OKAPI Bitter Herbs

Supports healthy digestion

Herbal mix with increased levels of bitter & tannin compounds
May support natural digestive function
May positively influence natural gut motility
Suitable for periods of digestive stress (e.g., introduction to pasture, after deworming, or for sensitive digestion)

As low as £24.90

Incl. 0% VAT

£49.80 / 1 kg

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SKU

002

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Product Description

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.

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.

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.

Feeding recommendations

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.

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 amount of OKAPI Bitter Herbs for your horse, follow these steps:

1. Determine your horse’s weight:
The horse’s weight can be measured using a scale, weight tape, or apps like the BCI App from our partner Sanoanimal, available for free on Google Play and Apple Store).

2. Use the feeding recommendation as your starting point:
The general feeding recommendation for OKAPI Bitter Herbs is based on a horse weighing 600 kg. The recommended daily amount is 30 g to 50 g (approximately one handful).

3. Adjust the amount to your horse’s weight:
For example, for a horse weighing 300 kg:
50 g ÷ 600 kg × 300 kg = 25 g per day

This calculation can be used to determine the appropriate amount for horses of different weights.

- 500g sufficient for approximately 10–14 days
- 1,000g sufficient for approximately 3–6 weeks
- 3,000g sufficient for multiple horses

Composition

Composition: 100% herbal mixture, contains: yarrow, couch grass root, caraway, oak bark, blackberry leaves, dandelion, wormwood

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

OKAPI Bitter Herbs should not be given for more than six to eight weeks at a time. A break of four to six weeks or a change to a different herbal mixture is then recommended. This also accommodates the horse's natural feeding behaviour. Alternating OKAPI Bitter Herbs and OKAPI Intestinal Support Herbs every two weeks throughout the winter has proven successful.