EndurExtra®

(1 customer review)

$90.73

Concentrated source of high-fat energy, rich in antioxidants and direct-fed microbials. EndurExtra is the perfect choice for hard keepers, top performance horses, and seniors.

Available sizes:

  • 25-lb (11.36 kg) bag (50-day supply for 1 horse)

Product Description

Why choose EndurExtra?

EndurExtra was specifically developed for horses who need more than a diet of hay and grain can provide. EndurExtra’s special blend of ingredients supports a hearty appetite, a desirable body weight, a robust immune system, and healthy muscle function. EndurExtra’s concentrated blend of readily digestible fats is supplemented at the low rate of eight ounces per day.

What makes EndurExtra different?

EndurExtra provides a combination of ingredients that support several critical systems in your horse: his digestive tract, immune system, and neuromuscular system. By supplementing with EndurExtra you are taking a multi-pronged approach to maintaining your horse’s overall well-being.

Smaller meals benefit the GI tract

When addressing the challenges facing hard-to-keep horses or horses under stress, you must support a healthy digestive tract. Horses with a healthy gut will have the appetite needed to consume the feed offered to them and the ability to efficiently utilize that feed. The fats found in EndurExtra contain 2.25 times as much energy as the carbohydrates found in grain. When feeding fat, you can reduce the size of a horse’s meal. Smaller meals pass through the digestive tract at a slower rate, which increases digestibility and reduces the risk of digestive upsets. To further support optimal digestibility and a hearty appetite, EndurExtra was formulated to contain direct-fed microbials that maintain proper GI tract balance. By addressing both meal size and microbial balance you are increasing the odds that your horse will not only clean up each meal, but he or she will gain the most nourishment and energy possible from the diet.

Fat is an excellent energy source for horses

Energy from fat is metabolized differently than carbohydrates and proteins are, and therefore affects your horse’s systems differently. Research trials conducted on exercising horses demonstrate that horses utilizing fat accumulate lower levels of lactic acid in their muscles. Lower lactic acid levels increase stamina and reduce muscle fatigue. Horses fed high-fat and high-fiber diets do not exhibit the glucose spikes that can cause excitability and metabolic disease. Horses fed fat remain focused while working, recover faster after work, and are less likely to develop muscle disorders.

Adequate antioxidants are important

Demanding workloads and other stressful situations can increase more than energy requirements. Research has shown that horses in heavy exercise or those under stress often require additional antioxidant support. EndurExtra provides 1,000 IU of natural vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, in each eight-ounce serving. By reducing oxidative stress, adequate antioxidant levels support healthy muscles, nerves, and immune system.

EndurExtra

  • Contains 50% fat from several sources, such as stabilized rice bran, soybean oil, and flaxseed

 

  • Eliminates the need for excessive grain in the diet, reducing the incidence of digestive upset

 

  • Proprietary blend of direct-fed microbials maintains normal digestive function and a hearty appetite

 

  • Rich in natural vitamin E, EndurExtra supports healthy muscles and nerves and a robust immune system

FAQ

  • My horse has a poor appetite. How can I change that?

  • Oftentimes horses have a poor appetite because they don’t feel well. Hard keepers in particular are often fed diets rich in starch and sugar. The horse’s digestive tract has a limited ability to digest these simple carbohydrates, especially in large amounts, so the starches and sugars tend to “pass through” the small intestine (where they are normally absorbed) into the hindgut, causing an imbalance in the microbial population. This imbalance disrupts digestion and makes horses feel bad, causing them to back out of the feed tub. EndurExtra contains energy in the form of fat so you can feed smaller meals and less starch and sugar-laden grains, which will reduce the risk of pass-through carbohydrates causing GI tract imbalances. The direct-fed microbials in EndurExtra also support a healthy hind-gut. When your horse’s digestive tract is healthy he will feel better and be more likely to clean up his feed.

  • How does EndurExtra support weight gain?

