Learn To Read The Labels!
 
"Over increasingly large areas of the United States spring now comes unheralded by the return of birds, and
         the early mornings are strangely silent where once they were filled with the beauty of bird song."
         -- Rachel Carson - Silent Spring

Note: This list has not been alphabetized (yet)...to find a specific ingredient, use the "Find in Page" function of your browser.
 
Ingredient
What is it?
What Do I Need To Know
About This Stuff?
calcium carbonate an inorganic salt used as an antacid and as a calcium supplement Limestone. Comes in various grades from lawn fertilizer to pharmaceutical grade as calcium supplement. Different grades have different combinations of other minerals present depending on the mining source and processing method.
copper sulfate source of copper a strong  irritant, harmful when swallowed, a fungicide used to control bacterial and fungal diseases of fruit, vegetable, nut and field crops(more info)
corn germ meal the internal part of the corn kernel the meal is what's left after corn oil has been extracted
dehydrated alfalfa meal used as a filler sometimes artificially colored green when old stemmy rained on alfalfa is used, no quality is specified, often poor quality alfalfa is processed into meal when it could not be sold for a much higher price as hay with less processing.
dicalcium phosphate source of calcium and phosphorous inorganic salt with the phosphate portion often more bioavailable than the calcium portion
dried whole milk not usually the grade A milk that we drink, but the antibiotic or urine and feces contaminated milk that comes from sick cows that must be milked anyway, and that milk sold to the dairies as part of the buying contracts that farmers get to have all their milk purchased. This milk is also so second class that it cannot be sent overseas for use there either.
dried kelp source of iodine seaweed that is harvested from the continental shelves where waste dumping might have been. Seaweeds do not grow in deep ocean.
lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product lactobacillus cultures the good bacteria of yogurt that reinnoculates the cecum of the horse, produces time release B complex vitamins, some enzymes, some essential amino acids and low grade antibiotics against E. coli
soy bean oil vegetable oil  high in poly unsaturates
vitamin B12 suppliment vitamin B12 base, blended with vitamin B12
sodium selenite Selenium is an essential trace element  It can be potentially toxic. More Info
natural source vitamin E vitamin E very expensive to produce and only produced in certain quantities. Quality vitamin E is available only to certain companies such as pharmaceutical organizations and health food stores. Smaller companies usually are only able to purchase inferior grade vitamin E.
sulfur inorganic element used as an old time antibiotic toxic against many beneficial organisms too, we used to have a sulfur deficiency, but most areas not have sulfur sufficiency or even toxicity due to acid rain which contains sulfur
fish meal harvested from shallow water “junk” fish with poor food use that often come from polluted waters, or leftovers from the commercial canning industry or fish butchering
monosodium phosphate Acidic pH, dispersant, buffer Commonly used in cleaning solutions. More Info
wheat middlings used as an inexpensive filler the cleanings and screenings leftover after the wheat is taken to the human market. 
Labeled by the USDA as "by product", which by their definition has little to no significant nutritional value. Contains heavy amounts of dirt and mold spores, and have been implicated in heaves, bleeders(epistaxis) and other allergenic conditions. A common mold of wheat produces "vomitoxin", is very bad news for horses! Most elevators don't test as
they should for mold toxins. Wheat middlings are as close to floor sweepings as you can get! 
feeding oat meal
tomato pomace the dried leftovers of tomatoes after the juice has been extracted member of the nightshade family known to be toxic to horses
vinegar Made when sweet cider is fermented into an alcoholic beverage (hard cider). Then it is fermented once again. Natural antiseptic. Often used as a digestive aid.   More Info
yeast culture dried commercial yeast A trial conducted with growing horses at Rutgers University indicated increased digestibility of protein,  fiber and minerals when yeast was fed. Greater  protein and mineral retention was also reported.
More info
choline chloride liquid choline, a B vitamin and part of the lecithin complex Choline is essential in building and maintaining cell function and structure. It is involved in many diverse cell functions, such as fat metabolism, nerve transmission and methyl group transfer.
sodium sulfate acidifying inorganic salt A raw material and ingredient in many  industrial processes such as the detergent, glass, paper and textile industries. Obtained from natural deposits and as a byproduct from various manufacturing and chemical processes. More Info
