How to Get a Show Animal Back on Feed

Every exhibitor knows the feeling. Your project is thriving, then suddenly goes off feed at the worst possible time!

Maybe it happens after a long trailer ride when you first get to a show or a busy weekend. Regardless of the cause, even a brief drop in feed intake can affect an animal’s weight, condition, bloom and overall performance.

The sooner you identify what may be causing the problem, the sooner you can help get your project moving in the right direction.

Why Do Show Animals Go Off Feed?

Stress is unavoidable in the show industry. Animals are regularly exposed to changes that can affect their normal eating habits, including:

• Hauling and long trailer rides

• New barns and unfamiliar environments

• Changes in weather or temperature

• Weaning

• Feed or water changes

• Crowded or busy show settings

• Illness, discomfort or other health challenges

Some animals adjust quickly. Others may become slow to eat or stop eating altogether.

Missing one meal may not seem serious, but reduced feed intake can quickly lead to lost weight, reduced fill and a setback that takes several days to overcome.

Start by Looking for the Cause

Before trying to encourage feed intake, take a closer look at the animal and its environment.

Check the water

Make sure clean, fresh water is readily available. Some animals may be reluctant to drink unfamiliar water at a show, so consider bringing water from home to help maintain their normal routine. Keep an eye on how much the animal is drinking and watch closely for signs of dehydration, especially after hauling or during hot weather.

Check the feed

Give the feed a quick check to make sure it’s fresh and free from spoilage or contamination. Try to avoid sudden ration changes and make sure your animal can easily reach the feeder.

When heading to a show, bring the feed your animal is used to, along with its usual pans or buckets. A few familiar things can help your project settle in and feel more comfortable eating in a new place.

Check the environment

Heat, cold, poor ventilation, noise and unfamiliar surroundings can all reduce appetite.

Keep the animal as comfortable as possible and provide time to rest after hauling or other stressful events.

Watch for signs of illness

A loss of appetite can also be a sign that something more serious is happening. Look for changes in behavior, breathing, manure consistency, body temperature or overall appearance. Contact your veterinarian when an animal continues to refuse feed or shows signs of illness, pain or distress.

Get Animals Eating Fast

After you have ruled out health concerns and addressed any feed, water or management issues, your animal may just need a little extra appetite support!

Show Gun is an easy-to-administer oral drench designed to help encourage feed intake while supporting digestive and immune function. It also provides a readily available source of energy to help animals get back on feed during stressful situations like hauling, weaning, weather changes, heat stress or a busy show weekend.

It can be used with swine, cattle, sheep, goats, calves and horses, making it a versatile option for families who exhibit multiple species!

What's Inside Show Gun?

Show Gun combines several patented and research-backed ingredients in one easy-to-administer oral drench.

Microfused Essential Oils

Patented Microfused Essential Oils helps provide antioxidant benefits and nutritional support for digestive function.

Actifibe Prebiotic

Actifibe Prebiotic helps nourish beneficial bacteria and supports digestive and immune function.

Bioactives

Selected bioactive ingredients help encourage appetite and support the animal during periods of stress.

Emulsified Triglycerides

Emulsified triglycerides provide a readily digestible energy source when normal feed intake has decreased.

Spray-Dried Egg Antibodies

Spray-dried egg antibodies provide additional nutritional support for young animals experiencing digestive challenges.

Together, these ingredients are designed to support normal feed intake and help animals work through stressful situations.

Be Prepared Before Stress Happens

Successful exhibitors know that preparation matters. You would not leave for a show without feed, brushes, adhesives and other supplies. It’s also helpful to pack products that can support your animal if stress affects appetite or digestion.

Keeping Show Gun in the barn, trailer or show box means it is available when every feeding and every day matter.

Show Gun - Get Show Animals Eating Fast Show Gun is the ticket to getting your project up and eating again. This natural oral drench contains patented ingredients that focus on reducing stress and promoting appetite to quickly get animals back on track.

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