Quick view
How to Evaluate Results with Curafyt
Track your buddy's progress in 4 simple steps using objective measures and a clear action plan.
Why Track Your Results?
Day-to-day changes can feel subtle or even invisible. When you look back at photos, notes or logs from a month ago, you often see progress you didn't realise was happening.
That's why we created this 4-step evaluation plan — to turn your observations into clear insights, so you can feel confident you're making the right choices for your horse or dog.
Covering all Curafyt supplements for horses and dogs
A Simple 4-Step Evaluation Plan
Turn observations into actionable insights in four simple steps: baseline, select, track, and adjust.
Establish Your Baseline
Weigh your horse, note its body condition score, feed ration and exercise, then snap side‑profile and in‑motion photos to capture its starting point. Note current issues like heat‑cycle length, hoof sensitivity or manure score.
Select 2–3 Key Indicators
Pick the most relevant measures like hoof strength, coat shine, digestion or recovery, so you focus only on what matters for your goals.
Track Weekly for Eight Weeks
Record those indicators once a week at the same time and under the same conditions, keeping all notes and photos together in a log or app.
Compare & Adjust
Line up each week's data against your baseline to spot trends. If results plateau or dip, adjust your regimen or consult our veterinary team.
Product-Specific Timelines & Checklists
Select your product to see expected results week by week and what to track.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use alongside veterinary guidance
- Energy / Work-Ethic (1–5): Rate willingness and vitality weekly. Sluggish energy can signal blood-sugar swings.
- Coat Shine (1–5): Stroke coat against hair lay in daylight. Dull or chalky (1–2) suggests imbalance; aim for glossy 4–5.
- Digital Pulse: Faint beat is normal; a bounding pulse is an early laminitis warning — call your vet.
- Hoof Warmth: One hoof noticeably hotter than the others can indicate inflammation before lameness appears.
- Hoof-Wall Growth Rings: Monthly, mark new horn at hairline and measure growth in mm. Slow or wavy growth suggests metabolic stress.
- Cresty Neck: Flat and soft is normal; a hard, bulging roll indicates abnormal fat deposition.
- Body Condition Score (1–9): Palpate ribs, withers, shoulders and tailhead monthly. Target 5–6.
- Shedding Pattern: Delayed or patchy shedding often accompanies hormonal issues.
- Always record readings in the same order and environment.
- Check digital pulse before hoof warmth — elevated pulse plus warmth warrants immediate vet attention.
- Note any feed changes or weather extremes when logging.
Steady & Stable is a nutritional supplement, not a medicine. 15 g per 500 kg bodyweight/day. Not for pregnant mares.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Manure Consistency (1–5): 1 = watery, 5 = hard. Check fresh piles — extremes signal hydration or microbial imbalance.
- Manure Frequency (target 6–10 piles/24 h): Sudden spikes or drops may point to motility issues or stress.
- Odour: Mild and earthy is normal. Sour or acrid smell often indicates fermentation shifts.
- Appetite & Chewing (1–5): Bolting or poor mastication can signal ulcers or dental pain.
- Mood & Behaviour (1–5): Girthiness or irritability can be early gut-discomfort signs.
- Water Intake (target 25–35 L/day): Reduced drinking raises colic risk significantly.
Microbiome changes are gradual — results typically continue improving for 8+ weeks with consistent daily use.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Body Weight (kg): Weigh or use a weighband fortnightly. Record the number — don't rely on visual impression alone.
- Body Condition Score (1–9): Palpate ribs and backbone. Target depends on horse type — discuss with your vet.
- Coat Shine (1–5): In daylight, assess sheen and texture. Improvement typically appears first on the neck and shoulder.
- Stool Consistency: Extra oil can soften stools initially — reduce dose temporarily if very loose.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Topline Photos (monthly): Same spot, same lighting. Side-and-rear shots show real muscle development better than live observation.
- Heart-Rate Recovery: Resting 28–44 bpm. Aim ≤ 60 bpm at 10 min post-exercise, returning to resting at 30 min.
- Respiration Recovery: Resting 8–16 breaths/min. Check at 10 min (<60/min) and 30 min (≤20/min for a fit horse).
- Body Weight & BCS: Distinguish true muscle gain from fat gain — BCS should stay 5–6 while topline fills in.
- Log HR and RR at 2, 5, 10 and 30 min after work for a complete recovery profile.
- Call your vet if at 10 min: HR >80 bpm, temp ≥39 °C for over 30 min, or tremors, ataxia or dark urine.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Stride Quality (video): Short monthly video at walk and trot on a straight line. Compare over time — subjective scoring is hard without footage.
- Joint Heat & Swelling: Run hands over fetlocks, knees and hocks at each session. Note warmth or puffiness.
- Warm-up Time: How many minutes until movement looks fluid? A shortening warm-up period is a meaningful indicator of progress.
- Stiffness After Rest: Rate how stiff your horse is when first brought in (1 = severely stiff, 5 = free-moving).
