Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions about Mad Barn’s offerings and the basics of equine nutrition.

Explore frequently asked questions about Mad Barn’s offerings and the basics of equine nutrition.

Don’t see your question here? Contact us and one of our friendly horse nutrition experts will be happy to help!
Yes! We offer hay analysis to help you understand exactly what nutrients your forage provides. Our nutritionists will also use your forage analysis to help balance your horse’s diet for free. You can purchase a hay analysis here.
After you place your order, you’ll receive a prepaid shipping label and step-by-step instructions for collecting your forage sample by email — be sure to check your junk or spam folder just in case. Your sample will be sent directly to our third-party lab for testing.
Once your results are ready, one of our nutritionists will contact you to review your report and help balance your horse’s diet based on your specific forage and your horse’s needs.
At Mad Barn, we are obsessed with providing the very best service to our customers and their horses. That’s why we offer a 100% Customer Happiness Guarantee on all of our supplements. If you’re not completely satisfied with a product after using it as directed, we’ll make it right — whether that means troubleshooting, offering a replacement, store credit, or a full refund.
For full details, please see our Refund Policy or contact our team for help!
Mad Barn supplements are science-backed and made with high-quality ingredients, with no fillers or artificial additives. Whether you want to support digestion, hoof strength, coat condition, or overall wellness, we offer targeted solutions you can trust.
Not sure where to start? The best place is with a free diet evaluation. Our nutrition team will review your horse’s current feeding program and provide personalized recommendations.
Many horse owners begin with Omneity®, our all-in-one vitamin and mineral supplement designed to balance the diet and fill common nutritional gaps in forage-based feeding programs.
Our two best-selling products are Omneity® and Visceral+. Omneity® is a complete vitamin and mineral pellets designed to balance common nutrient deficiencies in forage-based diets, supporting hoof growth, coat quality, immune function, and overall health. Visceral+ is formulated to support stomach function and digestive health, making it especially popular for horses in training, travel, or other stress-related situations.
Many of our team members also love AminoTrace+ for its enhanced levels of trace minerals and vitamins, ideal for horses with metabolic conditions, poor hoof quality, or higher performance demands. Another top-rated favorite is W-3 Oil, a DHA-enriched fat supplement known for maintaining a shiny coat, supporting joint health, and promoting overall well-being.
Yes, every Mad Barn product is formulated using ingredients backed by published scientific research and verified through in-house trials to ensure safety, efficacy, and consistency. We are committed to advancing the field of equine nutrition, not just selling supplements.
A portion of every purchase goes directly to our Research Program, funding studies that improve our understanding of equine nutrition, health, welfare, and performance. When you choose Mad Barn, you’re not only supporting your horse but also contributing to research that benefits horses everywhere.
Yes! Our equine products are made in equine-only, medication-free facilities in Canada that are FDA and CFIA inspected and follow rigorous standards in feed and supplement manufacturing.
We test incoming ingredients and finished products to ensure they are safe, free of contamination, and effective for the thousands of horses that rely on Mad Barn every day. Our Quality Assurance and Control programs are led by industry experts to ensure consistent quality and safety.
When adding a new supplement to your horse’s diet, introduce it gradually. Start with a reduced dose and slowly increase to the full recommended serving over 7 to 10 days.
Because our formulas do not contain unnecessary fillers or added sugars, some horses may need extra time to adjust to the taste. Mixing your product with a favorite feed, soaked beet pulp, or forage pellets can help ensure a smooth transition.
Yes, you can feed both products at the same time. However, if your horse is a picky eater, we recommend introducing them one at a time to help ensure acceptance. Our products contain no added molasses or sugars, making them healthier for your horse, but horses accustomed to sweetened feeds may need a short adjustment period.
