Science & Research

At Poseidon, our formulas are research-backed. We partner with equine researchers, veterinarians, microbiologists and nutritionists to create products that help the gut function the way nature intended. We formulate our supplements with clinically backed, active ingredients at effective levels.

Our formulas are carefully balanced so each ingredient works with the others for greater impact, providing complete whole-gut support that targets both the foregut and hindgut for comprehensive digestive health.

Research

Read published papers supporting the efficacy of ingredients in Poseidon Animal Health products.

Found in DigestiveHP, Red Marine Algae helps increase gastric and hindgut pH to assist in maintaining overall gut health, neutralize excess stomach acid and create a long-lasting protective layer in the stomach.

Liburt, N., Mastellar, S., Cassill, B., Schmutz, A., & Harris, P. (2021).

Effect of a marine-sourced calcium on fecal pH in horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 100, 103531.

Gordon, M. E., Jerina, M. L., Young, J. K., & Andrews, F. M. (2017).

The effect of a natural-source mineral supplement on gastric ulceration in horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 52, 56–57.

Moir, T., O’Brien, J., Hill, S. R., & Waldron, L. A. (2016).

The influence of feeding a high calcium, algae supplement on gastric ulceration in adult horses. Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition, 4.

Jacobs, R. D., Gordon, M. B. E., Vineyard, K. R., Keowen, M. L., Garza, F., & Andrews, F. M. (2020). The Effect of a Seaweed-Derived Calcium Supplement on Gastric Juice pH in the Horse. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 95, 103265.

Destrez, A., Grimm, P., & Julliand, V. (2019).

Dietary-induced modulation of the hindgut microbiota is related to behavioral responses during stressful events in horses. Physiology & Behavior.

DigestiveHP and StressPaste combines prebiotics and next-generation postbiotics to protect and repair the gut, support stress management and enhance overall resilience and performance.

Medina, B., Girard, I. D., Jacotot, E., & Julliand, V. (2002).

Effect of a preparation of on microbial profiles and fermentation patterns in the large intestine of horses fed a high fiber or a high starch diet. Journal of Animal Science, 80(10), 2600.

Jouany, J.-P., Gobert, J., Medina, B., Bertin, G., & Julliand, V. (2008).

Effect of live yeast culture supplementation on apparent digestibility and rate of passage in horses fed a high-fiber or high-starch diet. Journal of Animal Science, 86(2), 339–347.

Koke. K. (2014).

Effects of Dietary Yeast Supplementation on Serum Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Quarter Horse Mares. The Ohio State University.

Jouany, J.-P., Medina, B., Bertin, G., & Julliand, V. (2009).

Effect of live yeast culture supplementation on hindgut microbial communities and their polysaccharidase and glycoside hydrolase activities in horses fed a high-fiber or high-starch diet. Journal of Animal Science, 87(9), 2844–2852.

Faubladier, C., Chaucheyras-Durand, F., da Veiga, L., & Julliand, V. (2013).

Effect of transportation on fecal bacterial communities and fermentative activities in horses: Impact of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 supplementation. Journal of Animal Science, 91(4), 1736–1744.

Hannah C Valigura, Jessica L Leatherwood, Rafael E Martinez, Sharon A Norton, Sarah H White-Springer, Dietary supplementation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product attenuates exercise-induced stress markers in young horses, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 99, Issue 8, August 2021, skab199,

Destrez, A., Grimm, P., Cézilly, F., & Julliand, V. (2015). Changes of the hindgut microbiota due to high-starch diet can be associated with behavioral stress response in horses. Physiology & Behavior, 149, 159–164.

Martinez, R., Leatherwood, J., Valigura, H., Arnold, C., Glass, K., Much, M., … White, S. (2019). Responses to an intra-articular lipopolysaccharide challenge following dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product in young horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 76, 80.

Morgan, L. M. (2004).

Effect of yeast culture supplementation on digestibility of varying quality forage in mature horses (Master’s thesis). Texas A & M University.

DigestiveHP provides concentrated digestive enzymes to boost starch breakdown and nutrient absorption, helping horses get more from every feed.

Destrez, A., Grimm, P., Cézilly, F., & Julliand, V. (2015). Changes of the hindgut microbiota due to high-starch diet can be associated with behavioral stress response in horses. Physiology & Behavior, 149, 159–164.

Richards, N., Choct, M., Hinch, G. N., & Rowe, J. B. (2004). Examination of the use of exogenous α-amylase and amyloglucosidase to enhance starch digestion in the small intestine of the horse. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 114(1-4), 295–305.

