Frequently Asked Questions

GlycoGuard is a specialized direct-fed probiotic designed to support and promote gut health in nursing foals.

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that can have a positive impact on the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestive health and overall well-being.

The main components of GlycoGuard are two strains of probiotic bacteria: Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum. These strains are carefully selected and prepared in an activated form to ensure their effectiveness.

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis is a bacterium that naturally occurs in the gastrointestinal tract and has been shown to support digestive function and improve gut health. It is particularly relevant for nursing foals, as it can aid in the absorption of nutrients from the milk they consume.

Lactobacillus plantarum is another beneficial bacterium that has been extensively studied for its positive effects on gut health. This strain can help balance the gut microbiota and enhance the production of beneficial compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids, that contribute to gut health and overall immunity.

When direct-fed, GlycoGuard delivers these probiotic strains directly to the foal's digestive system, helping to establish a healthy and diverse gut microbiome. A well-balanced microbiome can improve nutrient absorption, enhance immune function, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disturbances in foals.

While the term "bacteria" might be associated with germs, not all bacteria are bad. In fact, the equine gastrointestinal tract is home to a diverse community of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiota. Most of these microorganisms are beneficial and play a crucial role in the digestive health and overall well-being of a foal.

These beneficial bacteria work with the horse's digestive system to promote gut health, enhance nutrient absorption, strengthen immunity, and mitigate digestive issues. Always consult with a veterinarian to determine the most suitable probiotic product and dosage for your foal's individual health needs.

  • Supporting Digestive Health: Your foal’s gut microbiome works in harmony with its digestive system. These
    beneficial microorganisms help break food  and aid in the efficient extraction and
    absorption of essential nutrients.
  • Balancing the Gut Microbiome: A balanced gut microbiome is essential for a healthy digestive system. Feeding probiotics like GlycoGuard, helps introduce strains of beneficial bacteria that can counteract the potential overgrowth of bad bacteria. This helps maintain a harmonious microbial balance and minimizes the risk of digestive disorders.
  • Strengthening Immune Function: The gut is a crucial part of the immune system. Beneficial bacteria in the gut help stimulate the production of compounds that support proper immune function. By promoting gut health, probiotics can enhance the foal's immunity, making it more resilient to infections and diseases.
  • Alleviating Stress-Related
    Digestive Issues:
    Foals may experience stress during various situations, such
    as weaning or transportation. Stress can disrupt the balance of the gut, leading to digestive issues. Probiotics can help stabilize the gut microbiome during these challenging periods and reduce the negative effects of stress on
    the digestive system.
  • Smooth Transition to Solid Foods: As foals transition from a milk-based diet to solid foods, their digestive
    system undergoes significant changes. Introducing probiotics during this phase
    can help the foal adapt, making the transition smoother and reducing the risk of digestive upsets.

GlycoGuard is formulated with specific strains of beneficial bacteria that have been extensively researched and proven safe for use in foals. This targeted supplement ensures your foal receives the right types of beneficial bacteria to support its digestive health without any side effects.

GlycoGuard plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health in foals through the actions of its key components, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) and Lactobacillus plantarum. These beneficial probiotic strains work together in a three-part action to promote a healthy gastrointestinal system for the foal.

1) Unlock Nutrients: The probiotics in GlycoGuard breaks down complex carbohydrates found in mare’s milk.

2) Releases Short-Chain Fatty Acids: This results in the production of short-chain fatty acids within the intestines of nursing foals.

3) Rapid Colonization of the Gut: GlycoGuard features B. infantis, a bacteria strain that rapidly colonizes the gut of nursing foals.

As with any dietary supplement, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that GlycoGuard is suitable for your foal's specific health needs and to determine the appropriate dosage for optimal results.

 

GlycoGuard should be fed to a nursing foal at specific intervals during the first few days of life to support its digestive health and overall well-being. The recommended the following feeding schedule for GlycoGuard:

  • Day 1 (Birth): Administer 10cc (cubic centimeters) of GlycoGuard orally to the foal. This initial dosage is essential to introduce the beneficial probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum, into the foal's gastrointestinal tract.
  • Days 2 to 4: Continue to feed GlycoGuard to the foal every 12 hours. This means providing another 10cc dosage of GlycoGuard orally every 12 hours for a total of 8 feedings during this four-day period.

We recommend this specific feeding schedule to ensure that the foal receives a sufficient and consistent supply of beneficial probiotics. The first few days of a foal's life are crucial for establishing a healthy gut microbiome, and GlycoGuard's probiotic strains can play a significant role in this process.

GlycoGuard is not a drug or medicine. It is classified as a direct-fed microbial (DFM) feed product, which is an additive that contains live microorganisms. These microorganisms are intended to have a positive impact on the gut health and overall well-being of the animal. GlycoGuard contains specific strains of probiotic bacteria, including Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum, which support gut health in nursing foals.

GlycoGuard comes in the form of an oral gel formulation, conveniently packaged in an 80-gram syringe. This oral gel is designed to make administration easy and precise, ensuring that the correct dosage of the product is given to the foal.

