The science behind our supplements
Our Founder Linda's success with improving her own gut health inspired her to learn about horse nutrition and the role of the hindgut in horses. In collaboration with leading animal and equine nutritionists Linda explored the effect that diet, mycotoxins and stress have on a horse, and in particular the horse’s gut.
She was determined to create the best possible evidence-based gut health supplement for horses in the world - to improve horses wellbeing, eliminate the need for a plethora of supplements, and save horse owners time and money.
Dog gut health supplements
Next off the rank was the creation of a gut health supplement for dogs, with a proprietary blend of BIO-K9™ prebiotics, paraprobiotics and fermented postbiotics and all natural food grade ingredients. This product was warmly recieved by dog owners who gave the product 4.5/5 stars in an independent survey.
Science-based supplements
We're not fans of following the beaten path. That's why when Linda began creating the first supplement in our range, Digestive EQ for equine gut health, she began by looking at the science. She enlisted the support of a team of scientific experts from vets to nutritionists and microbiologists.
Our supplements are backed by scientific research.
As part of our research and design phase of Digestive EQ’s development, we undertook three trials with numerous horses across various disciplines. The results were overwhelming with consistent reporting of improved condition, topline, behaviour, manure consistency, performance, appearance and the ability to cope with stress.
The initial trial was run on 17 horses - mostly Linda's - which showed significant changes, even in the horses who had been performing really well. The supplement formulation was tweaked to be even higher quality, then trialled across 40 more horses in various disciplines.
We also undertook a field study with a new set of randomly selected horses with the guidance of leading Equine Veterinarian Professor, Andrew Dart, (BVsc PHD,Dip ACVS, Dip ECVS). To measure observable outcomes, evidence was collected for weight gain, measurable health changes and palatability. Every single horse in the study showed a remarkable increase in feed conversion with some horses increasing their weekly weight gain by up to 9 times.
“It is difficult to dismiss the relationship between weight gain and the addition of this supplement” commented Prof Dart.
There was also improvement in manure consistency, coat and body condition. All the horses found Digestive EQ palatable and with a few texture adjustments, the supplement was ready for market in November 2017. With new science emerging, we updated the Digestive EQ formulation in 2022, and created a new product, Digestive RP, for horses with higher levels of grain in their diets such as racehorses and high performance horses.
Additionally, we believe that horse lovers are dedicated to finding the best equine supplements for their horses; and the hundreds of testimonials from horse owners that you will find on this site speak for themselves.
Common changes in the horses included
Better weight gain and condition
Calmer, less stressed behaviour
No more head shaking
Greater elevation in movements
Shinier, glossy coats
Better hoof quality and growth
Fussy eaters had a better appetite
Improved feed conversion (less wasted expense!)
Less scouring while travelling
Independent canine survey
Over 3 months, 15 dog owners trialled our Digestive K9 product. Many reported significant changes in two weeks, and the most common benefits were improved toileting, nicer breath, less itching and skin irritation, dogs were happier with more energy, and their coats were softer and shiny. Others reported weight loss was achieved, and anxiety and barking were reduced. These are the overall rankings.
Learn about gut health
We know you love your animals!
That's why we're dedicated to helping you make informed decisions about feeding your dog or horse for great gut health - to maximise performance, health, longevity - and economy!
This is why we continually work with animal health experts with PhDs in Equine Nutrition and Gut Health to create and share educational content.
See our Learn in the menu for articles, videos and fact sheets.
MetaboLize® Field Study
Poseidon Animal Health conducted a field study to test the safety, palatability, and effectiveness of MetaboLize®. This initial trial was designed by Associate Professor, Dr Melody de Latte of the Science Faculty at the Queensland University of Technology, who is an expert on disorders of metabolism and laminitis in horses. The trial was conducted directly by Poseidon Animal Health’s in-house Head Veterinarian, Dr Erin Roddy, DVM, Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, Equine Focus, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Psychology. The study was performed with the prior approval of the Department of Primary Industries Secretary’s Animal Care and Ethics Committee.
The Science behind our Supplements
Meet the Experts of Poseidon
The Poseidon Animal Health team posesses a collective wealth of experience across the fields of small animal and equine veterinary work, canine and equine nutrition, horse breeding, training and competing. As dog and horse owners ourselves, we’ve seen first hand the proven benefits of targeting gut health to improve overall health, appearance, performance and recovery. This shared expertise is strengthened by a passionate commitment to helping as many animals as we can.
Our senior management team and consultants come from animal health, veterinary, pharmaceutical and education/training sectors.
DR NERIDA McGILCHRIST
B Rur. Sc (Hon1) PhD RAnNutr
Nerida has a degree in Rural Science in 1999 and a PhD in Equine Nutrition in 2004, and is a registered animal nutritionist (equine) with the Nutrition Society of Australia. Nerida founded Equilize Horse Nutrition in 2003 and as a consulting equine nutritionist she provides high level technical support to feed and supplement companies in Australia and abroad. Nerida works closely with Poseidon Equine on formulations, research and horse owner education.
DR ERIN RODDY
DVM - Proprietor and Head Veterinarian
Erin has always been interested in Equine Nutrition and particularly in the role that nutrition plays in Equestrian Performance and Disease. She is passionate about researching the science behind Equine Nutrition and Gut Health and the outcome different feeding strategies and practices can have on behavior, development, performance and disease.
DR BELINDA CHAPMAN
PhD, BSc (Hons), Grad. Dip. Science Management
Dr Belinda Chapman is a microbiologist with 25 years’ experience in microbiology research, and is Director of Quantal Bioscience, an Australian research company based in Sydney and specialising in microbiology research and education. Belinda works with Poseidon Equine as a consultant to improve our understanding of the microorganisms present in the equine gut, and the effect of prebiotics on the equine gut microbiome.
RUTH HATTEN
Animal Naturopathy & Pet Nutritionist
Ruth is a lover of animals, a pet nutritionist, an animal naturopath, an energy worker and a plant based coach. Just doing her bit to help animals live a happier life.
DR RENEE JAMES
Dr Renee graduated Vet School before adding Veterinary homeopathy, Chinese herbal medicine and nutrition as her areas of expertise, as well as critical anaesthetics, pain management and dental care. Walking the holistic veterinary path ultimately led her to open The Natural Vets with Dr Henry. Saving animals really does make her soul shine.