Le, D. M., Fojan, P., Azem, E., Pettersson, D., & Pedersen, N. R. (2013). Visualization of the Anticaging Effect of Ronozyme WX Xylanase on Wheat Substrates. Cereal Chemistry Journal, 90(5), 439–444.

Józefiak, D., Komosa, M., Maćkowiak, P., Pruszyńska-Oszmałek, E., Kołodziejski, P., Świątkiewicz, S., Rawski, M., Kierończyk, B., Bedford, M. R., & O’Neil, H. V. M. (2020).Exogenous fibrolytic enzymes improve carbohydrate digestion in exercising horses. Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences, 29, 35–45.

Graham-Thiers, P. M., & Kronfeld, D. S. (2005). Amino acid supplementation improves muscle mass in aged and young horses. Journal of Animal Science, 83(12), 2783–2788.

DigestiveHP and StressPaste contain L-Leucine (DigestiveHP), L-Serine (DigestiveHP), L-Threonine, L-Glutamine and L-Proline. Amino acids are essential in stimulating natural mucin production, which helps reinforce gut wall, supporting muscle and reducing susceptibility to injury.

HARRIS, R. C., HARRIS, P. A., ROUTLEDGE, N. B. H., NAYLOR, J. R. J., & WILSON, A. M. (2006). Plasma glutamine concentrations in the horse following feeding and oral glutamine supplementation. Equine Veterinary Journal, 38(S36), 637–642.

Roth, E. (2008).

Nonnutritive effects of glutamine. The Journal of Nutrition, 138(10), 2025S–2031S.

Stewart, A. S., Pratt-Phillips, S., & Gonzalez, L. M. (2017).

Alterations in intestinal permeability: the role of the “leaky gut” in health and disease. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 52, 10–22.

Yang Z, Liao SF (2019). Physiological Effects of Dietary Amino Acids on Gut Health and Functions of Swine. Front Vet Sci. 2019

Faure, M., Moënnoz, D., Montigon, F., Mettraux, C., Breuillé, D., & Ballèvre, O. (2005).

Dietary threonine restriction specifically reduces intestinal mucin synthesis in rats. The Journal of Nutrition, 135(3), 486–491.

Faure, M., Mettraux, C., Moennoz, D., Godin, J.-P., Vuichoud, J., Rochat, F., Breuillé, D., Obled, C., & Corthésy-Theulaz, I. (2006).Specific amino acids increase mucin synthesis and microbiota in dextran sulfate sodium–treated rats. The Journal of Nutrition, 136(6), 1558–1564.

Faure, M., Mettraux, C., Moennoz, D., Godin, J.-P., Vuichoud, J., Rochat, F., Breuillé, D., Obled, C., & Corthésy-Theulaz, I. (2006).Specific amino acids increase mucin synthesis and microbiota in dextran sulfate sodium–treated rats. The Journal of Nutrition, 136(6), 1558–1564.

Grondin, J. A., Kwon, Y. H., Far, P. M., Haq, S., & Khan, W. I. (2020).

Mucins in intestinal mucosal defense and inflammation: Learning from clinical and experimental studies. Frontiers in Immunology, 11, Article 2054

Wu, G. (Ed.). (2020). Amino Acids in Nutrition and Health. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology.

Graham-Thiers, P. M., & Kronfeld, D. S. (2005). Amino acid supplementation improves muscle mass in aged and young horses. Journal of Animal Science, 83(12), 2783–2788.

DigestiveHP contains Magnesium Hydroxide and Magnesium Oxide to support optimal nutrient absorption and overall health. Magnesium is essential for bone strength, healthy nervous system function, and balanced behaviour. Magnesium Hydroxide is also included in StressPaste.

B.W. Sykes, K.M. Sykes, G.D. Hallowell (2013),Efficacy of a Combination of a Unique Pectin-Lecithin Complex (Apolectol®), Live Yeast and Magnesium Hydroxide in the Prevention of EGUS and Faecal Acidosis in Thoroughbred Racehorses: A Randomised, Blinded, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial,Clinical Research Abstracts of the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress

Schlingmann, K. P. (n.d.). Calcium-Sensing Receptor and Magnesium. New Perspectives in Magnesium Research, 272–285.

DigestiveHP includes Elitox®, a dual-action mycotoxin binder designed to support horses exposed to mycotoxins commonly found in stored feed and pasture.

