Horse Supplements
Nutritional supplements for horses
There is some debate over whether or not horse nutrition supplements are necessary. Many professionals feel that most horses will thrive on good-quality hay and grains alone, as long as they have access to water and salt licks. But horses in unique circumstances — those that are pregnant, nursing, older or hard-working — could benefit from supplements.
Equine Supplements
There are concentrates on the market that promise to do all sorts things for your horse: grow healthier hooves or a shinier mane, increase energy, improve digestion, etc. In general, proper care and feeding is all that’s needed for good horse health. However, in cases where supplements are necessary, don’t be swayed by “bonuses”; choose the simplest supplement that addresses your horse’s particular need.
Look for supplements that are registered with the Agricultural and Veterinary Medicines Authority (AVMA); these products are under stricter safety scrutiny and must provide a full list of ingredients on the label. That doesn’t necessarily ensure these products are safer than others, but at least you get a complete idea of what is in them.
Only give your horse supplements meant for horses. Their body structure and chemistry is vastly different from that of cows and other livestock.
Keep in mind that even the best horse supplements won’t produce results if you’re not otherwise properly caring for your horse. They aren’t miracle drugs!
Horse Joint Supplements
More than 200 joint supplements for horses exist in the United States today. A common primary ingredient is glucosamine, derived from shrimp and crab shells. Glucosamine helps keep joints lubricated and stimulates growth of tissue, which is important because as horses age or are overworked, their cartilage may lose its shock-absorbing power, causing pain and stiffness.
Another popular ingredient in joint supplements is chondroitin sulfate, a major component of cartilage and an aid to bone healing. However, research has shown that chondroitin is poorly absorbed by horses when given orally and on its own, so don’t buy a product based solely on its chondroitin content.
The best option is a glucosamine-chondroitin combination. Cosequin horse supplements, made and patented by NutraMax Laboratories, combine glucosamine and chondroitin along with a third ingredient, manganese ascorbate. Manganese is a mineral that aids in the formation of bones and connective tissue.
Herbal Horse Supplements
Don’t assume that because a concentrate is herbal, it is automatically safe. Controlled studies often aren’t required for herbal remedies, which means that the side effects and actual benefits may not be thoroughly researched. Be sure to do your own research and find an herbal supplement that is well known and well thought of in the horse community.
