If you have a horse, there are certain supplies that are essential. You need hay, feed, and water buckets.
But what about supplements? Nutritional supplements can help your horse stay healthy and strong.
The following list of 15 common horse supplements will give you an idea if your horse could benefit from them or if they’re not necessary based on the type of work he does.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Horse supplements can play a vital role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of equine companions. |
| Older horses require specialized nutrition, and a balanced diet is essential to maintaining their health. |
| Dental care, regular vet check-ups, and weight management are crucial to maintaining a horse’s overall health. |
| Digestive supplements for horses may offer many benefits and can help address specific digestive issues. |
| Not all supplements are safe or effective for horses, and it’s important to consult with professionals before adding any new supplements to your horse’s diet. |
Artemin
Artemin, also known as artimisinin, is an extract from the herb Artemesia annua. It’s often used to treat malaria and cancer in humans, but it can also be given to horses for many different purposes.
One of the most common uses for artemin is as an anti-inflammatory drug. Horses with joint pain or arthritis may benefit from this supplement because it helps reduce swelling and inflammation by inhibiting enzymes that break down cartilage.
If your horse has sore joints or tendons (e.g., after hard exercise), consider giving him some artemin before working out again so he doesn’t get hurt again!
Another important use for this supplement involves keeping your horse healthy during winter months when they’re more likely than usual to catch colds due to poor air quality outside — especially if you live somewhere where there are lots of trees nearby!
While not all horses get sick during these times due to allergies triggered by pollen grains in springtime weather patterns being carried through tree branches overhead (which means only those who suffer from hay fever will experience symptoms), there are still plenty who do suffer from seasonal infections like bronchitis caused by bacteria rather than pollen itself; these types tend toward coughing spells which could lead down dangerous paths if left untreated long enough without proper care until their body finally decides whether or not antibiotics should be administered based on severity level alone.
Aging horses require specialized nutrition to maintain their health and well-being. Our Ultimate Guide to Feeding Your Senior Horse covers everything you need to know about providing a balanced diet to your older equine companion.
Betaine
Betaine is a dietary supplement that’s derived from sugar and used to treat liver disease, metabolic syndrome and other conditions.
Betaine is a methyl group donor, which means it can help the body make more carnitine (a substance involved in energy production).
In turn, this may improve athletic performance by increasing lean muscle mass and decreasing body fat. Betaine also has antioxidant properties that can prevent damage caused by free radicals in the body.
Biotin
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that’s naturally present in many foods. It helps the body process fats, carbohydrates and protein. Biotin also helps maintain healthy skin and hair, as well as aid in growth of cells.
Biotin is known scientifically as vitamin H (beta-carotene), but it’s more commonly called biotin or vitamin B7.
You may have heard of this important nutrient before–it’s often included in multivitamins given to people with diabetes or other metabolic disorders because they’re at risk for having impaired biotin metabolism due to mutations in their ABCG5/ABCG8 transporter proteins (the “active” form).
Proper forage is a critical component of a horse’s diet, and it affects their overall health and well-being. Learn more about the importance of forage, and how it can help prevent common health issues in horses, by reading our blog post on The Importance of Proper Forage in a Horse’s Diet.
Calcium
Calcium is an important mineral for your horse’s body. It plays a role in the growth and strength of bones, as well as helping to maintain proper muscle function. Calcium deficiency can lead to soft tissue damage, weakening of bones (which may cause fractures), lameness and poor performance.
The best way to ensure that your horse gets enough calcium is through his diet–but this isn’t always possible or practical.
If you’re feeding him hay that doesn’t contain adequate amounts of calcium (or if he doesn’t eat enough), adding supplements might be necessary. There are many different types available; here are some tips on choosing one:
Copper
Copper is an essential mineral that your horse needs to be healthy. It’s involved in the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen through the body.
Copper also helps with the absorption of iron, which is important for maintaining healthy muscles and organ function.
Copper also plays a role in collagen production (collagen gives structure to connective tissues like tendons and ligaments) as well as elastin synthesis (elastins make up part of elastic cartilage).
Regular dental care is essential for maintaining a horse’s overall health and performance. Our article on The Benefits of Regular Dental Care for Horses explains why dental health is so important for horses, and provides tips on how to keep your equine’s teeth in top shape.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for horses but not all fish oils are the same.
