Supports gut regulation
2,000g sufficient for approximately 3–6 weeks
4,000g sufficient for approximately 2–3 months or multiple horses
OKAPI Helianthus is a plant from the sunflower family that most horses enjoy eating. OKAPI Helianthus pellets can be fed for a period of 4–6 weeks, particularly as part of gut-cleansing measures, such as during feed transitions. They are also beneficial for horses with sensitive digestive systems, especially in winter. In these cases, OKAPI Helianthus can help support a healthy gut environment. We recommend combining the OKAPI Helianthus pellets with OKAPI Bitter Herbs and OKAPI ColoBalance. After a maximum of eight weeks, a break should be taken or a switch made to OKAPI ColoProtect forte. For horses that refuse OKAPI Helianthus pellets, we suggest using OKAPI Psyllium Seeds or OKAPI Psyllium Husks as an alternative. OKAPI Helianthus pellets are made from the entire above-ground part of the plant. We intentionally avoid processing the tuber, as it contains high levels of inulin, which can negatively affect the microbiome (“gut flora”) in the colon.
OKAPI Helianthus is suitable for adult horses of all ages and breeds.
OKAPI Helianthus can be easily combined with other products.
OKAPI Helianthus should not be fed for more than 6–8 weeks at a time. After this period, it is recommended to switch to OKAPI Psyllium Husks or OKAPI Psyllium Seeds.
OKAPI Helianthus pellets can be fed either dry or soaked, provided the recommended amount and the period of around six weeks are not exceeded.
As a general recommendation for pellets of this size (6mm in diameter), it is advised to soak them before feeding, as pellets with a larger diameter can cause an atypical chewing cycle, potentially leading to tooth and jaw joint issues.
However, since OKAPI Helianthus is typically fed in small amounts and only for a limited period of 4-6 weeks (unlike hay or Vitalcobs, which are fed continuously), it is not a problem to feed them dry. In general, most horses enjoy OKAPI Helianthus, so the pellets can be offered without additional (soaked) feed.
To calculate the appropriate dose for OKAPI Helianthus, 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 such as 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 50g-100g daily.
Adjust the dose: If the horse weighs, for example, 300 kg, the dose should be adjusted accordingly. The calculation would be: Daily dose (100 g) / 600 kg × Horse’s weight (300 kg) = Daily ration (50 g). This calculation method allows you to determine the appropriate amount.
OKAPI Helianthus contains: Topinambur (Helianthus tuberosus)
OKAPI Helianthus pellets are made from the entire plant, specifically the above-ground parts. The tuber is intentionally not processed, as it has a very high content of inulin, which can negatively affect the microbiome (“gut flora”) in the large intestine.
Analytical components and contents:
Crude fibre: 22.7%
Feed Material for horses