Liesener, K., Curtui, V., Dietrich, R., Märtlbauer, E., & Usleber, E. (2009). Mycotoxins in horse feed. Mycotoxin Research, 26(1), 23–30.

Guerre P. Mycotoxin and Gut Microbiota Interactions. Toxins (Basel). 2020 Dec 4;12(12):769.

Federica Cheli (Ed.),Mycotoxin Contamination Management Tools and Efficient Strategies in Feed Industry, MDPI Books, September 2020 , 208 pages, ISBN 978-3-03943-010-9 (Hardback)

StressPaste contains Betaine which helps maintain hydration and supports gut health during heat and exercise-related stress.

DiGiacomo, K., Simpson, S., Leury, B. J., & Dunshea, F. R. (2016). Dietary betaine impacts the physiological responses to moderate heat conditions in a dose dependent manner in sheep. Animals, 6(9), 51

DiGiacomo Kristy, Leury Brian J., Dunshea Frank R. (2014) Potential nutritional strategies for the amelioration or prevention of high rigor temperature in cattle – a review.

Animal Production Science

Essential for appetite, energy production, and nervous system support during stressful periods. B Vitamins are included in StressPaste

Kennedy, D. O. (2016). B vitamins and the brain: Mechanisms, dose and efficacy—A review. Nutrients, 8(2), 68.

StressPaste includes natural Vitamins E and C. Natural Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects muscles from oxidative stress caused by exercise and stress. Vitamin C works with natural Vitamin E to combat free radicals. Supplementation supports optimal levels when physiological production drops during stress.

Ralston, S., & Stives, M. (2012). Supplementation of ascorbic acid in weanling horses following prolonged transportation. Animals, 2(2), 184–194.

Youssef, M. A., El-khodery, S. A., & Ibrahim, H. M. M. (2013). Effect of Selenium and Vitamin C on Clinical Outcomes, Trace Element Status, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Horses with Acute and Chronic Lower Airway Disease. A Randomized Clinical Trial. Biological Trace Element Research, 152(3), 333–342.

KIRSCHVINK, N., FIÉVEZ, L., BOUGNET, V., ART, T., DEGAND, G., SMITH, N., … LEKEUX, P. (2010). Effect of nutritional antioxidant supplementation on systemic and pulmonary antioxidant status, airway inflammation and lung function in heaves-affected horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, 34(7), 705–712.

Included in StressPaste, Pectin coats the stomach lining to protect against acid splash and support good gut bacteria.

Sykes, B. W., Sykes, K. M., & Hallowell, G. D. (2013). Efficacy of a combination of a unique pectin-lecithin complex (Apolectol®), live yeast and magnesium hydroxide in the prevention of EGUS and faecal acidosis in Thoroughbred racehorses: A randomised, blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial. Equine Veterinary Journal, 45(S44), 13.

Backed by Leading Equine Specialists

Dr. Erin Roddy

DVM and Chief Veterinarian Officer

“As a veterinarian, and having competed in show jumping at an elite level for many years, I recommend DigestiveHP to many of my clients. I have seen improved performance, recovery, and overall health through a stronger and more resilient GI Tract.”

Dr. Chris Mortensen

Educator and PhD in Animal Physiology

“As an equine scientist and nutrition consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how foundational digestive health is to a horse’s overall wellbeing. That’s why I confidently recommend DigestiveHP to my clients. Every ingredient is backed by science, and without a healthy gut, even the most carefully balanced diet falls short.”

Dr. Tiffany Hall

Veterinarian, DVM, Hagyard Medical Institute

"With so many supplements available to horse owners, I want to recommend products that I believe in as an equine internist. Each ingredient in DigestiveHP and StressPaste has research demonstrating its benefit in promoting a healthy gastrointestinal system and I have seen the positive results in horses where other products failed."

Dr. Tiffany Hall

Veterenarian, DVM, Hagyard Medical Institute

"With so many supplements available to horse owners, I want to recommend products that I believe in as an equine internist. Each ingredient in DigestiveHP and StressPaste has research demonstrating its benefit in promoting a healthy gastrointestinal system and I have seen the positive results in horses where other products failed."

Built for the real world

Horses don’t live in a lab. They live in trailers, at shows, out on pasture, and in stalls. They need real-world support that fits into everyday barn life.

That’s why our supplements are easy to use, highly palatable, and trusted by riders, trainers, and vets across the world. We help support confident, consistent performance, no matter what the day brings.