The most common type of fish oil you’ll see at your local feed store or online is cod liver oil. It’s a good supplement for horses with arthritis or other joint problems, but it also contains vitamin A (retinol), which can be toxic in large amounts.
The best kind of fish oil to give your horse is one without added vitamins or minerals–just pure EPA/DHA Omega-3s from anchovies, sardines or mackerels (the three types we use).
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar that is used by the body to make cartilage. It can be found in the shellfish and in the joints of animals, who use it to repair damage.
Glucosamine supplements are often recommended by veterinarians because they’re believed to help prevent or treat arthritis and joint pain.
If you suspect your horse has a sore back or stiff legs, ask your vet about trying glucosamine before resorting to other treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The side effects associated with NSAIDs include ulcers and GI bleeding–both bad news for horses!
| Benefit | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Makes cartilage | Cosequin ASU Plus |
| Supports joint health | AniMed Pure Glucosamine Powder |
| Helps prevent arthritis | Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength |
| Treats joint pain | Equine America Cortaflex HA |
| Repairs joint damage | Finish Line Fluid Action HA |
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar used by animals to repair and make cartilage in joints. Veterinarians recommend it to prevent arthritis and joint pain.
Supplementing horses with brands such as Cosequin ASU Plus, AniMed Pure Glucosamine Powder, Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength, Equine America Cortaflex HA, and Finish Line Fluid Action HA may help support overall joint health, prevent joint pain and stiffness, and promote joint flexibility.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral for all living organisms, including horses. It plays a role in many physiological processes, including oxygen transport and metabolism. Anemia (low red blood cell count) can occur when horses are deficient in iron; this condition can lead to fatigue and reduced performance.
Iron deficiency is common in horses due to their high metabolic rate and lack of ability to absorb dietary sources of iron efficiently.
Iron supplementation is often recommended by veterinarians to prevent or treat anemia caused by chronic bleeding problems or pregnancy complications such as high-risk births where there may be extensive trauma during delivery.
Iron supplements are also used following colic surgery because intestinal damage may cause loss of fluids that would normally help support proper absorption of nutrients such as vitamins A & D; therefore intravenous fluids must be given along with supplemental feedings until full recovery has been achieved
Regular vet check-ups are vital for ensuring the health and well-being of your horse. Our blog post on The Importance of Regular Vet Check-Ups for Horses covers everything you need to know about scheduling and preparing for veterinary visits, and explains why these visits are so important for horses of all ages.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for bone and heart health, energy production, muscle contraction and nerve function. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and plays an important role in building protein.
Magnesium deficiency can cause muscle spasms, seizures, personality changes and depression. Horses with low levels of magnesium may have poor hoof quality or experience problems with their coat’s appearance (such as dullness).
Manganese
Manganese is an essential trace mineral that is involved in many biochemical pathways. It is a component of many enzymes involved in energy production and antioxidant protection. Manganese helps to protect against oxidative stress, which can cause damage to cells, tissues and organs.
| Benefit | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Component of key enzymes | Horse Guard Equine Mineral |
| Energy production | N/A |
| Antioxidant protection | Uckele Tri-Amino |
| Protects against oxidative stress | KPP Micro-Max |
| Prevents cell damage | BRL Equine Mineral |
| Tissue & organ health | MVP G Quench |
Manganese is an essential trace mineral for horses that is involved in many biochemical pathways, including energy production and antioxidant protection. It is a crucial component of many enzymes and helps protect against oxidative stress by preventing damage to cells, tissues, and organs.
Supplementing horses with brands such as Horse Guard Equine Mineral, Uckele Tri-Amino, KPP Micro-Max, BRL Equine Mineral, and MVP G Quench can help ensure they get adequate manganese in their diet and prevent deficiency-related issues such as poor bone development and growth and impaired antioxidant defense.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte that plays a role in muscle contraction and nerve function, as well as maintaining fluid balance. It’s also necessary for the heart and kidneys.
Potassium deficiency can cause:
- Muscle weakness or paralysis (hypokalemia)
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (hyperkalemia)
Sodium Chloride (salt)
Salt is a mineral that helps regulate your horse’s electrolyte balance, which is important for many functions in the body. It also has an effect on the acid-base balance and assists with digestion.
