Nutritional supplements are important to horses for a number of reasons, including:
- To fill gaps in the diet: Horses may not get all the nutrients they need from their regular diet, especially if they are working hard, growing, or have a health condition. Nutritional supplements can help to fill these gaps and ensure that the horse is getting all the nutrients it needs.
- To improve performance: Nutritional supplements can help to improve a horse's performance in a number of ways. For example, supplements that contain electrolytes can help to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps in horses that are working hard. Supplements that contain amino acids can help to build muscle and improve recovery time.
- To support overall health and well-being: Nutritional supplements can help to support a horse's overall health and well-being in a number of ways. For example, supplements that contain vitamins and minerals can help to improve the horse's immune system, skin and coat health, and hoof health.
Here are some specific examples of nutritional supplements that may be beneficial for horses:
- Electrolytes: Electrolytes are essential for hydration and muscle function. Horses that are working hard or sweating a lot may need to supplement their electrolyte intake.
- Amino acids: Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Horses that are working hard, growing, or recovering from an injury may need to supplement their amino acid intake.
- Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins and minerals are essential for a variety of bodily functions. Horses that are not getting a balanced diet may need to supplement their vitamin and mineral intake.
- Joint supplements: Joint supplements can help to support joint health and function in horses of all ages.
- Digestive supplements: Digestive supplements can help to improve digestion and prevent digestive problems in horses.
It is important to note that not all horses need nutritional supplements. Horses that are getting a balanced diet and are in good health may not need any supplements. However, it is always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about whether or not nutritional supplements may be beneficial for your horse.
If you do decide to give your horse nutritional supplements, be sure to choose a reputable brand and follow the dosage instructions carefully. Overdosing on supplements can be harmful to horses.
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Supplements - General Information
Supplements
Supplements - Anhidrosis Treatment
- Anhidrosis Treatment By ONE AC
- Superior Horse Nutrition by Stance Equine USA, LLC
- True Sweat by Choice of Champions International
Supplements - AntiOxidents
- Antioxidant Products By Omega Fields
- Brandes Formula/ Immunall by Equine Products, LLC
- EndurExtra® by Kentucky Performance Products, LLC
- Equine Mineral Products by Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- EquiPride and EquiLix by SweetPro
- Hoffman's Horse Minerals
- Karbo Combo by Gomer's Inc.
- Missing Link Equine (Immunity, Skin & Coat) and Equine Plus TM Joint Support by Designing Health
- Neprofin AVF by Southwest Nutraceuticals
- Quality Equine Antioxidants From Med Vet Pharmaceuticals
- SeaBuck Complete
- SOURCE ® “Original” and Pelleted “Original” Micronutrients for Horses
- System Saver Equine
- THE PERFECT HORSE® by G.A.L.E., Inc.
- WILD FORAGE By Norimoor LLC
Supplements - Auto Immune Products
Supplements - Bone Supplements
- Equine Joint and Bone Supplements by Evergreen Equine Products
- Equine Mineral Supplements by Evergreen Equine Products
- Hoffman's Horse Minerals
- Maximum Performance™
- OCD™ Pellets By Doc's Products, Inc.
- Powerful help For Navicular or Lameness With TLC Animal Nutrition, Inc.
Supplements - Breathing Products
- "Guardian Horse Bedding" by Equustock, LLC.
- Air Power™ by Finish Line Horse Products, Inc.
- Breathe Smooth by Smooth Run Equine
- Carbo Fuel and Mike's ORIGINAL Bleeding Powder, by Equine Products Inc.
- Equine Breathing Products by Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Equine Breathing Supplements by Equine Science
- Equine Immunity Products by Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Equine Performance Products by Oxy-Gen
- Equine Respiratory Products by Equina Wellness™
- FLAIR® Nasal Strip
- Gritman Essential Oils
- Happy Horse Hay Steamers
- Lung Aid from Choice of Champions International
- STEP-UP™ and STEP-UP™ Per4mance
- Total Respiratory and Endurance by Ramard, Inc.
Supplements - Calming Treatment
- Choice of Champions International
- Equine Calming Products by Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Equine Performance Products by Oxy-Gen
- Total Calm and Focus Equine Calming Product by Ramard, Inc.
- VetriScience
Supplements - Colic Treatment
- Equine Challenge™ Sand FlushPLUS
- Equine Gut Flush
- Powerful Help For Colicky Horses By TLC Animal Nutrition, Inc.
- Sand Colic Herbal Powder by Equine Science
- SAY WHOA--Stops Colic
- The ASSURE® Product Line by Arenus
Supplements - Dewormers
- Allivet
- Equi Aid CW®, IverCare® (Ivermectin)
- Rethink Deworming (Informational site)
- STRONGID Paste
- WORM-A-WAY by Cheval International
- ZIMECTERIN
Supplements - Digestive
- Allivet
- Digestive Enzymes by Evergreen Equine Products
- EQUI-FORCE™
- Stomach Soother, by Healthmate Products Inc.
