Walk into any feed store and you’ll find walls of horse supplements promising everything from shinier coats to calmer behavior. Which ones actually help? Here’s what you need to know.
Do Horses Need Supplements?
Many horses on balanced diets don’t need additional supplements. However, supplements may benefit horses with:
- Specific deficiencies identified through blood work or hay analysis
- Health conditions requiring nutritional support
- Diets lacking variety (hay-only with no pasture)
- High performance demands
- Age-related changes
Common Supplement Categories
Joint Supplements
Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid are common ingredients. Research shows mixed results, but many horse owners report improvement. Best used preventively or in early stages of joint issues rather than for advanced arthritis.
Hoof Supplements
Biotin is the most researched hoof supplement, with studies showing improvement in hoof quality at doses of 15-20mg daily. Results take 6-9 months as new hoof grows in. Methionine, zinc, and other nutrients often included.
Digestive Supplements
Probiotics add beneficial gut bacteria. Prebiotics feed existing good bacteria. Yeast cultures support fiber digestion. These can help during stress, antibiotic use, or digestive upset.
Calming Supplements
Magnesium, tryptophan, thiamine, and herbal ingredients appear in calming products. Results vary widely between horses. These aren’t a substitute for proper training and management.
Coat and Skin Supplements
Omega fatty acids (from flax, chia, or fish oil) support skin health and coat shine. They also have anti-inflammatory properties. Most horses benefit from omega-3 supplementation.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Salt
The one supplement nearly every horse needs. Provide free-choice plain salt or add 1-2 tablespoons daily to feed. Horses don’t naturally seek out salt before they’re deficient.
Vitamin E
Horses without access to fresh pasture may need supplementation. Important for muscle and nerve function. Natural vitamin E is better absorbed than synthetic.
Selenium
Deficient in many regions—have hay tested or check regional maps. But selenium is toxic in excess, so don’t supplement without knowing your horse’s intake.
Smart Supplementing
Avoid Overlap
If you feed a fortified commercial feed, you may already be providing adequate vitamins and minerals. Adding supplements can create imbalances or toxicities.
Quality Matters
Supplements aren’t regulated like drugs. Look for products from reputable companies with quality control testing. Third-party verification adds confidence.
Give Adequate Time
Most supplements take weeks to months to show effects. Evaluate fairly before deciding something doesn’t work.
Learn more about building a complete diet in our nutrition fundamentals guide.
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