ferric sulfate acidifying iron inorganic salt Used in waste water treatment. Listed as corrosive to eye contact and ingestion.
More info
Ferric subsulfate is a hemostatic agent
which stops bleeding by contracting blood vessels. 
magnesium oxide antacid form of magnesium magnesium is known as the anti-stress mineral as it relaxes muscles and nerves.
zinc sulfate acidifying inorganic zinc salt Organic forms of trace minerals such as zinc methionine appear to have beneficial effects on hoof integrity that are not observed with similar quantities of an inorganic zinc such as zinc sulfate.
niacin supplement vitamin B2 in a base for feed grade non USP (not pharmaceutically pure) niacin
cobalt sulfate acidifying inorganic cobalt salt cobalt is a trace element stored mainly in the liver and acts as a catalyst in complex reactions to form vitamin B-12. 
 dl-methionine sulfur bearing amino acid 
dl-Methionine is the man-made form of l-methionine, a naturally occurring essential amino acid.
good for hoof growth
 It is reported that it decreases the activation of inflammatory cells (white blood cells) and neutralizes
destructive components released from white blood cells, thus reducing pain and inflammation.
pyridoxine hydrochloride Vitamin B-6 Its role is as a coenzyme involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Also responsible for the manufacture of hormones, red blood cells, neurotransmitters, enzymes and prostaglandins.Vitamin B6 is required for the production of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that controls moods, appetite, sleep patterns, and sensitivity to pain. A deficiency of  B6 can quickly lead to insomnia and a profound malfunctioning of the central nervous system.
ferrous fumarate a chemical form of iron was implicated years ago as the cause of foal deaths due to liver failure when added to a commercial probiotic paste, product was long since withdrawn from the market
vitamin A acetate dried form of vitamin A aka: retinol
 l-lysine essential amino acid commonly found in protein feeds, good
for immune function
lecithin major source of the chemical nutrient choline a natural emulsifier of fats produced in the liver. Lecithin is a phospholipid composed of saturated, unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also contains glycerin, phosphorous and choline. It is found in chemicals that aid passage of  many nutrients from the bloodstream into cells. 
Choline is involved in production of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine must be present in the body for proper function of the nervous system, including mood, behavior, orientation, personality traits, judgment.
sodium bentonite type of clay, used as a filler swells 15 to 18 times its original volume when placed in water. Commonly used to stop leaks in ponds and stock tanks.
biotin B vitamin that works as a dietary enzyme to synthesize fatty acids and
metabolize proteins and carbohydrates.
good for hoof growth; dry, itchy skin and poor condition of hair. 
potassium iodide commonly used salt form of iodine high uptake by the thyroid has made this an effective thyroid blocker to protect against the effects of radioactive nuclear fallout on the thyroid gland.
beta carotine vitamin A precursor widely found in nature in green grass only 25% as active as true Vit A, must be processed by the liver into true vitamin A for use by the body. Antioxidant properties
vitamin D-3 supplement aka: calcitrol The major physiologic function
of vitamin D is to maintain normal serum levels of calcium and phosphorus by enhancing intestinal absorption of dietary calcium and phosphorus and mobilizing calcium from the bone when dietary calcium is insufficient to meet needs. After forming in the skin, vitamin D undergoes two successive hydroxylations, first in the liver to 25- hydroxyvitamin D, and then in the kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol). Calcitriol has been used pharmacologically to reverse the disorder of calcium metabolism seen in patients with chronic renal failure, and to treat renal osteodystrophy, hypocalcemia associated with hypopara-thyroidism, vitamin D- dependent rickets, and osteoporosis.
ascorbic acid (preservative) Vitamin C Necessary for collagen formation and tissue repair.  Participates in oxidation-reduction reactions. Needed for metabolism of phenylalanine,tyrosine, folic acid, iron.  Helps utilization of carbohydrates, synthesis of fats and proteins, preservation of integrity of
blood-vessel walls. Strengthens blood vessels. 
zinc methionine complex zinc loosely bound to the amino acid
methionine
 not a true chelate.
zinc: zinc is a part of the molecular structure of 80 or more known enzymes. These particular enzymes work with red blood cells to move carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs.
methionine: functions as building block of all proteins. 
hydrochloric acid digestive acid of the stomach * Acute animal tests, such as the LC50 and LD50 tests in rats, mice, and rabbits, have demonstrated hydrochloric
acid to have moderate to high acute toxicity from inhalation and moderate acute toxicity from oral exposure. (More info)

