Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) – a natural prebiotic fibre to support horse digestion

Dandelion root is a traditionally used plant-based feed ingredient whose use in horse feeding is based on its naturally high inulin and fibre content as well as the plant's own bitter compounds. Dried and ground dandelion root is suitable for use as part of a horse's balanced diet, especially when the aim is to support normal function of the stomach and gut.

Prebiotic inulin as part of digestion

Up to 30–45% of dandelion root consists of inulin, which is a natural prebiotic fibre. Inulin serves as nutrition for beneficial intestinal bacteria and supports the gut's microbial balance as part of normal digestion. The effects of inulin on horse digestion have been extensively studied, and its use is particularly associated with microbial activity in the large intestine and the intake of fermentable fibre.

Prebiotic fibre supports:

• normal structure of intestinal contents

• faecal formation

• consistent gut function

For this reason, dandelion root is well suited for horses prone to hard or inconsistent droppings, as well as during dietary transitions.

Bitter compounds and the physiological response in feeding

The effect of dandelion root is partly based on its natural bitter compounds (including taraxacin and sesquiterpene lactones). Bitter compounds are associated with the secretion of digestive fluids and, as part of the diet, can support appetite and the normal initiation of digestion, particularly in situations where the horse's eating is sensitive or variable.

Fibre, pectin and intestinal contents

In addition to inulin, dandelion root contains soluble fibres and pectin, which bind water and affect the physical properties of intestinal contents. This supports normal function of the stomach and gut as part of a fibre-rich diet.

Potassium and fluid balance

Dandelion root naturally contains abundant potassium, which is an important mineral for the horse's body. Potassium contributes to the normal function of muscles and the nervous system, as well as the regulation of fluid balance as part of daily nutrient intake.

Use as part of horse feeding

Dandelion root is particularly suited for:

• spring and autumn feeding

• balancing dietary transitions

• horses that need support for stomach function

• situations where the horse naturally seeks out root plants

Dosage:

Horses (approx. 500 kg):
1–4 tbsp per day as a 10–14 day course
or
1–2 tbsp daily as a nutritional supplement

The course can be repeated after a 1–2 week break.

Measurement info:
1 tbsp ≈ 7 g

Nutrients (naturally occurring, approximate)

Dried dandelion root naturally contains (approx. per 100 g):

inulin and other fructans approx. 30–45 g, dietary fibre (total fibre) approx. 35–45 g,
protein approx. 8–15 g, potassium approx. 350–450 mg, calcium approx. 150–200 mg, magnesium approx. 30–40 mg, phosphorus approx. 60–80 mg,
iron approx. 3–5 mg, zinc approx. 1–2 mg, manganese approx. 0,5–1,5 mg.

In addition, dandelion root naturally contains bitter compounds (including taraxacin and sesquiterpene lactones (approx. 2-10%). The root also contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids, pectin and mucilage. Natural variation in content typical of natural products is possible depending on the growing location, harvest, age of the root part and drying method.

Composition:

100% dried and ground dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale).
No additives.

Notes on use

Not recommended for horses with bile duct or intestinal obstructions.

Background information and study references

The composition and nutritional properties of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root have been extensively studied in botanical and nutritional science reviews. Studies focus particularly on the root's inulin content, prebiotic effects, bitter compounds and mineral composition. The publications mentioned below provide background information on the nutritional significance of dandelion root. They should not be used as a basis for claims regarding the treatment of diseases in individual animals.

Prebiotic inulin and digestion (general / equine)

• Julliand, V., Grimm, P. (2016).
  The impact of diet on the hindgut microbiome and fermentation in horses.
  Journal of Animal Science.
  – A review of the significance of fermentable fibres, such as inulin, for microbial activity in the horse's large intestine and digestion.

• Julliand, V. et al. (2006).
  Effect of diet on microbial activity in the equine hindgut.
  Livestock Science.
  – A study on the effects of fibres and prebiotic compounds on the horse's gut microbiota.

• Hansen, N. et al. (2012).
  Prebiotic effects of fructans in equine nutrition.
  Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.
  – The prebiotic role of fructans (including inulin) in horse feeding.

Dandelion root composition and bioactive compounds

• Schütz, K. et al. (2006).
  Taraxacum officinale – a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile.
  Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
  – A review of dandelion root's inulin content, bitter compounds and phenolic compounds.

• Williams, C.A. et al. (1996).
  The chemistry and biological activity of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
  Phytochemistry.
  – Dandelion's bitter compounds, flavonoids and minerals.

Bitter compounds and the physiology of digestion

• Hiltunen, R. & Holm, Y. (1994).
  Farmakognosia.
  Helsinki: Yliopistopaino.
  – The effect of bitter compounds on the secretion of digestive fluids and the physiological responses of digestion.

• Holm, Y. & Hiltunen, R. (2003).
  Lääkkeitä luonnosta.
  Edita.
  – Plant bitter compounds and their nutritional significance.