Studies have shown gastric lesions can occur in less than 12 hours and as early as 2 days of age with foals. As many as 90% of racehorses, 60-80% of competitive horses and 25-50% of foals have some form of gastric and/ or hindgut ulcers. Inadequate forage, infrequent feedings, high grain diets, lack of fresh, clean water, stress from transportation and intense training and exercise, chronic use of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), rebound impact of proton inhibitor medications, all contribute to the formation of ulcers. Gastric Shield helps to support a healthy digestive tract by buffering the gastric secretions that can breakdown or erode the mucosal lining of the esophagus, upper stomach and hind gut. These are areas where there is little mucosal producing and at greater risk from developing gastric (upper gut or stomach) ulcers and hind gut (colonic) ulcers. Exercise can cause gastric acid to “back splash” to the sensitive upper stomach and esophagus, causing discomfort, erosion of the protective mucosal layer in this area. Horses are grazing animals and require a constant flow of saliva and forage to neutralize stomach acid that is produced in the lower stomach. Although essential to facilitate the digestion of starches, fats and protein, without the bicarbonate action from saliva and presence of forage, these gastric secretions can cause ulcers or sores in the mucosal lining on many areas along the digestive tract. Gastric shield is an excellent source of neutralizing bicarbonate minerals and kaolin to help buffer and reduce the acidity of gastric secretions, maintaining a neutral pH which eases the impact of everyday gastric secretions. Gastric shield also help prevent recurring ulcers that can result from the “acid rebound” that impact horses treated with proton inhibitors such as omeprazole or horses that have been on NSAID (non steroid anti-inflammatory drug). NSAID that cause thinning of the mucosal or stomach lining. Gastric Shield is an easy to administer, and palatable alternative to buffering and neutralizing the gastric secretions that are increased above regular daily production during stressful situations and work. The bicarbonate minerals and kaolin not only help reduce acidity and damage to the mucosal lining, but help soothe the digestive tract and promote healing from existing or reoccurring ulcers. ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Calcium Carbonate 2430mg, Magnesium Oxide 1380mg Kaolin 810mg and Copper Gluconate 6mg INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Water, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Saccharin, Methyl DIRECTIONS FOR USE (HORSES): Give 30-60ml daily