OKAPI Bitter Herbs
For healthy digestion
500g sufficient for approximately 10–14 days
1,000g sufficient for approximately 3–6 weeks
3,000g sufficient for multiple horses
As low as
£24.90
Incl. 7% VAT
£49.80 / 1 kg
Availability:
In stock
Only %1 left
SKU
002
Prices include VAT; depending on the delivery address, VAT may vary at checkout.
More information.
More information.
What are OKAPI Bitter Herbs?
OKAPI Bitter Herbs are a carefully chosen mixture of plants that are rich in bitter substances and tannins. Wild horses naturally select such herbs to support their digestion, especially in the spring when fresh, lush grass starts to grow. Unfortunately, modern horses often lack access to these bitter-rich plants in their hay or pasture, making it all the more beneficial to feed this mixture.
The effect of bitter compounds on digestion has been known for centuries. They stimulate the liver to produce more bile, which has a regulatory effect on intestinal motility and can promote digestion. Bitter herb mixtures are especially helpful during times when the gut is under strain, such as during the spring grazing period, after deworming, or in cases of sensitive digestion, to support the physiological balance of the gut.
Are OKAPI Bitter Herbs suitable for my horse?
In principle, OKAPI Bitter Herbs are suitable for adult horses of all ages and breeds. In cases where horses experience bloating, it is essential to consult a veterinarian, as this can indicate severe fermentation issues in the intestines, which may lead to colic. In such cases, we recommend starting with OKAPI Intestinal Support Herbs before using OKAPI Bitter Herbs to stabilise the natural gut environment.
The issue of laminitis is complex, with various causes and triggers. Therefore, it is advisable to coordinate the feeding in these cases with a qualified therapist or veterinarian. However, in general, there is no reason not to feed OKAPI Bitter Herbs, as they are preferred by wild horses to support the natural gut environment.
Most plants, including our Bitter Herbs, contain small amounts of chromium, which the body needs for various metabolic processes, including sugar metabolism in muscle cells. Our Bitter Herbs do not contain any chromium-accumulating plants, making them safe for horses with PSSM. The chromium content is similar to that of normal forage, and the sugar content is also low, as we do not use any sweet grasses. This means that our Bitter Herbs are generally safe to feed to horses diagnosed with PSSM.
Can I combine OKAPI Bitter Herbs with other products?
OKAPI Bitter Herbs can be easily combined with other products. We recommend combining it with OKAPI Lapacho bark and OKAPI ColoBalance for further support of the gut flora.
How long should I feed OKAPI Bitter Herbs?
OKAPI Bitter Herbs should not be given for longer than six to eight weeks at a time. After this period, it is recommended to take a break for four to six weeks or switch to another herbal mixture. This also aligns with the natural feeding behaviour of horses. A proven method is to alternate between OKAPI Bitter Herbs, OKAPI Intestinal Support Herbs, and OKAPI Grazing Herbs in a two-week rotation throughout the winter.
How is OKAPI Bitter Herbs fed?
OKAPI Bitter Herbs can be directly incorporated into the horse’s existing feed and can be added dry or moistened to the feed or sprinkled over the hay.
How do I calculate the correct dosage for my horse?
To calculate the appropriate dose for OKAPI Bitter Herbs, the following steps can be followed:
Determine the horse’s weight: The weight of the horse can be determined either by weighing it, measuring it with a tape measure, or by using apps like the BCI app from our partner Sanoanimal (available for free on Google Play and the Apple Store).
Follow the feeding recommendation: The general recommendation for OKAPI products is based on a 600 kg horse.
The recommended daily amount is 30 g to 50 g (approximately one handful).
Adjust the dose: If the horse weighs, for example, 300 kg, the dose should be adjusted accordingly. The calculation would be: Daily dose (50 g) / 600 kg × Horse’s weight (300 kg) = Daily ration (25 g). This calculation method allows you to determine the appropriate amount.
What is included in OKAPI Bitter Herbs?
OKAPI Bitter Herbs is a 100% herbal blend containing: yarrow, couch grass root, blackberry leaves, oregano, fennel, meadow caraway, dandelion roots, centaury, blueberries, oak bark, wormwood, and coriander.
Analytical constituents: Crude fibre: 22.00%, Crude protein: 10.40%, Crude fat: 4.20%, Crude ash: 7.80%, Calcium: 1.18%, Phosphorus: 0.22%, Sodium: 0.07%
Complementary feed for horses
Store in a cool, dry place! Best before: see label.