Salt should be available at all times in a free-choice feeder so that the horse can choose how much he wants to eat. The amount of salt needed depends on the type of feed being fed, as well as its composition; however, generally speaking 1 pound per day will meet most horses’ needs (approximately 0.1% NaCl).
Vitamin A, D and E Complexes (A, D and E)
Vitamin A, D and E Complexes (A, D and E) are used to help with skin and coat health. They can be found in the following products:
- Vitamin A – Fish liver oil, cod liver oil, egg yolk
- Vitamin D3 – Cod liver oil, salmon oil and other fish oils that contain vitamin D3; eggs from chickens fed natural sunlight on their feathers or skin
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for a horse’s overall health and well-being. Our article on The Best Feeds for Keeping Your Horse at a Healthy Weight provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of horse feed available, as well as tips for ensuring that your equine friend receives the appropriate amount of nutrients to maintain a healthy weight
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral that your horse needs for proper growth and development. It’s also essential for the immune system, wound healing, skin, hair and hooves. Zinc deficiency can cause problems ranging from poor coat condition to reproductive issues in mares (and infertility in stallions).
The recommended daily intake of zinc varies depending on your horse’s age and activity level but generally ranges between 2 mg/day for pregnant mares up to 7 mg/day for lactating mares with foals at foot.
Most horses will get enough zinc by eating grasses along with their regular grain ration; however if you have an older horse who doesn’t graze much anymore or spends more time indoors due to weather conditions then consider giving him additional sources of this important nutrient such as plain pellets made just with oats (not molasses), wheat germ oil supplements or even plain yogurt!
| Benefit | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Proper growth and development | N/A |
| Immune system health | Zinpro Availa®Zn |
| Wound healing | VetOne® Zinc Oxide Spray 10% |
| Skin health | Nutramax Cosequin ASU |
| Hoof health | AniMed Remission |
| Reproductive health (mares) | DAC® Loosetrife |
| Infertility (stallions) | Zinpro Availa®Zn |
Zinc is a critical trace mineral for horses and necessary for proper growth and development, immune system health, wound healing, skin health, hair health, and hoof health. Without sufficient zinc, horses may experience issues ranging from poor coat condition to infertility.
To ensure horses get adequate zinc in their diet, supplementing with brands such as Zinpro Availa®Zn, VetOne® Zinc Oxide Spray 10%, Nutramax Cosequin ASU, AniMed Remission, DAC® Loosetrife, and Zinpro Availa®Zn can help promote overall health and prevent deficiency-related issues.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this list of the most important supplements to have on hand. It’s not an exhaustive one, but it should give you a good idea of what kinds of things your horse needs and why they matter.
If there are any questions about what supplements to give or how much, always consult with your veterinarian first!
Further Reading
Here are some additional articles to learn more about horse supplements:
Premium Supplements 101: A detailed guide to premium supplements and how they work for horses.
15 Most Common Horse Supplements for Improving Horse Performance: A comprehensive list of the most common horse supplements and their benefits for improving horse performance.
Supplements for Digestive Health in Horses: An informative article on the benefits of digestive supplements for horses and which ones to use based on specific needs.
FAQs
What types of supplements are good for horse health?
There are many different types of supplements available for horses that promote overall health, including multivitamins, joint supplements, and digestive aids.
How do I know which supplements my horse needs?
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian and/or equine nutritionist to determine which supplements are best for your horse based on their specific health needs.
Are all supplements safe for horses?
Not all supplements are safe or effective for horses, and some may have adverse effects. It’s important to do your research and consult with professionals before adding any new supplements to your horse’s diet.
Can supplements improve a horse’s performance?
Some supplements can improve a horse’s performance by supporting overall health and addressing specific performance issues, such as joint problems or anxiety.
How long does it take for supplements to show results in horses?
The time it takes for supplements to show results in horses may vary depending on the supplement and the individual horse’s needs. Some supplements may take several weeks or months to produce noticeable effects.
Hi there! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a horse riding expert. I’ve been riding horses since I was just a kid—and it’s been my passion ever since. But getting started with horse riding can be overwhelming. There’s so much to learn! If you’re looking for a way to get started and make sure you’re doing it right, I’m here to help.