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Coat Brightness (1–5): In daylight, stroke coat against hair lay. Scores 4–5 indicate healthy liver support; 1–2 may suggest toxin load.
- Seasonal Itch & Skin Comfort (1–5): Rate itchiness during peak seasons. Fewer rub marks and sores suggest improved skin health.
- Energy & Appetite (1–5): A consistent, willing appetite (4–5) reflects balanced metabolism.
- Manure Quality: Note changes in colour or consistency — occasionally loose droppings in the first week as the gut adapts.
- Assess in the same spot and lighting each week.
- If elevated liver enzymes were confirmed by blood test, discuss duration of supplementation with your vet.
Start 3 months before insemination for best results
- Cycle Regularity: Normal cycle ~21 days (18–24 days = regular). Record start date and length of each heat.
- Heat Behaviour (1–5): Mild crankiness in oestrus is normal; severe aggression or back soreness warrants attention.
- Coat & General Condition: Coat improvement often precedes other changes as liver function is supported.
- Conception Rate (mares): Track covers per conception. Expected: 50–70% fresh semen, 45–65% cooled, 30–45% frozen.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Ease of Movement (1–5): Rate fluidity at walk and trot, especially after demanding work or travel.
- Recovery Time: How quickly does your horse return to normal demeanour after exercise or stress?
- Appetite & General Behaviour: Overall vitality is often the first noticeable change with curcumin support.
- Stool Quality: Curcumin also supports gut wall integrity — some horses show improved manure consistency.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Muscle Soreness After Work: Stiffness, reluctance to move forward, or back sensitivity post-exercise can indicate oxidative muscle stress.
- Recovery Speed: How quickly does your horse return to normal movement quality after demanding training sessions?
- Coat Sheen: Vitamin E supports skin cell membrane integrity — coat quality often improves within 4–6 weeks.
- Pasture Access: Note seasonal changes. Fresh grass is a natural vitamin E source — needs are highest in winter.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Coat Shine & Texture: First visible indicator of improving micronutrient status — note changes monthly with a photo.
- Energy & Focus: Rate willingness and stability during work. Magnesium and B-vitamins support a settled nervous system.
- Hoof-Wall Growth (monthly): Mark growth at hairline with non-toxic marker. Consistent growth suggests good nutritional baseline.
- Body Condition: ESTE is a balancer — body condition should remain stable; adjust forage and any concentrate accordingly.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Stool Score (1–7 Bristol scale): Aim for 3–4. Extremes may signal hydration, diet, or microbial imbalance.
- Defecation Frequency: Note changes from normal routine. Sudden shifts warrant attention.
- Appetite & Eating Speed: Bolting food or reluctance can indicate gut discomfort.
- Gas & Bloating: Some increase is normal during the first week as the microbiome transitions.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Scratching Frequency: Count or rate daily scratch sessions (1–5). Keep consistent observation times.
- Coat Sheen (monthly photos): Same lighting condition. Focus on back and flanks.
- Skin Lesions / Hotspots: Note location and size of any redness, scaling or hair loss patches.
- Ear Odour / Discharge: A common sign of immune and skin imbalance in dogs — note any changes.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Stiffness After Rest (1–5): Rate how stiff your dog is getting up from rest. Note morning vs. after longer lying periods.
- Gait Video (monthly): Short video walking and trotting on a straight line. Changes are easier to see on camera than in person.
- Willingness to Exercise: Does your dog hesitate before stairs, jumping in the car, or longer walks?
- Joint Touch Sensitivity: Does your dog react when you gently flex hips, elbows or stifles?
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Scratch / Lick / Chew Frequency (1–5): Observe daily and rate each week. Keep observation time consistent.
- Skin Lesion Map: Note location and severity of any redness, scaling or hotspots monthly.
- Stool Quality: The gut-skin axis means gut health directly affects skin — improved stools often precede skin improvement.
- Seasonal Triggers: Note pollen season, diet changes or environmental exposures that correlate with flare-ups.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Stress Trigger Reaction (1–5): Rate your dog's response to the same known trigger weekly. Consistency of trigger is key.
- Resting Behaviour: Does your dog settle easily? Note time to settle after stimulation.
- Destructive / Anxious Behaviours: Log frequency of pacing, barking, destructive chewing, or inappropriate elimination.
- Sleep Quality: Note restlessness during the night. Many owners report improved sleep within 2–3 weeks.
- L-tryptophan and magnesium provide acute situational support — give 30–60 min before a known stressful event.
- Ashwagandha requires consistent daily use for 3–6 weeks for its adaptogenic effects to establish.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Morning Stiffness (1–5): Rate ease of getting up, especially after a night's rest. Often the most sensitive early indicator.
- Exercise Tolerance: Maximum comfortable walk/run distance before signs of fatigue or reluctance.
- Gait on Camera (monthly): Short trot video on a straight line. Hip sway and stride length changes are easier to spot on replay.