  • There are two ways that EndurExtra supports weight gain. First, it provides calorie-dense energy in the form of fat. Fat contains 2.25 times as much energy as an equal portion of carbohydrate or protein. Once a horse becomes acclimated to utilizing fat, it is easy for them to digest and absorb it. Secondly, when feeding fat you can reduce the size of a horse’s meal. Smaller meals pass through the digestive tract at a slower rate, which increases digestibility and reduces the risk of digestive upsets. To further support optimal digestibility and hearty appetite, EndurExtra is formulated to contain direct-fed microbials that maintain proper GI tract balance. A healthy GI tract will utilize feed more efficiently, and when horses feel good they are more likely to clean up their feed.

  • Does feeding fat affect temperament?

  • Yes. Fat is considered “cool energy” because it does not cause the hormonal spikes and excitability seen in horses fed high-starch diets. Horses that are hard to manage when being fed high-grain diets may experience a positive change in temperament when calories are provided in the form of fat.

  • Can I feed a diet high in fat to my horse that ties up?

  • Yes. High-grain diets are known to exacerbate some muscular problems, such as recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER), a form of tying-up. Research has proven that reducing the amount of grain fed to horses with RER and replacing those lost calories with a fat-rich supplement is essential in managing these syndromes. Additional vitamin E has also been shown to reduce the incidence of muscular problems and should be added to the diet as well. EndurExtra is high in fat and rich in vitamin E.

  • How do high-fat supplements reduce the risk of metabolic disease?

  • When horses consume feeds that contain high levels of sugar and starch, it results in elevated blood glucose levels and a subsequent increase in insulin in the blood. Over time, continued exposure to such conditions increases a horse’s risk for developing insulin resistance and other metabolic dysfunctions. When energy in the form of fat is used to replace starches and sugars, blood glucose levels remain low, reducing the risk of metabolic syndromes from developing.

  • Are high-fat diets appropriate for young horses?

  • Yes, high-fat diets are good for young horses, for many of the same reasons they are good for mature horses. Fat is a concentrated energy source, so you can feed less of it, reducing meal size and decreasing the incidence of grain overload. A high-fat diet will reduce blood glucose levels and ward off metabolic problems. In young, growing horses, diets high in starch and sugar can result in abnormal growth. Young horses fed high-fat and high-fiber diets have a reduced incidence of developmental bone disease.

  • Doesn’t fat seem like an unusual ingredient for horses to eat?

  • Actually, grass and hay contain anywhere from 1 to 4 percent fat. Oats, a common grain fed to horses, is 4 to 5 percent fat. A horse can tolerate up to 20 percent of the total diet as fat; however, that much is rarely fed.

  • How does fat increase stamina and speed recovery time in performance and racehorses?

  • Fat conserves energy at the cellular level by sparing glycogen. Glycogen is stored in muscle cells and used to fuel activity. Horses fed high-fat diets conserve glycogen, which allows them to perform for longer periods. Horses using fat as fuel accumulate less lactic acid in their muscles. Lactic acid causes fatigue. Horses that accumulate less lactic acid have increased stamina and will recover faster after exercise is over.

  • I have heard fat called “cool energy.” What does that mean?

  • Cool energy has a double meaning. On one hand, fat generates less heat when it is digested so horses on high-fat diets tend to tolerate the heat better when working in hot, humid climates. They physically stay cooler. On the other hand, fats do not cause the hormone spikes that can cause excitability, so horses fed fat tend to stay more cool and calm under pressure. They remain more focused on the job at hand and can be easier to handle.

  • I find many older horses have trouble maintaining their weight, even when they are essentially healthy. Can EndurExtra help my old guys?

  • Yes, EndurExtra can help. The capacity of the gastrointestinal tract to absorb nutrients becomes less efficient as horses age. Many older horses are eventually unable to maintain acceptable body condition on a normal grain ration alone. Because the fat in EndurExtra is a concentrated energy source, it will increase calorie consumption and improve body condition without risking grain overload. Small meal size and the direct-fed microbials added to EndurExtra support optimal GI tract health, which facilitates digestion. The more efficient the digestive tract becomes, the more nutrients a horse absorbs from the diet and the easier it is to maintain a healthy weight. If a horse has a healthy digestive tract, he will feel better and eat better too. Older horses often need additional antioxidant support as well. The natural vitamin E found in EndurExtra will help older horses maintain a robust immune system, and protect muscle and nerve cells from the oxidative stress that is part of aging.

