You are probably aware of what a great natural remedy apple cider vinegar is for people, but did you know that it has just as many beneficial properties for horses? Surprisingly enough, ACV is one of the most effective natural supplements for horses and is effective for treating a wide array of conditions. Apple cider can be used to treat urinary tract stones, hoof rot, poor frog growth, and a number of other common issues.
Apple cider vinegar is a derivative of apple fermentation. The liquid is made from ripened apples that are fermented and distilled. As the process keeps the fruit’s nutritional make-up intact, the result is an intensely healthful product.
The fermentation process used to create apple cider vinegar yields one particularly important compound – acetic acid. This acid generates effective balancing components in your horses regulatory system so that it is all-around healthier. Acetic acid helps balance the pH in your animal’s body, which also helps treat issues with infection and inflammation.
In addition to acetic acid, though, apple cider vinegar also contains a number of other beneficial compounds including vitamins, mineral salts, and amino acids. These nutrients, such as vitamin A and phosphorus, are what make apple cider vinegar a key component for treating hoof rot, skin issues, and other specific health conditions for your horse.
In addition to supporting good general health in your horse, ACV can also be used to target specific health conditions. Apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for several common yet difficult to treat issues. Among others issues, ACV is effective for treating urinary tract stones, hoof rot, and poor frog growth.
Urinary tract stones typically result from a buildup of calcium and other particulates in the bladder and urinary tract. Apple cider vinegar functions to dissolve this buildup and promote adequate urinary circulation. To treat urinary tract stones, add 1/2 to 1 cup of ACV to every 6 gallons of water your horse drinks.
Hoof rot is another common condition in horses. The infection and inflammation often make it difficult to treat and care for your animal, but you can use apple cider vinegar to alleviate both. ACV is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Additionally, the nutrients in ACV help restore normal cell growth. To use ACV for this purpose, soak the affected area in apple cider vinegar 2 to 3 times a day.
The health of your horse’s frogs is an important factor for whole body health, so caring for them is essential. Apple cider vinegar treats issues with poor frog growth much in the same way it does hoof rot. It helps eliminate underlying infection and restore health to the developing cells in the area. In this case, you should also apply ACV externally to the affected area.
Enteroliths or intestinal stones are another common condition in horses. Like with urinary tract stones, enteroliths form as a result of buildup and an imbalance of the pH in the animal’s body. Taking apple cider vinegar internally will help increase your horse’s intestinal acidity and prevent or even dissolve stones.
While it does not necessarily matter what “brand” of ACV you purchase, you should stick to an all-organic apple cider vinegar. Organic ACV contains the mother or the cloudy, dark web in the bottom of the liquid which actually contains all the good nutrients. You can also sometimes find apple cider vinegar supplements or capsules, which are also effective for treating horses.
Keep reading below to learn more ways to use apple cider vinegar to improve your horse’s health!
References:
Apple Cider Vinegar - http://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar for Horses - http://www.thehorse.com/articles/32070/apple-cider-vinegar-for-horses
