HP Black Psyllium Seed

HP Black Psyllium Seed

HP Black Psyllium Seed by Health & Performance is a 100% natural complementary feed for horses and ponies, developed to support the removal of sand from the intestines. It contains only whole black psyllium seeds (Plantago afra).

When psyllium seeds come into contact with water, they swell and release a gel-like mucilage. In the gastrointestinal tract, this gel can help carry sand along with the intestinal contents, allowing it to leave the body through the manure.

Horses can unintentionally ingest sand when grazing on sparse pastures, eating hay directly from sandy ground, or searching for food in a paddock. When larger amounts of sand accumulate in the intestines, this can interfere with normal digestion and contribute to the development of sand colic.

HP Black Psyllium Seed is particularly suitable for horses at increased risk of sand ingestion. It can be used as a targeted supplement or administered periodically to support the natural elimination of sand.

Properties and benefits

HP Black Psyllium Seed consists entirely of whole black psyllium seeds and contains no other ingredients.

• Supports sand removal: the mucilage released when psyllium comes into contact with water helps carry sand through the digestive tract.
• 100% pure black psyllium: contains only whole seeds from the plant Plantago afra.
• Supports normal intestinal function: psyllium provides mucilage-forming dietary fiber that contributes to normal intestinal transit.
• Ideal for horses kept on sandy ground: particularly useful for horses living in sandy paddocks, sparse pastures, or other environments where sand ingestion is common.
• Suitable for periodic use: according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, psyllium can be administered for seven consecutive days every four weeks.
• Flexible administration: can be mixed into the feed either dry or after briefly moistening with water.

HP Black Psyllium Seed contains whole black psyllium seeds, making it different from products consisting exclusively of psyllium husks.

When to use HP Black Psyllium Seed?

HP Black Psyllium Seed is particularly useful for horses at increased risk of ingesting sand, including:

• Horses that regularly eat sand or soil.
• Horses kept in sandy paddocks or on sparse pastures.
• Horses that eat hay or concentrate feed directly from sandy ground.
• Horses in which sand has been detected in the manure.
• Horses at increased risk of sand accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Horses that may benefit from periodic support for sand removal because they are regularly exposed to sandy environments.

Sand can accumulate particularly in the large intestine. This may be associated with changes in manure consistency, diarrhea, reduced performance, or signs of colic.

In addition to using psyllium, it is important to minimize further sand ingestion. Whenever possible, provide forage in a suitable feeder, hay rack, or designated feeding area rather than directly on sandy ground.

Composition

100% whole black psyllium seeds (Plantago afra).

The product contains only whole psyllium seeds, without any additional ingredients.

Directions for use and dosage

HP Black Psyllium Seed can be administered either dry or briefly moistened with water. Mix the product with the horse’s regular feed and always ensure that sufficient fresh drinking water is available.

Dosage according to the manufacturer:

• When sand is present in the manure: 1 g per kg of body weight daily for 7–10 days.
• When large amounts of sand are present in the manure: 2 g per kg of body weight daily for 7–10 days. Consult your veterinarian if significant sand accumulation is suspected.
• For horses at increased risk of sand ingestion: 0.5 g per kg of body weight daily for 7 days. Repeat every 4 weeks if necessary.

Example for a horse weighing 500 kg (1,100 lb):

• Periodic support: 250 g daily for 7 days.
• When sand is present in the manure: 500 g daily for 7–10 days.
• When large amounts of sand are present: 1,000 g daily for 7–10 days, only under veterinary guidance.

Dry administration: sprinkle the measured amount directly over the feed and mix thoroughly.

Wet administration: briefly mix the psyllium seeds with water before adding them to the feed. Feed immediately after preparation to prevent the mixture from forming a thick gel beforehand.

Always provide plenty of fresh drinking water throughout the supplementation period.

Veterinary examination is necessary if the horse shows signs of colic, reduced appetite, or suspected severe sand accumulation. Do not administer large quantities of psyllium without veterinary advice if an intestinal obstruction is suspected.

Packaging and duration of use

HP Black Psyllium Seed is available in two package sizes:

• 1 kg: suitable for smaller horses and ponies or as an additional package.
• 8 kg: economical bulk packaging for adult horses and regular psyllium supplementation programs.

The amount required depends on body weight and the chosen dosage.

For a horse weighing 500 kg (1,100 lb), a seven-day periodic supplementation program requires approximately 1.75 kg. When sand is present in the manure, a 7–10-day course requires approximately 3.5–5 kg.

For this reason, a single 1 kg package is generally insufficient for a complete supplementation program in an adult horse. The 8 kg package is often the more practical option.

Store the product tightly closed in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture. Keep out of reach of children and observe the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Advice from the equine veterinarian

Sand accumulation in the intestines is relatively common in horses kept on sandy ground. Horses that eat forage directly from the ground or spend considerable time in sandy paddocks and sparse pastures may unintentionally ingest significant amounts of sand.

I consider HP Black Psyllium Seed a practical option for supporting the natural removal of sand from the digestive tract. When exposed to moisture, the black psyllium seeds form a gel-like mucilage that helps carry sand along with the intestinal contents.

I particularly recommend psyllium for horses at increased risk of sand ingestion. For horses living on sandy ground throughout the year, a seven-day supplementation program repeated every four weeks can be a useful addition to their regular management.

Using an appropriate dosage is important. For a horse weighing 500 kg (1,100 lb), the manufacturer recommends 250 g daily for periodic support. A complete seven-day course therefore requires 1.75 kg, making the 8 kg package the most practical option for many horse owners.

When there are indications that larger amounts of sand may have accumulated in the intestines, I recommend a veterinary examination. Abdominal radiography, in particular, can help assess the amount of accumulated sand. Significant sand accumulation may require specific veterinary treatment.

Alongside psyllium supplementation, minimizing further sand ingestion remains essential. Avoid feeding directly on sandy ground, provide sufficient forage, and pay attention to the design of paddocks and feeding areas.

My recommendation is to use HP Black Psyllium Seed as a targeted or periodic supplement for horses regularly exposed to sandy environments, together with practical measures to reduce sand ingestion as much as possible.