  • What are the benefits of EndurExtra supplementation for broodmares?

  • During late gestation and lactation, mares need additional calories to support fetal growth, milk production, and maintain a healthy weight. Skinny mares or mares playing “catch-up” have been shown to have lower conception rates. A mare that is in positive energy balance is more likely to conceive and maintain her pregnancy. Natural vitamin E has been shown to reduce oxidative stress that supports increased conception rates.
    Mares maintained on high-fat and high-fiber diets had higher levels of omega fatty acids in their milk. These fatty acids are believed to protect foals from developing ulcers. Mares on high-fat and -fiber diets also had higher immunoglobulin levels in their colostrum, insuring passive transfer of immunity to their foals. Additional natural vitamin E also has a positive effect on maintaining a strong immune system in both the mare and foal.

  • What contribution does flaxseed make to EndurExtra’s formulation?

  • Flaxseed contains essential omega-3 fatty acids. They are considered essential because horses are unable to manufacture them in their bodies; therefore, it is necessary to provide them in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Why does EndurExtra contain natural vitamin E?

  • Vitamin E cannot be synthesized by the horse; therefore, it is considered an essential nutrient. The best source of vitamin E is fresh green grass; however, the potency of vitamin E declines very quickly once forages are harvested and dried.
    Vitamin E requirements vary from situation to situation. Multiple research studies have shown that vitamin E is often deficient in the diets of horses that do not have access to continual grazing on fresh green grass, or those grazing on winter pasture. Performances horses with demanding workloads, growing horses and seniors can be exposed to increased levels of oxidative stress and therefore require higher levels of vitamin E in their diets. Studies reveal that horses challenged by neurological disease benefit from supportive natural vitamin E.
    The natural vitamin E found in EndurExtra supplies horses with a highly absorbable and readily available source of natural vitamin E that quickly provides the nutrients necessary to meet their individual needs.

Recommended For

Developed specifically to support weight gain and maintenance

All horse owners have struggled to keep weight on a hard keeper, and many have had that individual that won’t clean up his feed. Almost every barn or stable has a horse that is losing weight due to an intense workload, seasonal temperatures, illness or aging. EndurExtra was scientifically formulated to meet the needs of the horses and ponies who need more than just hay and grain.

EndurExtra is recommended for:

  • Hard keepers
  • Performance, racehorses and show horses
  • Sales weanlings and yearlings
  • Young horses in training
  • Broodmares in late gestation and lactation
  • Senior horses
  • Horses that need extra calories in the cold winter months
  • Horses recovering from injury, illness, or malnourishment

Ingredients

Rich in high-fat energy and much more.

Meeting a horse’s key nutritional needs can make the difference between existing and thriving, simply performing and winning, illness and good health. EndurExtra is scientifically formulated to provide key ingredients necessary to maintain a healthy appetite and optimal body weight. Additionally, it supports a healthy digestive tract, and proper immune and muscle function.

EndurExtra provides:

50% fat in a blend including Equi-Jewel® rice bran, soybean oil, and flax.

Direct-fed Microbials:

Saccharomyces cerevisiae ………. 1,800 billion CFU/lb
Lactobacillus acidophilus ………. 100 billion CFU/lb
Enterococcus faecium ………. 70 billion CFU/lb

Natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) 1,000 IU per 8 oz

Fat is an excellent energy source for horses

The caloric density of fat makes it an incredible source of energy for hard-to-keep horses, intensely worked performance horses, mares in late gestation and early lactation, aged horses, and growing horses.

Because fats contain 2.25 times the energy of carbohydrates, supplementation with fat can reduce the amount of grain fed to horses. By decreasing meal size and offering a diet rich in fat and fiber, horses become less prone to colic, laminitis, and insulin resistance-related disorders.

High-grain diets are known to exacerbate some muscular problems, such as recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER), a form of tying-up. Research has proven that reducing the amount of grain fed to horses with RER and replacing those lost calories with a fat-rich supplement is essential in managing these syndromes.

