The Best Equine Supplements: Boosting Your Horse's Health and Performance As horse owners, we are always looking for ways to improve our equine companions' overall health and performance. Whether you're managing a competitive athlete, a retired companion, or a pasture pony, the right supplements can play a crucial role in maintaining your horse’s well-being. With the variety of equine supplements on the market, it’s important to understand what works best for your horse’s individual needs. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the best equine supplements available, their benefits, and how they can help keep your horse in top condition.
- Joint Supplements: Supporting Mobility and Flexibility Joint health is a primary concern for many horses, especially for performance animals involved in strenuous activities like racing, eventing, or jumping. Joint supplements are designed to promote cartilage repair, reduce inflammation, and improve overall joint function. Popular Ingredients:
Glucosamine: A natural compound that supports cartilage production and repair. It’s one of the most common ingredients in joint supplements.
Chondroitin: Works in tandem with glucosamine to enhance cartilage health and protect joints from wear and tear.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): A naturally occurring sulfur compound that can reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful anti-inflammatory that helps maintain joint lubrication.
Best Options:
Cosequin ASU (from Nutramax): This supplement combines glucosamine, chondroitin, and ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables) to provide optimal joint support.
Adequan i.m. (from American Regent): A prescription injectable that provides systemic relief to inflamed joints.
SmartPak's SmartFlex: Offers a wide range of joint health formulas tailored for different needs, from maintenance to high-performance support.
- Digestive Health Supplements: Enhancing Gut Function A healthy gut is key to a horse's overall health. Horses are designed to graze and consume food in small amounts throughout the day, so digestive problems are common. Supplementing with digestive aids can help maintain optimal digestion and gut health. Popular Ingredients:
Prebiotics and Probiotics: These support a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and can help prevent digestive issues like colic or ulcers.
Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae): Helps improve fiber digestion and overall gut motility.
Bentonite Clay or Diatomaceous Earth: These ingredients can assist in toxin removal from the digestive tract.
Best Options:
Equine-Guard (from Kentucky Performance Products): Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Uckele's Probiotic: This supplement is specifically designed to restore balance to the gut microbiome, reducing risks of colic and diarrhea.
SmartDigest Ultra (from SmartPak): A powerful probiotic and prebiotic formula to support gut health in all types of horses.
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Ensuring Balanced Nutrition A balanced diet is essential for your horse’s overall well-being. However, sometimes your horse’s regular diet may fall short in providing the necessary vitamins and minerals. Supplementing with a high-quality vitamin and mineral formula ensures your horse is receiving everything it needs for optimal health. Popular Ingredients:
Vitamin E: A potent antioxidant that supports muscle health, immune function, and overall vitality.
Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting properties and its role in collagen production.
Magnesium: Often used to support muscle function and reduce stress.
Best Options:
Cavalor Nutri-Plus: This supplement is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, perfect for keeping your horse’s diet balanced.
Dura-Feed Complete (from Uckele): Contains a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements to promote healthy metabolism.
SmartVite (from SmartPak): A comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement that’s tailored to your horse’s specific needs, available in various formulas for different types of horses.
- Omega Fatty Acids: Boosting Coat Health and Immune Function Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for healthy skin, a shiny coat, and a robust immune system. These fatty acids are typically found in high-quality fish oils or flaxseed oils. Popular Ingredients:
Flaxseed Oil: Rich in Omega-3s, it can improve coat quality and support the cardiovascular system.
Fish Oil: Known for its high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids that benefit inflammation reduction, coat condition, and brain health.
Algal Oil: A plant-based source of Omega-3s, it can be an alternative for horses with fish allergies.
Best Options:
Omega Horseshine (from Uckele): A supplement with high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil to improve coat health and reduce inflammation.
Cavalor Oil (from Cavalor): Provides essential fatty acids and promotes a glossy, healthy coat.
- Electrolytes: Replenishing Lost Minerals After Intense Activity After strenuous exercise or exposure to heat, horses can lose essential electrolytes through sweat. Replenishing these minerals is crucial to prevent dehydration, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Popular Ingredients:
Sodium Chloride (Salt): The most essential electrolyte, it helps maintain proper hydration and fluid balance.
Potassium: Helps in muscle function and electrolyte balance.
Magnesium and Calcium: Important for muscle relaxation and overall cellular function.
Best Options:
Apple-A-Day Electrolyte Paste (from Horse Health): A great post-ride supplement to replenish essential electrolytes.
Succeed Electrolyte Paste (from Farnam): A fast-acting formula designed to help horses recover quickly from exercise or heat stress.
- Hoof Health Supplements: Strengthening Your Horse's Hooves A horse’s hooves are one of the most vulnerable parts of their body, requiring proper care to prevent issues like cracks, laminitis, and general weakness. Hoof health supplements help provide the necessary nutrients to support strong, healthy hooves. Popular Ingredients:
Biotin: A B-vitamin that plays a key role in the production of keratin, the protein that makes up the hoof wall.
Methionine: An essential amino acid that helps promote hoof growth and strength.
Zinc and Copper: Important for collagen production and tissue repair.
Best Options:
Farrier’s Formula (from Equi-First): A trusted hoof supplement that strengthens and nourishes the hoof from the inside out.
SmartHoof (from SmartPak): Contains biotin, methionine, and MSM to help support hoof growth and integrity.
Conclusion The best equine supplements can help fill in the gaps in your horse's nutrition, support their performance, and address specific health concerns. Whether your horse is in need of joint support, digestive aids, or a shiny coat, choosing the right supplement can make a world of difference. Always consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine the specific needs of your horse and ensure you're providing the best possible care. With the right combination of high-quality supplements, you can help your horse lead a healthy, happy, and active life.