Horse Supplements – Are They Truly Necessary?

Horse supplements – Are they truly necessary?

Guiding through the complex world of dietary supplements is never easy. Distinguish mere marketing and necessary additions can many times be a great challenge for all of us. We hope that with the following Q&As, we might make things slightly clearer.

What are supplements? 

Dietary supplements are concentrated sources of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, herbs etc.) or other beneficial compounds for specific needs (joint problems, digestion, calming etc.).

When are supplements needed?

If your horse is on a complete feed at recommended levels, or receiving a balancer, they likely don’t need any additional supplementation. Over-supplementing can be wasteful. Supplements should only be added when there’s a proven need, ideally based on forage analysis or vet/nutritionist guidance.

What are the most popular supplements?

• Joint Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are some of the most common substances found in joint supplements. They have been shown to support joint health, especially for horses diagnosed with arthritis.

• Digestive Aids: Probiotics and prebiotics can help maintain a healthy gut flora, which is vital for digestion and overall health. Especially on cases of loose droppings, your vet might recommend adding this type of supplement, alongside with other treatment and based on the findings.

• Liver supplements: antioxidants such as milk thistle, Vitamin E and Selenium can support liver health and function.

Is there “science” behind every supplement?

In all reality, there are only a few peer reviewed  studies conducted on horse’s supplements. It is important to scrutinise the evidence to avoid falling into marketing traps.

Before adding a supplement to your horse’s diet, it is crucial to determine whether it is actually necessary.

Tips

• Consulting professionals

If you suspect that your horse suffers from a specific condition (eg arthritis), it is always better to consult your vet in case your horse needs further treatment. Adding supplements in your horse’s diet might be beneficial but also not efficient enough on its own and even money wasting. Each horse and each case is unique and therefore, a personalised approach ensures more effectiveness.

• Reading labels

Making sure what the ingredients/specified substances are, and their levels, if the supplement contains banned or controlled substances or if there is a risk of contamination under competition authorities rules (eg FEI). For UK standards, it is also important to make sure that the supplement’s manufacturer complies with the regulations administered by the UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and Food Standards Agency.