Direct-fed microbials support a healthy GI tract

A healthy GI tract is paramount to a horse’s good health. Along with nutrient absorption, the GI tract plays a significant role in the horse’s immune system.

Direct-fed microbials help to regulate pH balance in the GI tract, producing a hindgut environment that encourages beneficial bacteria to grow. When these bacteria flourish, fiber digestion improves and horses can digest forages more efficiently and derive more energy from them. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger, among other organisms, are known as direct-fed microbials.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium are two lactic acid-producing direct-fed microbes that researchers have been working with recently. Scientists have found that these lactic acid-producing bacteria influence pH balance in the GI tract, which may boost immunity in horses of all ages.

Natural Vitamin E a critical antioxidant

Natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) is a well-known antioxidant that prevents the oxidation of unsaturated lipids in cellular and subcellular membranes by neutralizing production of free radicals.

This nutrient is important in all horses, but especially in horses engaged in demanding exercise. Vitamin E can be obtained from natural or synthetic sources, and the source of the vitamin E can significantly influence vitamin E status in exercising horses. In several research trials, natural vitamin E was more effective in elevating plasma levels of tocopherol than synthetic vitamin E. Equine athletes supplemented with natural vitamin E often have greater tolerance to exercise, less oxidative stress, and a shorter recovery following intense exercise.

Vitamin E plays a key role in the health of nerve tissues by protecting cell membranes. Recent research has shown that horses with vitamin E deficiencies are more likely to develop Equine Motor Neuron Disease. Horses suffering from neurological disease often benefit from natural vitamin E supplementation.

Natural vitamin E also supports a robust immune system in horses of all ages. One example is that when mares were supplemented with natural vitamin E, they exhibited increased passive transfer of antibodies to their foals, which ensures the strength of the neonatal immune system.

Lecithin is a beneficial fatty acid

Lecithin is a phospholipid composed of saturated, unsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Lecithin also contains choline, a factor necessary in the production of acetylcholine. As a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine is a critical component of the nervous system. Lecithin aids digestion, encouraging maximal absorption of nutrients.

Serving and Storage

Feeding instructions:

Feed 4 oz of EndurExtra twice daily.

*As with any change in your horse’s diet, we recommend introducing EndurExtra in small amounts and slowly increasing to the full serving (4 oz twice daily) over a period of a week to 10 days.

Storage and shelf life:

Store EndurExtra in a cool, dry place and reseal bag during storage. Shelf life is 24 months from date of manufacture when stored under suitable conditions.

Available size:

25-lb ( 11.36 kg) bag (50-day supply for 1 horse)

More Information

For more information on feeding fat visit our blog and explore these titles.

The skinny on fat

Energy Crisis

Put the bloom back in your horse’s coat

Laminitis: What’s Grain Overload Got to Do with It?

Feeding Horses – Energy Sources Matter

The Nutritional Demands of Lactation

High-energy advantages

Dispelling Three Myths Concerning Feeding Fat to Endurance Horses

Choosing supplements for senior horses that have trouble maintaining weight

A Lesson in Lecithin

Feeding starch/sugar sensitive horses

Catch weight loss in your horses before it becomes a problem

Managing Metabolically Challenged Horses in Winter

Senior horses may have trouble maintaining weight

Managing horses with HYPP (hyperkalemic periodic paralysis)

Nutrition for Lay-Up/Convalescing Horses

Fats Are an Effective Energy Source for Horses

The skinny on feeding fat to horses

Weight-gain tips for horses that won’t cause digestive upset

Reducing excitability in horses through diet changes

Meeting the energy requirements of an off-the-track Thoroughbred

EndurExtra®: What’s Inside the Bag

1 review for EndurExtra®

  1. Dominique Lien

    “When I got my OTTB Blue, transitioning her diet was one of my biggest challenges. She was the definition of a hard keeper. It wasn’t until I started working with Kentucky Performance Products staff that we were able to fill in the holes in her diet and the changes were phenomenal. I trust KPP to help me with all of Blue’s nutritional needs.

    Dominique Lien

    Retired Racehorse Project participant and Thoroughbred Makeover competitor

    Lexington, KY

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