Used theraputically in humans when injected in dilute forms into the blood stream (More info)

riboflavin Vitamin B2 Riboflavin is B 2 and is important to energy metabolism (processing nutrients like protein, fat, carbohydrates that have calories to a form of energy that the body can use - ATP),  normal eyesight and healthy skin.
yucca shindigera extract derivative of the yucca plant used in animal feed to improve the health conditions of turkeys, broilers, layers, swine, beef cattle, horses and pets by reducing the emission of odor and ammonia. (more info)
Also used commercially
in beers, natural shampoos and foaming cosmetics, frozen carbonated beverages, foamy bar mixes, wine coolers,schnapps, root beer, barley drinks and  other products needing exaggerated foam.
folic acid vitamin B9 Acts as co-enzyme for normal DNA
 synthesis. Functions as part of co-enzyme in amino acid and nucleoprotein synthesis. Promotes normal red-blood-cell formation. 
algae meal dried ground algae species unidentified. Depends on the species.
Some species are commonly used in chicken feed to enhance yellow color of chicken skin & eggs and as an additive fed to salmond fish to enhance the color of their flesh .
blue-green algae is used in the human healthfood market claiming it as a "Super Food" it is high in protein and other nutrients. 
diatomaceous earth the exoskeletons of ancient insects mined from deposits highly abrasive, used commercially as sanding or scrubbing agents, also as insecticides as the earth is so abrasive that it will irritate the exoskeletons of insects walking through it, killing them
cobalt choline citrate complex loosely bound cobalt, choline and
inorganic salt of citric acid 
ferric choline citrate complex same as above with iron
copper choline citrate complex same as above with copper
calcium pantothenate vitamin B5 essential for adrenal function
magnesium amino acid chelate magnesium bound to amino acids as
carriers in the body, like “predigestion” for easy absorption
lowest toxicity of chemical forms, but most costly to produce
zinc amino acid chelate same as above but with zinc lowest toxicity of chemical forms, but most costly to produce
calcium amino acid chelate same as above but with calcium lowest toxicity of chemical forms, but most costly to produce
iron amino acid chelate same as above but with iron lowest toxicity of chemical forms, but most costly to produce
manganese amino acid chelate same as above but with manganese lowest toxicity of chemical forms, but most costly to produce
copper amino acid chelate same as above but with copper lowest toxicity of chemical forms, but most costly to produce
cobalt amino acid chelate same as above but with cobalt lowest toxicity of chemical forms, but most costly to produce
menadione sodium bisulfate complex  a source of vitamin K activity vitamin K is required for the synthesis of clotting factors such as prothrombin.
thiamine mononitrate a source of Vitamin B1 B1 functions in combination with adenosine triphosphate to form co-enzyme necessary for converting carbohydrate into energy in muscles and nervous system. 
potassium chloride K-Cl is a compound, a combination of 2 elements: Potassium + Chloride.  The Chloride element  is damaging to the metabolism. Liquid Potassium Chloride may cause fibrillation and cardiac arrest. It also prevents potassium and enzymes to enter the cells for the healing process. Potassium Chloride pills may cause perforation in the walls of the small intestine and death can occur.
ferrous carbonate inorganic salt of iron inorganic (dead) form. While inorganic minerals they may enter the circulation, they cannot be used in the physiological process of building the cell.  Inorganic minerals only interfere with the delicate
and complex biology of the body. They may also overwork the kidneys.
hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate an absorbent (binder)  used commonly in poultry feed to help protect against the effects of aflatoxins (a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by two types of mold: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus)
niacinamide a form of vitamin B-3 Aids in release of energy from foods. 
Helps synthesis of DNA.  Becomes a component of two  co-enzymes (NAD and NADP), which are necessary for utilization of fats, tissue respiration, production of sugars.
Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation extract probiotic beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal tract
Dried bifidobacterium thermophilum fermentation extract probiotic beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal tract
Dried faecium fermentation extract probiotic beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal tract
sorbitan monostearate a surfactant reduces surface tension in liquids
ethylenediamine dihydrochloride also known as EDD
preservative/stabilizer used in topical medications
a contact allergen for some humans. EDD is commonly used in industrial products such as epoxy resins and coolant oils. Water-based industrial
products may contain EDD as a fungicide. EDD is also a component of some dyes, insecticides, and synthetic waxes. 
selenium mineral helps defend against damage from oxidation. May decrease serum 
vitamin C
monocalcium phosphate
 
also called "acid calcium phosphate" strong acid taste, used chiefly in fertilizers, as an acidulant in baking
powders and in wheat flours, mineral supplement in foods and feeds
manganous oxide insoluble in water, but soluble in hydrochloric acid, releasing chlorine
ferrous sulfate acidifying iron inorganic salt human toxicity: GI disturbances eg. gastric distress, colic, constipation, diarrhea may occur. 
More on ingestion of large quantities that may not apply...and refers to Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. Use:  fertilizer, food and feed supplements, aswood preservative, as weed killer, is astringent, other industrial
uses copper chloride-also goes by cupric chloride, very soluble in water
with a pH of 0.2 molar soln of 3.6...irritating to skin and mucous
membranes.
Uses: wood preservative, disinfective, feed additive, other
industrial uses
zinc oxide practically insoluble in water, Use: in dental cements, cosmetics, astringent topical protector, other industrial uses
cobalt carbonate practically insoluble in water, soluble in heated hydrochloric acid and gives off carbon dioxide in the process. Use:
pigments, cobalt deficiency in ruminants
phosphoric acid the active
ingredient in Coca Cola
takes paint off cars and enamel off your teeth and causes calcium excretion in the urine
propionic acid a natural product of fermentation in the cecum used as a preservative because it is one of the safest and most natural
D-activated animal sterol vitamin D
ethylenediamine dihydriode an organic iodine