- SUCCEED® Digestive Conditioning Program by Freedom Health, LLC
Supplements - Education & Information
Supplements - Electrolytes
- Electrolyte Equine Supplements by Evergreen Equine Products
- Hoffman's Horse Minerals
- Horse Quencher by Equatic Solutions, LLC
- Total Blood Fluids Muscle by Ramard Inc.
Supplements - EPM Prevention
Supplements - Eye Products
Supplements - Fungal Treatment
- Fungus Free® By Five Star Fungus Free
- "Equine Relief Anti Microbial" by Equine Elite
- Banixx Equine Products by Serborne Corporation
- Equiderma by Telesis Animal Health
- Equine Skincare Products by EcoLicious
- Horse and Dog Skin Treatment by Dr. Rose's Remedies
- Scratches Less® by ArcaNatura
- Silverquine Gel by Silverquine, LLC
- Simple Relief® for Healthy Coat & Skin and Scratches & Mud Fever
Supplements - General
- Animal and Human Nutrition 101
- Giddyap Girls Biscuit Co.
- Horslyx - Vitamin, Mineral and Trace Element Lick
Supplements - Hoof Products
- Allivet
- Farrier's Magic
- Giddyap Girls Biscuit Co.
- Hoof Armor®
- Hoof Heal By Cut-Heal, Inc.
- N'Dura Hoof
- Nice n’ Shiny Hoof & Body Wash By SBS Equine
- NO THRUSH® by Four Oaks Farm Ventures, Inc
- Quality Hoof Products by Arenus
- Wunder Hoof, By Wunder Hoof, Inc.
Supplements - Joint Products
Supplements - Skin Care
- Derma.Calm By Cut-Heal, Inc.
- Equiderma
- Original M-T-G By Shapleys
- SCRATCHES-B-GONE by Cheval International
Supplements - Topical Oil
Joint Prep and Conditioning for Show Season
Dr. Eleanor Kellon, VMD, Staff Veterinary Specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition
It’s never too early or too late to make a difference with joint nutraceuticals.
The first joint nutraceuticals came to the market about 30 years ago and are here to stay with good reason – they work. In fact, a case could be made for supplementation for a horse of any age that is in formal work.
Studies in experimental animals have confirmed that glucosamine alone or in combination with chondroitin sulfate can help prevent the development of arthritis. Among the documented effects are stimulation of hyaluronic acid and collagen production, and improved bone mineral density.
Having conducted several very large scale field trials of joint nutraceuticals over the years, I can attest to their usefulness in young horses in training. Before they show any actual, obvious lameness per se, more subtle weight redistribution occurs, which has negative effects on their gaits. Movements become stiff, often disjointed, with rough transitions. Muscle pain often develops as well and behavior issues may appear.
Young horses being given joint nutraceuticals are far less likely to experience set backs due to joint issues. Their movement overall is much more coordinated and fluid. If a horse has already developed problems, it's not too late to make a difference with joint nutraceuticals.
“Osselets” is the common term for soft distentions of the fetlock joint in young horses. There is increased joint fluid and inflammation related to synovitis. Using the loading dose of a joint nutraceutical can support the alleviation of inflammation in 2 to 7 days.
More mature horses can benefit too, and the sooner the better. Horses are very strong and naturally athletic but don't make the mistake of thinking joint nutraceuticals are only indicated for upper level performers or those who have already developed joint issues. Simply adding the weight of a human greatly increases the strain on joints. Joint nutraceuticals can preserve soundness and joint health, not just address problems.
The core ingredients for any joint supplement are glucosamine (hydrochloride or sulfate), chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid, aka hyaluronate. These are compounds normally present in the joint as components of cartilage and/or joint fluid.
Very low level inflammation is actually how the horse's body stimulates cartilage and joint fluid production. However, inflammation above the physiological amount is the first step in joint degeneration. A variety of other ingredients are helpful that include MSM, vitamin C and the naturally occurring antioxidants in brightly colored fruits.
Herbs such as Devil's Claw, Cat's Claw, Boswellia and White Willow often have direct effects on gene expression. Even vitamins can come into play since vitamin C is also critical to normal collagen metabolism, the core protein in bone, cartilage, ligaments.
Compared to the cost of veterinary care and the side effect risks from medications, joint nutraceuticals are a bargain. If you haven't tried them yet, consider at least a 30 day trial this year as you start serious conditioning. Odds are you will be pleased with the obvious difference.
*Statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and are not offered as a diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.
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