Nutrition

Supplements targeting joint health are some of the most sought-after dietary supplements for horses, especially due to the high prevalence of joint injuries and deterioration later in life. But which equine joint supplements actually work and which are all hype?...

Lysine, methionine and threonine are known as rate-limiting amino acids that are required in the horse's diet because they cannot be made in the body. Of the 21 amino acids that exist, these three are most commonly deficient in the...

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace mineral that is required in the horse's diet to support the proper function of many enzymes and proteins. It is involved in antioxidant protection, immune function, protein synthesis, and cellular communication. Zinc is also...

Does your horse need a Vitamin E supplement added to his or her feeding program? Hay is the most important component of a horse's diet, and contributes almost all the necessary macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and...

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is required in the horse's diet for the production of keratin – the main protein that forms a strong, durable hoof structure. Biotin is most commonly known for supporting hoof growth and quality. It...

Jiaogulan (pronounced Je-ow-gu-laan), also known as Gynostemma pentaphyllum or J-herb is a climbing vine used in horses to support circulation, respiratory health, and muscle function. The leaves of the jiaogulan plant contain active ingredients that increase nitric oxide levels in...

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace mineral that is required in the equine diet to support the proper function of many enzymes in the horse's body. Copper is important for iron metabolism, healthy connective tissue, energy production and antioxidant protection....

Milk thistle extract (Silybum marianum), also known as St. Mary's thistle, is an herbal supplement primarily used to support liver function in horses. Milk thistle seeds and leaves contain many bioactive compounds, collectively referred to as silymarin. Silymarin is a...

Spirulina is a nutritionally dense blue-green algae that is used as an equine supplement to support horses with immune or respiratory needs. Spirulina refers to dried algae, or cyanobacteria, that is harvested from lakes in Africa, Mexico and China. Fed...

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) that are essential in the horse's diet. Supplementing your horse's feeding program with omega-3 oil can support anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the body and contribute to overall health and well-being. Giving your horse a...

Chasteberry is an herbal supplement that is used to support mood balance and hormone health in female and male horses. The Chastetree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) plant is a shrub that grows in the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. The fruits...

Probiotics are live microbes (bacteria, yeast, fungi and protozoa) that help horses maintain a healthy gut by protecting against "bad" microbes or pathogens. Maintaining a healthy microbiome promotes optimal digestive function and absorption of nutrients and helps support the immune...

Do you know the dangers of high iron levels in your horse's hay or water? Iron overload is a growing concern among horse owners as more is learned about the harmful effects of having too much of this mineral in...

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant for horses. It helps maintain a healthy immune system and supports normal nerve and muscle function. Vitamin E supplementation is especially important for horses that are mainly eating dry...

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring form of sulfur that is found in plants and animals. MSM is used to support joint comfort in aging horses and performance horses. Horses and other mammals cannot utilize pure sulfur in its elemental...

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral that horses require for proper nerve and muscle function. Magnesium functions as an electrolyte, plays a role in protein synthesis and is involved in over 300 metabolic processes in the horse's body. It is...

Horses are expensive. Now that we have the obvious out of the way, let’s get down to business. What are some of the ways you can save money on equine feed while still giving your horse the nutrition he or...

Selenium (Se) is an antioxidant mineral that is necessary in the horse’s diet. Horses derive selenium by consuming hay or grasses that grow in soils that contain this trace mineral. However, if you live in a region with low selenium...

If you have taken the first steps towards feeding your horse a balanced diet that includes a concentrated mineral and vitamin supplement, there's a chance that your horse may turn its head up when first introduced to it. But don't...

Many horse owners do not fully appreciate the significance of providing adequate salt to their equine companion.  In terms of cost-to-benefit ratio, it would be hard to think of another nutrient with such a low cost that provides the benefits...

Vitamin E, or alpha-tocopherol, is an essential vitamin that must be obtained through your horse's diet. There are many products sold in the equine supplement industry that contain varying forms of vitamin E that are available, but it is sometimes...

Trace minerals are only needed in very small amounts in a horse’s diet. Think milligrams! Despite this, however, the majority of horses still receive too much energy and protein and not enough trace minerals from their diet. Deficiencies in key...

Let's save the boring stats that every article discussing equine gastric ulcers quotes. If you keep your horse in a stall and/or do any level of training and you are still reading this article, there is an extremely [...]