Horses are incredible athletes that require a balanced diet and proper nutritional support to perform at their best. While a quality hay and grain ration provides the foundation, horse supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and target specific needs.
This guide covers the major categories of horse supplements and how they benefit your equine companion:
Joint Supplements
Joint supplements contain ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and MSM that help maintain mobility and comfort, especially for athletic or older horses.
Hoof Supplements
With concentrated levels of biotin, methionine, lysine, and zinc, hoof supplements improve hoof wall strength, integrity, and growth rate.
Digestive Supplements
Prebiotics, probiotics, yeast cultures, and enzymes in digestive supplements support healthy gut function and nutrient utilization.
Calming Supplements
For anxious or high-strung horses, calming supplements with magnesium, vitamin B1, and herbs like chamomile may promote relaxation.
Sand Clearance
Products like Sand Clear contain psyllium and other bulking fibers that help horses pass accumulated sand from their intestines.
Muscle Supplements
Formulas with amino acids like leucine, isoleucine, and valine provide targeted nutrition for maintaining muscle mass and repair.
Vitamin/Mineral Supplements
General vitamin/mineral supplements like Source or Micro-Max can fill nutritional gaps in a horse’s diet. Common additions include:
- Vitamin E – Powerful antioxidant
- Selenium – Supports muscle function and fertility
- B Vitamins – Essential for metabolism and energy
Electrolyte Replacers
When horses sweat heavily, electrolyte replacers replenish critical electrolytes like sodium, chloride, and potassium lost through perspiration.
Boots, Topicals, and Grooming
Some specialty supplements are applied topically as gels, liniments, or grooming products:
- Gelotics or DefensePolyACP – Help maintain healthy hooves
- EquiShine, Vetrolin – “Hair” nutrient supplements for coat condition
- liniments – Support muscle recovery after exertion
The world of equine supplements is vast, tailored to everything from joint health to hoof quality to calming to performance enhancement. As always, consult with your veterinarian and follow all label directions. Providing the right complement of supplements is an easy way to optimize your horse’s health and longevity.