GlycoGuard should be administered to the foal:

1. At Birth: The ideal time to administer GlycoGuard is shortly after the foal's birth to introduce beneficial probiotic bacteria into the foal's gastrointestinal tract at a critical early stage. This supports the establishment of a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for the foal's overall health and immune system development.

2. First Sign of Intestinal Upset: GlycoGuard can also be given when the foal exhibits any signs of intestinal upset, including colic, or other digestive disturbances. Providing GlycoGuard at the first sign of intestinal upset can help restore and maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which may alleviate discomfort and support digestive health.

GlycoGuard should be administered twice a day for four consecutive days. Each serving of GlycoGuard is 10cc (cubic centimeters). During the four-day period, the foal should receive a total of eight servings.

The recommended administration schedule is as follows:

  • Day 1 (First Day): Feed one serving (10cc) of GlycoGuard in the morning and another serving in the evening, for a total of two servings on the first day.
  • Days 2 to 4 (Subsequent Days): Continue to feed one serving (10cc) of GlycoGuard twice a day—once in the
    morning and once in the evening—for each of the next three days, resulting in a total of six additional servings.

GlycoGuard should be administered twice a day for four consecutive days, with each serving being 10cc. This schedule helps ensure the foal receives a sufficient and consistent supply of beneficial probiotic bacteria during its critical early development stage and supports the establishment of a healthy gut microbiome.

GlycoGuard is specifically designed to work with the mare's milk and is particularly effective in promoting gut health in nursing foals. It is primarily recommended for use in young, nursing foals during their critical early development stages. The beneficial probiotic strains in GlycoGuard,  Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum, are particularly suited to aid in the digestion and utilization of complex carbohydrates found in equine milk.

While GlycoGuard is formulated to support the unique needs of nursing foals, it is not typically intended for use in adult horses, but it will not cause issues/harm if it is given to an adult horse.

GlycoGuard contains live, activated bacteria as its active ingredients, specifically Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum.  It has been tested and can be shipped ambient, but should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain the viability and potency of the live bacteria. Refrigeration helps to preserve the activity and quantity of the probiotic bacteria in each serving of the product. Live bacteria are sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and exposure to air. By refrigerating GlycoGuard, the product's stability is preserved, ensuring that the appropriate number of live bacteria are present in each serving. GlycoGuard can be shipped at ambient temperatures, but after 3-4 days, should be refrigerated.

There are no known side effects associated with the use of GlycoGuard. The product's probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum, have been studied by scientists to ensure their safety and efficacy.

Probiotics, in general, are considered safe for consumption in appropriate doses, and they work to support and promote gut health in nursing foals without causing adverse effects. As live microorganisms, probiotics are naturally found in the equine gastrointestinal tract and play a vital role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.

The probiotic strains used in GlycoGuard are listed on the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) approved list of direct-fed microbials. AAFCO sets standards for animal feed and pet food to ensure their safety, quality, and appropriate labeling. The inclusion of the probiotic strains in this list further validates their safety and suitability for use in animal feed products, including GlycoGuard.

If your foal is ill or immunocompromised, it is crucial to seek advice from a veterinary professional before administering GlycoGuard probiotic.


GlycoGuard Probiotic is a direct-fed microbial probiotic designed to support gut health in nursing foals. While it can be beneficial for healthy foals, ill or immunocompromised foals have unique health needs and may require specialized medical treatment. Probiotics, including those found in GlycoGuard, are generally safe for use in healthy animals.

We work with FedEx as our primary shipping carrier. For standard orders, we use 2-Day delivery to ensure that your package reaches you quickly.

We have tested the product and it can be shipped at ambient temperature but after 4 days should be stored in the refrigerator.

So, even if your package experiences a slight delay, the product remains stable and effective.

For orders shipped within the contiguous United States, we offer free Standard 2-Day Shipping. This means that you can enjoy the convenience of having your order delivered to your doorstep without any additional shipping charges.

For customers residing in Alaska and Hawaii, shipping costs will vary based on the weight of the package and its destination.

Unfortunately, we are unable to ship out of the United States at this time.

We cannot ship to PO Boxes or APO/FPO.

For standard orders, our typical processing time is 1-2 business days. This means that once you place your order, we will work diligently to prepare it for shipment within the next 1-2 business days.

Please note that shipments are sent out from Monday to Friday. If you place an order on a Friday after 11 am Central or over the weekend (Saturday or Sunday), your order will be processed and shipped on the following Monday.

We authorize FedEx to leave your package at the specified delivery address without a signature. 

Once your order is confirmed, you can track its status by accessing your Account page. You’ll receive a notification email with your tracking number.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Due to the unique nature of GlycoGuard as a live organism, specially handled, and cold shipped product, we cannot accept returns or exchanges. GlycoGuard is dependent on proper handling and storage, and returning the product could compromise its integrity and effectiveness.

Refund Eligibility: To be eligible for a refund, your request must be made within the first 30 days after receiving your GlycoGuard order. Contact our customer support team at customerservice@glycoguard.com to submit your request.

Return Process: To initiate a refund request, please contact our customer service team. They will guide you through the process and provide the necessary information for returning the product.