- Stair Climbing / Jumping: Note willingness and ease for stairs, car boot, or sofa.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Stool Consistency (Bristol scale 1–7): Aim for type 3–4. Extremes indicate need for dietary or dosage review.
- Defecation Frequency: Note changes from your dog's personal baseline.
- Gas & Bloating: Note frequency and intensity. Some increase is normal in the first week.
- Recent Antibiotics: Log dates — probiotics are especially valuable in the 4 weeks following antibiotic courses.
Results week by week — with consistent daily use
- Energy & Vitality (1–5): Rate your dog's enthusiasm for walks, play and interaction weekly.
- Coat Quality (monthly photo): Sheen and texture in the same lighting condition each time.
- Stool Consistency: General gut health is a good proxy for micronutrient absorption.
- Appetite: Note whether your dog finishes its meals cleanly — a proxy for general wellbeing.
Transition & benefit timeline
- Stool Quality (days 1–14): Some softening during transition is normal. Slow down the switch if stools are very loose.
- Coat Sheen (monthly photo): Insect protein + algae oil DHA typically shows coat improvement by weeks 6–8.
- Scratching / Licking Frequency: If switching due to suspected food allergy — track weekly scratching from day 1.
- Weight & Body Condition (monthly): Adjust portion size if weight shifts.
IMBY Insect-Based Vitality Dog Food is a complete pet food for adult dogs (all breeds). Follow feeding guide on pack by body weight.
Transition & benefit timeline
- Diet Diary (strict): Log every single food item your dog consumes. One exposure to the old protein can restart an 8-week elimination clock.
- Stool Score (Bristol 1–7): Track daily in weeks 1–3. Target: consistent type 3–4 by week 3–4.
- Skin Symptom Score (1–5): Rate itching, redness, hotspots and licking weekly. Take photo evidence of lesion locations monthly.
- Ear Health: Reduced ear wax, odour and head shaking are reliable markers of protein allergy improvement.
- All treats, chews and table scraps must be the same novel protein or protein-free during the trial.
- Only reintroduce old food after 8–12 symptom-free weeks, under vet guidance, to confirm the trigger.
IMBY GI Sensitive Dog Food is a complete pet food for adult dogs with food sensitivities. Consult your vet if symptoms are severe.
Transition & benefit timeline
- Body Weight (fortnightly): Plant-based diets are often lower in calories — monitor to adjust portion size.
- Muscle Condition Score: Palpate the spine and hindquarters monthly, especially in working or very active dogs.
- Stool Quality & Volume: Higher fibre typically means slightly larger stools — normal. Extreme looseness during transition = slow down the switch.
- Energy & Vitality (1–5): Energy levels should remain stable once transition is complete.
IMBY Plant-Based Dog Food is nutritionally complete for adult dogs. Consult your vet before switching growing puppies or dogs with medical conditions.
Transition & benefit timeline — adult sterilised cats
- Food Intake (daily): Note if your cat is eating its full portion. Any sudden reduction in appetite warrants vet attention.
- Body Weight (monthly): Sterilised cats are prone to weight gain. Weigh monthly and adjust portion size per pack guidelines.
- Urination Frequency & Behaviour: Note straining, blood in urine, or frequent trips to the litter box — early signs of FLUTD. Report to vet immediately.
- Coat Sheen & Shedding: Excessive shedding or a dull coat can indicate nutrient imbalance.
- Mobility & Joint Comfort: Note ease of jumping, grooming reach, and play activity — indicators of joint comfort changes over time.
- Try mixing a small amount of the cat's favourite wet food with IMBY dry food during transition.
- Warm the food slightly (body temperature) to enhance aroma — cats respond strongly to smell.
- A 3–4 week transition is completely normal for cats.
- If your cat refuses to eat for more than 24 hours at any point, revert to previous food and consult your vet.
IMBY Insect-Based Vitality Cat Food is a complete pet food for adult sterilised cats. Not formulated for kittens, pregnant or lactating queens — consult your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before I judge results?
Most owners notice small wins like shinier coat, better manure, quicker cool-down — within about 1–2 months when the routine is right. Hooves grow slowly, so expect a full season before you see real change there. Compare each horse to its own starting point, not to a calendar.
Can I increase the dose to speed things up?
No, stick to the daily recommended dose. Steady, correct dosing plus good management wins every time.
Is it safe to combine products?
Yes, Curafyt formulas are designed to be complementary. Use each at its recommended dose.
Should I stop other supplements?
Remove overlapping ingredients to avoid redundancy; when in doubt, ask us.
Need personalised support?
Our team of vets and animal health experts is available Monday–Friday, 9–5 CET. We aim to respond within 24 hours, usually faster.
Get a free product
Snap clear before & after shots of your horse or dog using Curafyt and email them to info@curafyt.com. If we can see real progress, we'll send you a complimentary 500 g pot of your chosen Curafyt supplement.
