Poisoning: Horse Deaths from Rumensin in Feed

Pet foods companies occasionally become careless and create foods that poison pets. In the past few months, dog foods were found contaminated with the Aspergillus fungus that causes liver cancer and death. About 100 dogs died before the company recalled its food. Another dog food company put too much vitamin D in its food and caused toxicity and death in pets.

Poisonings are not limited to dog foods—poisonings happen with horse feed too. Pride Mature Horse feed, Lot No. 7701-050306, has been recalled because it is contaminated with monensin sodium (Rumensin), an additive used in cattle feed. Monensin is added to cattle feed because it changes the bacteria in the rumen, one of the 4 stomachs that cows have. The altered bacteria make better use of feed and produce propionic acid that provides increased nutrition for the cow. When monensin is added to feed, cows experience less bloat and grow faster.

Unfortunately, rumensin does not have a beneficial effect for horses—it kills them. Several horses have died after eating Pride Mature Horse feed. Symptoms progress from loss of appetite and sweating to a fatal colic.

We put the health of our horses, dogs, and cats into the feed company’s hands when we use their products. We also put the health of our animals in the hands of pharmaceutical companies and nutraceutical supplement manufacturers when we give our horses and pets medications and supplements. These are companies that deserve your trust:
Azmira,

Nordic Naturals,

SpiritEssense, and

Designing Health .