotic-resistant, continuing to support optimum gastric health even during antibiotic treatment. The original formula did not offer this benefit. We also added beta glucans to the formula to deepen gastric and immune support; the digestive benefits and immune-boosting properties of beta glucans are well-established.
The nutritional content of the formula is largely unchanged. Levels of health-essential minerals, key amino acids, critical water- and fat-soluble vitamins, and nutrients that support joint health remain essentially the same.
The change to the pelleted form resulted in the need to increase the daily recommended amounts because pellets take up more space than powder. A scoop of powder contains more product than does a scoop of the same ingredients in the pelleted form because there is a good deal of empty space around the pellets. The volume of what is given, therefore, has to increase to meet the same nutritional thresholds. Note, however, that the price per daily dose is the same as it was for the powder product – about $4/day (less if on autoship).
If you are an established client, then we are confident that you will continue to be pleased with the difference that Core Complete makes in your horse’s health and well-being -- and you may notice the positive impact of the stronger gut support offered in this formula. If you are a new client, then be prepared to be impressed with the positive changes that Core Complete will produce in your horse’s health and performance.
