Foundation
Daily probiotic and gut health supplement with 20 trillion CFU/lb — maximizes gut efficiency, appetite, skin, hair, and hoof quality
Always read and follow product labels for feeding and sheep safety.
Overview
Foundation is Essential Show Feeds’ core daily supplement — the base of their feeding program. With 27% crude protein and 20 trillion CFU/lb of live bacteria, it is built to maximize digestive health, nutrient absorption, and downstream outcomes like appetite, hair/skin quality, and hoof integrity. One of the few show supplements in this category with a disclosed probiotic count on the label.
Manufacturer Specifications
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | % |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 27 |
| Crude Fat (min) | |
| Crude Fiber (max) | |
| Moisture (max) | |
| Live bacteria (CFU/lb) | 20 trillion |
Key Ingredients / Active Components
- Bacillus licheniformis (probiotic)
- Bacillus subtilis (probiotic)
- 27% crude protein base
Official Feeding Rate
- Rate: Not specified in available sources
- Introduction: Not specified
- Species notes: Sheep, goats, and other show livestock
Show Circuit Use
Sources: essentialshowfeeds.com/lamb-products
How Experienced Feeders Actually Use It
Foundation is positioned as the starting point for the Essential Show Feeds program — the daily gut health anchor over which other targeted products (FLARE, CHUB, Crease) are layered. The probiotic CFU count (20 trillion/lb) is one of the highest disclosed in the show lamb supplement category, giving it credibility with feeders who prioritize gut health as the foundation of any program.
Real-World Feeding Rate
- Typical rate: Not found in available sources
- Introduction timeline: Implied from program start
Common Deviations from Label
No data found.
Breed-Specific Notes
No breed-specific notes found.
Phase Protocols
Weeks 12–9 | Foundation Phase
Begin as the daily base supplement. Establishes gut health and appetite before other products are layered in.
Weeks 8–6 | Condition Building Phase
Continue daily. Consistent probiotic support ensures maximum nutrient absorption from condition-building products.
Weeks 5–3 | Fill & Shaping Phase
Continue daily.
Weeks 2–1 | Final Prep Phase
Continue daily. Gut health support is especially important as feed amounts are adjusted heading into the show.
Show Week (Days 5–1)
Continue daily through show week.
Stacking Protocols
Essential core program: Foundation anchors the program; layer FLARE (fill/shape), CHUB (cover), and Crease (muscle) on top based on animal needs. No known conflicts.
Budget Alternatives
Rule Supplements’ The Formula (Zinpro + probiotic) serves a similar foundational role at a comparable price point.
Community Tips
Reserved for verified community submissions — do not populate during initial documentation.
Pairs Well With
- FLARE
- CHUB
- Crease
Direct Substitutes
Products that do the same job at the same point in the program — compare alternatives across brands in the directory.
| Product | Brand | Form | Budget | Feeding Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Formula | Rule Supplements | Powder | Mid-Range | 2 oz per head/day |
| TotalCare Sheep | Rule Supplements | Powder | Premium | — |
Sources
- https://www.essentialshowfeeds.com/lamb-products (manufacturer)