Firstly, and full disclosure, resetting the KPU disorder is no sprint - it's a bit of a marathon, and for some horses can even take up to 2-years.

Don't lose heart though - it's relatively straightforward, starting with an easy-to-follow 2-month stabilise and reset with this programme.

Thereafter, it's a simple daily dose of activated vitamin B6 (P5P) for at least 1-year (which we also sell on Subscription to help keep costs down), along with a recommended annual 1-month gut cleanse with SiboCARE , and supporting the liver/kidneys during each coat change with a 1-month course of LKLCARE .

For the record, EquiNatural's founder, Carol, experienced a 15-month journey with one of her KPU ponies back in 2021/22. Be mindful, however, that depending on the degree of metabolic disruption, regeneration may take longer for some horses.

What is KPU in Horses?

KPU, or Cryptopyrroluria, is a complex metabolic disorder tied to a disrupted hindgut microbiome. Known as the "disease with a thousand faces," it presents with a wide range of never-ending symptoms, including gut disturbances, skin and hoof issues, tendon or ligament swelling, persistent coughing, and even headshaking.

At its core, KPU stems from a deficiency in Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P), the activated form of vitamin B6. This critical micronutrient, normally produced in the hindgut, is essential for the liver and kidneys to metabolize toxins. When P5P production is disrupted, the body’s detoxification process falters, leading to the metabolic imbalances that define KPU.

Key Benefits

For further KPU insights, see our main KPU page (Advice Centre/A-Z Equine Condition)

A step-by-step guide to supporting your horse’s recovery

*Each item is available separately in our KPU Shop page.

The KPU Reset Programme starts with a 1-month regenerative hindgut stabilise, followed by tonifying and regeneration the detoxification organs' function - the liver and kidneys.

Thereafter, it's a straightforward maintenance programme of feeding activated vitamin B6 (P5P) for at least 1-year.

Be aware that depending on the degree of metabolic disruption, the long-term regeneration can take up to 2-years for some horses.

Alleviate

• A 1-month course of DuoBute

First up, we start alleviating the discomfort with DuoBute pain and anti-inflammatory support, formulated to be very gentle on the fragile gut mucosa.

• Start by feeding the DuoBute for a couple of days in a p.m. feed to start taking the edge off before starting the reset, while continuing with the DuoBute until finished.

Optional - if your horse is stressed, also feed a 1-month course of StressTonic .

Reset

Stage 1 - Gut stabilisation

• A 1-month course of KPUCOMBO - a combined blend of EquiNatural's SiboCARE , GutAminos , P5P (Activated B6), B12-Balance & Spirulina .

Once your horse has had a couple of days on the DuoBute (and StressTonic if feeding), feed the KPUCOMBO gut:liver stabiliser in an a.m. feed for 1-month.

When finished, take a few days to assess - it's important to see how your horse's gut functions following the supplement; depending on the historic degree of gut dysbiosis, it may be that a 2nd month's course will need to be fed.

Stage 2 - Tonify

• A 1-month course of LKLCARE

We now tone the body's detoxification organs - liver, kidneys, lymph nodes. This addresses the body's natural detox process and resets the liver:kidneys:lymphatics pathway to support immune function and metabolic health.

Top TIp

If you feel your horse is either sensitive to supplements or a fussy eater, always start slow! A pinch at a time and slowly build up.

* Supplements of any kind should be fed with caution to the pregnant or nursing mare so always seek veterinary advice.

The focus now is on maintaining your horse's health long-term. By feeding tonifying supplements to support a balanced gut microbiome, alongside a diet rich in healthy, natural nutrition, you'll be giving your horse the best chance to thrive.

Have a look at our suggestions below - we're not saying to feed them all - just go with what feels right for your horse. Metabolic health is a sliding scale, influenced by daily choices that compound over time. Each decision - big or small - helps tip the scales in your horse's favour, ensuring lasting wellness and vitality.

1. As mentioned above in the Overview section, you're going to need to feed a simple daily dose of activated vitamin B6 (P5P) for at least 1-year post this programme (which we also sell on Subscription to help keep costs down).
   
   
2. It's also recommended to give your horse a 1-month annual gut cleanse with SiboCARE , as well as supporting the liver/kidneys during each coat change with a 1-month course of LKLCARE .
   
   
3. Meanwhile, think fortify ! Switch processed feeds to a grass forage-fibre feed, i.e a meadow cob/chaff, and getting as much quality hay going through the hindgut, while closing the nutrient gap with forage-balanced minerals.
   
   
4. BiomeTonic , aka the well-known 'oily herbs', stabilise the intestinal environment by protecting the beneficial gut bacteria while creating an unwelcome environment for pathogen microbes and parasites. Some horses seem to need it permanently; others do well when fed every couple of weeks or so. It's very much horses for courses so your horse will no doubt tell you.
   
   
5. WildFed adds valuable prebiotic roughage and nutrient diversity to the diet. Either add to the feedbowl or sprinkle a handful over hay every other day or so - horses love to seek out the herbs for enrichment.
   
   
6. VitaBoost is more than a supplement - it's a powerhouse of natural nourishment for your horse. Crafted from 9 organic antioxidant-rich ingredients, this soya-free, synthetic-free blend provides essential vitamins in their natural form (A, C, E, K, and B-complex), anti-inflammatory antioxidants, and powerful beta-glucans to fortify vitality, performance, and long-term health. Feed however it suits, either every day or one week a month - whenever you think your horse needs a nutrient boost.
   
   

🚫 DO NOT FEED to horses during onset laminitis, as re-toxification (the process of swift toxin elimination) may overburden the blood supply until the toxins are eliminated.

🚫Your horse may experience a Herxheimer Reaction - a rare but temporary re-toxification response as the body detoxifies.

Often described as "feeling worse before feeling better," this short-term reaction, typically lasting just a few days, indicates that the process is effectively clearing toxins. Us humans tend to get heavy headaches for a couple of days while the toxins are being excreted.

During this time, your horse may show symptoms such as joint or muscle stiffness, itching or scratching, sweating, or temporary gut imbalances, all signs of a natural part of the cleansing process.

For the full 'herxing' story, scroll to the bottom of our main A-Z Detoxification page.

Q1: What is the KPU Reset Programme?

A: A 2-month plan to stabilise and regenerate gut health, tonify and reset the detox organs' function, and support metabolic recovery in horses with Cryptopyrroluria (KPU).

Q2: How long does the full KPU recovery take?

A: Always seek veterinary advice before feeding supplements to pregnant or nursing mares.