ASKHQ: ALOE ALOE

Q: Is aloe juice good for horses?

A: Aloe has been used by horse owners in many countries for a long time, to improve the overall health and well-being of their horses. Aloe is known, first and foremost, for its beneficial effect on the digestive system and particularly its reported ability to help prevent and treat gastric ulcers. A healthy gut helps the body to process and absorb the nutrition in food effectively. Improved absorption from the diet is then reflected in the improved condition of the coat, the growth and quality of the hooves and, in the underweight horse, an improved appetite and appropriate weight gain. Aloe is also said to be effective in strengthening the immune system.

Outside of the health sphere, it is worth noting that the key active components of aloe are the natural sugars which can provide energy and increased stamina in performance horses. The high electrolyte content of aloe can also help to speed up the horse’s post-event recovery.