Supplements for horses, which are commonly called, complementary feeding stuffs, are added to a horse’s feed when it requires an additional source of a particular nutrient to support good health and performance.
Horse supplements are of a broad spectrum which are aimed at supporting a part of its overall well-being. For instance, we have horse weight gain supplement, hoof supplements, or calmers in the market.
What is a Dietary Supplement?
In general words, a dietary supplement can be defined as a concentration of nutrients, plants, or other substances which have a nutritional or physiological effect. Supplements are available in various dosage forms including powders, granules, tablets, or liquids.
What do Supplements do?
Broad spectrum supplements for horses provide the required vitamins and minerals that are lacking in your horse’s diet. For instance, it may be on restricted grazing or does not receive a balanced bucket feed. Certain supplements provide extra targeted nutrition with specific ingredients that are provided to the horse in a specified area.
Supplements, however, should not be confused with medication. For instance, joint supplements for horses can promote healthy joint growth, while respiratory supplements can support the respiratory system to operate healthily.
When Should You Give Dietary Supplements to Horses?
Horses may not receive all the required vitamins and minerals from their diet. In such cases, you may need to add additional dietary supplements to their feed.
Horses may require certain elements to enhance their joint health. This includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM which can help with joint problems, maintain mobility and reduce joint discomfort, especially in athletic or older horses.
Some supplements, especially the ones containing omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in promoting hair and skin health.
Certain supplements, especially the ones containing biotin and other essential nutrients, help in improving hoof growth and quality.
Adding essential nutrients to your horses’ diet can recover their muscles after a strenuous exercise and reduce the risk of muscle aches or fatigue. For instance, your horse may require horse weight gain supplements for good muscle gain.
Some supplements contain specific elements that help in calming anxious or stressed horses with their soothing properties.
What are the Nutritional Needs of Sport Horses?
Sport horses have different nutritional needs as compared to other horses. Sport horses require:
Specific vitamins that horses require are:
What are the Different Types of Dietary Supplements?
The different types of dietary supplements are:
These supplements help in filling nutritional gaps in your horse’s diet. These contain a range of vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, K, and B-complexes, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and so forth.
These supplements help in supporting joint and cartilage health.
Probiotics and prebiotics help in enhancing the digestive system of the horse as well as promoting a balanced intestinal flora.
Fatty acids are important to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Amino acids are important to improve muscle recovery and performance.
To Sum It Up
Similar to humans, horses also require a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Although all nutrients cannot be acquired from diet alone, you may need to add dietary supplements to their feed for optimal growth.
If you require such supplements, you can reach out to us at Med Vet Pharmaceuticals.
