Horses rely on a well-balanced diet to stay healthy, but sometimes, their feed alone isn’t enough to meet all their nutritional needs.
Depending on their age, workload and overall health, they may need a little extra support to keep them feeling and moving well – whether it’s for joint care or gut health.
But how do you know if your horse actually needs them? And which ones are worth adding to their feed?
Let’s break down the essentials of horse supplements: what they do, when they’re needed, and how to choose the right ones.
What should make up a horse’s diet?
Forage — mainly hay and grass — should be the foundation of any horse’s diet. It provides most of the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy.
However, depending on the horse’s age, workload, or condition, a balanced diet may also include additional feed with vitamins and minerals.
Does my horse need supplements?
If a horse is getting both forage and a well-formulated feed, they may not need extra supplements, as most commercial feeds are designed to cover those nutritional gaps.
But for horses on a forage-only diet, supplements can play a crucial role in ensuring they get enough essential vitamins and minerals.
Forage alone is often too low in trace minerals to fully meet a horse’s dietary needs, making supplements a smart choice in certain cases!
What nutrients do horses need?
Before choosing a supplement, it’s important to understand your horse’s nutritional requirements — these can vary depending on where you live!
Grass and forage quality differ across Australia, meaning the vitamins and minerals your horse naturally gets from foraging will depend on your location.
So while every horse has unique needs, some essential nutrients play a key role in their overall health:
- Protein supports muscle development and repair, making it especially important for growing and working horses.
- Electrolytes are crucial for hydration, particularly in hot weather or after exercise.
- Vitamins and minerals help maintain overall health, from strong hooves and a shiny coat to a well-functioning immune system.
- Joint support is beneficial for older horses or those in heavy work, helping to maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
When should you add supplements to your horse’s feed?
It’s important to assess your horse’s condition and monitor for any signs that supplementation might be helpful.
You should also consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine if your horse would benefit from additional minerals and vitamins in their diet.
A few common reasons horses may need extra nutritional support include:
Digestive health
Horses prone to ulcers or digestive issues may benefit from gut health supplements to support a balanced and healthy gut.
Joint support
Older horses, injured horses, or those in heavy work often require joint supplements to maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
Muscle and blood support
Horses needing extra help with muscle development or recovery may benefit from targeted protein or iron-rich supplements.
Performance and show preparation
Show horses may require additional calming support for stress management e.g. a magnesium-based supplement, especially considering the travel often required for a show. Or joint health supplements to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Seasonal needs
Supplements can help adapt to seasonal challenges. Electrolytes are essential in summer to replace lost minerals, while certain oils can be useful to help your horse maintain weight during winter.
How to begin giving supplements
When introducing new supplements for your horse, you should always begin gradually. Slowly increase the dosage over 5-10 days to avoid any digestive upset.
Always follow the recommended dosage as provided by the supplier – but monitor your horse’s response and adjust as needed.
Consult a vet or equine nutritionist if you would like specific advice for your horse’s needs.
Debunking supplement myths
The amount of supplement options available, paired with conflicting advice and marketing claims, can make choosing and giving supplements to your horse confusing! So let’s break down a few final myths.
Myth: More supplements mean a healthier horse.
Truth: Over-supplementing can be harmful. Some nutrients, like selenium, can be toxic in high doses. Always follow the recommended guidelines!
Myth: Supplements work instantly.
Truth: Most supplements take time to show results. For example, joint supplements may take weeks before you notice improvements in your horse’s movement.
Myth: Natural supplements are always better.
Truth: While natural ingredients can be beneficial, not all are scientifically backed. Whichever path you choose, always look for high-quality, well-researched products.
Myth: If one horse benefits from a supplement, all horses will.
Truth: Every horse has unique dietary needs based on age, workload, health and location! So a supplement that works for one horse might not be necessary for another.
Ready to support your horse’s health? Shop quality horse feed and horse supplements today!