Ask Poseidon: How can supplements assist in managing the challenges presented by spring grass?

A balanced, high-fibre, low-sugar diet remains crucial for maintaining equine health and preventing conditions such as laminitis — and managing a horse’s intake of spring grass is an important part of that. Depending on the horse and the type of pasture, supplements will not replace the need to limit spring grass intake. However, they can help manage the associated challenges and reduce the risks that come with even minimal access.

What is MetaboLize and how can it help my horse?

Poseidon Animal Health’s MetaboLize has been developed to complement a balanced diet by supporting a horse’s healthy glucose and energy metabolism. Used as part of a comprehensive management plan — including proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary guidance — it can help support overall well-being during high-risk periods, and for some horses it can be a beneficial long-term supplement.

MetaboLize is a flavonoid-based supplement designed for horses prone to metabolic challenges. Flavonoids are natural compounds found in plants such as berries and herbs, valued for their antioxidant properties and for supporting the body’s normal inflammatory and immune functions. They can assist in promoting healthy glucose metabolism, supporting proper fat distribution, and enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption.

The formula includes three key flavonoids — chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and dihydromyricetin.

• Chlorogenic acid plays a major role in glucose management.
• Quercetin provides strong antioxidant benefits and helps maintain a healthy inflammatory balance.
• Dihydromyricetin contributes additional metabolic and liver support.

Modern equine diets can sometimes lack these beneficial plant compounds. MetaboLize helps fill this gap, promoting metabolic balance and supporting overall vitality.

Because it is designed to encourage healthy sugar metabolism, MetaboLize may be beneficial for long-term use in horses prone to metabolic challenges. Some horses may benefit from using it year-round, while others may only require it seasonally, depending on pasture conditions and their individual metabolic response. It can also be safely included in the diets of horses without specific metabolic issues, as it offers broader wellness benefits.

As every horse is different, it is recommended that owners consult their veterinarian to ensure any supplement fits their horse’s specific needs. Older horses, in particular, may benefit from added metabolic support, and any new product should be introduced gradually while monitoring the horse’s response.

How can MetaboLize assist with laminitis management?

It goes without saying that laminitis is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. While MetaboLize is not a treatment for laminitis, it is formulated to support normal metabolic function and sugar regulation. By helping to supports a horse’s healthy glucose and energy metabolism, the supplement can play a supportive role in management plans for horses prone to laminitis or insulin dysregulation.

Many owners choose to use it alongside a low-sugar, high-fibre diet and regular exercise (where appropriate) to promote long-term hoof and metabolic health. For horses with a history of laminitis, continued use of MetaboLize may be beneficial as part of an ongoing management plan — particularly when reintroducing a recovered horse to pasture.

Can MetaboLize be used alongside other supplements?

MetaboLize can be safely used in conjunction with other equine supplements. It is most effective when incorporated into a holistic management plan that includes nutritional balance, gut health support, and veterinary oversight.

Poseidon Animal Health’s foundation gut health supplement, DigestiveEQ, is often used alongside MetaboLize. DigestiveEQ supports the stomach, small intestine, and hindgut, helping to improve digestion, nutrient absorption, microbiome balance, immune strength, and overall digestive function.

As these two products serve distinct purposes, they can be safely fed together. Many owners choose to use DigestiveEQ year-round for gut support and introduce MetaboLize seasonally, such as during the spring flush when sugar levels rise and behavioural changes are more noticeable.

MetaboLize is also considered safe to use alongside other supplements such as Hygain Allcare and Kohnke’s Own Tox Target, though owners are advised to consult a qualified equine nutritionist or veterinarian when combining products to ensure balance and efficacy.

Spring grass offers valuable nutrition but can also pose challenges for many horses, particularly those prone to metabolic or behavioural sensitivities. While managing grazing and maintaining a low-sugar, high-fibre diet remain the cornerstones of prevention, supplements such as MetaboLize and DigestiveEQ can provide additional support for metabolic and digestive health. With thoughtful management and professional guidance, horses can enjoy the benefits of spring without the associated risks.