Metamusil vs Bran

[Tisbouncy]

Just wondering which is better for clearing sand?  And if I was giving a, let's say 1000lb horse Metamucil, how much and how often do you feed it?  Same question for the Bran as well.

[Coral Reef Riding]

FROM EQUINE-ORIGINALS.com

All horses in or area are at risk for having problems with sand. The soil in our area is naturally very sandy, so any horse that spends any time eating feed whether it is in the form of hay, green grass, or on the ground is prone to ingest
some sand. Dietary changes can prevent problems with sand. The first step in prevention is to feed off of the ground in tubs, bins or wall feeders. While many horses still pull at least half of their feed out of any feeder and finish it on the
ground, these horses are still spending 50% less time eating on the ground. In addition, placing rubber mats under and around feeders will help prevent horses from eating directly on the ground. 

The second step in sand prevention is feeding psyllium, the indigestible fiber
found in Metamucil or Equi-aid. Psyllium will aid in the removal of sand from the
gastrointestinal tract and prevent build up if fed on a regular basis. Beet pulp has
also been effective in preventing sand aculation. It contains an indigestible
fiber similar to that of psyllium. Its main advantage over psyllium is that it is less
expensive. Beet pulp is also a source of soluble carbohydrate so it provides
some extra calories and may be especially useful for those "hard keepers." The
disadvantages of beet pulp are that to be effective it must be fed daily and it must
be soaked for 12-18 hours before feeding or it has the potential to cause
impaction colic. Finally, many people believe that they are controlling sand by
feeding bran mashes. Although bran is a good laxative , it is ineffectual at
removing sand.

[Shadow]

Thanks Coral Reef for the info!

[Tisbouncy]

Thanks Erica, 
Any idea how much Metamucil/Psyllium Fiber I should give and how often?

[grandprix84]

I give 1 cup Psyllium (generic metamucil) each Weds/Sat. Make sure it is very wet if you put it in his grain mix, as it congeals over time. My horse LOOOOOVES it when I mix it in a big bucket of gatorade.

[8Belles]

Hey Beth!

We do a pysillum fiber supplement everymonth. I use SandBlast; it's cheaper for one horse.. But most people buy the EquiAid in the big container (not sure how many # it is). You usually feed it for 10 days AM/PM, then once a month for a week 1x a day.

[Classic2010]

Someone had recommened mineral oil--1/2 gallon mixed with bran and water at pm feeding and repeat the next night for clearing sand----and they sell it in the feed stores---does it work?