Most horses accept our products well, but we understand that some can be selective with new feeds or supplements — that’s why we offer a Customer Happiness Guarantee! If your horse is hesitant to try a new supplement, start by introducing it gradually. Feed a small amount at first and slowly increase to the full serving over several days to a week. To help mask the taste, mix the supplement with something your horse enjoys. These could include a handful of palatable grain, soaked beet pulp, flaxseed, or forage pellets. Spices like fenugreek, cinnamon, or peppermint can also be used to encourage acceptance. Choose one option and stick with it for several days before trying another. If your horse still refuses the product after trying these tips, please reach out — we’re always here to help troubleshoot, and if needed, we’re happy to offer a store credit or refund to ensure you’re completely satisfied.
You can get started by submitting a free diet evaluation with information on your horse and their current diet. Once we receive your information, one of our qualified equine nutritionists will review your horse’s diet and provide personalized recommendations.
If you’d prefer to speak directly with a nutritionist, you can book a free phone consultation.
Yes, Mad Barn can create custom formulas to meet the nutritional needs of your entire barn or operation. Whether you manage performance horses, breeding stock, or a mixed herd, we can formulate a supplement specific to your feeding program.
Custom formulas require a minimum purchase and detailed information on your herd, including age groups, workloads, body weights, and current feeding practices. A hay analysis is required so we can accurately balance nutrients based on your forage. Samples should be taken using a hay probe, which can be borrowed from most feed stores or purchased online.
If you don’t have a hay analysis, or prefer not to test forage, we recommend starting with one of our vitamin and mineral supplements, such as Omneity®, which supports optimal health across a wide range of feeding programs.
The advantage of a custom formula is that it is built specifically for your herd’s unique diet and requirements, simplifying your feeding program and avoiding unnecessary fillers or imbalanced nutrients common in many commercial supplements. Additional targeted additives can also be incorporated as needed for specific horses or groups.
To get started, visit our Custom Formulations page or contact us. Our nutritionists are happy to work with you to develop a cost-effective program for your operation.
If your horse is currently on medication, we recommend consulting your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements. While many of our products are safe to use alongside most medications, certain combinations may not be appropriate.
For example, chasteberry should not be fed alongside pergolide, a common medication for horses with PPID, as they may have opposing effects.
If you have questions about a specific product or interaction, please contact us, and we’re happy to work with you and your veterinarian to find the best solution for your horse.
No, the formulation has not changed. Some of our products contain natural ingredients that can vary slightly in colour from batch to batch. Additionally, pellets may develop minor colour variation when they come off our pelleting mill. These differences are normal and do not affect the quality or nutritional value of the product.
We don’t offer sample sizes, but we do provide a palatability guarantee. If you use a product as directed and your horse doesn’t like it, please contact us and we’ll work with you to find a solution or provide a refund or store credit.
Absolutely! Our products can be fed all at once or divided into multiple feedings — whichever works best for your feeding routine and your horse’s needs.
Yes, Omneity® Premix can be fed free-choice to horses on pasture or in their paddock. We recommend keeping it covered and protected from wind and rain in a shelter. Omneity® Premix contains some added salt, but not enough to meet your horse’s full daily requirement, so we always suggest offering free-choice salt alongside it.
Mad Barn offers three products specifically formulated to support digestive health in horses, each designed for different needs.
Visceral+: Our most comprehensive digestive health supplement, formulated for horses prone to gastric issues. It supports the entire digestive tract, from the stomach to the colon, and is ideal for competition, travelling or stressed horses. For digestive imbalances, such as Free Fecal Water Syndrome (FFWS), we recommend starting with Visceral+ before transitioning to other products.
Optimum Digestive Health: Best for horses with loose manure, poor nutrient absorption, or hindgut issues, this supplement supports the hindgut and overall digestive function. It is also recommended for senior horses, broodmares, underweight horses, those with chewing difficulties, or a hay belly. Unlike Visceral+, it does not target gastric health, so it is not the first choice if stomach issues are suspected.
Optimum Probiotic: An affordable daily-use probiotic providing 20 billion CFUs from five strains of beneficial bacteria to support a healthy gut microbiome. Ideal for general digestive support and maintenance.
W-3 Oil is a fat supplement enriched with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
When comparing the omega-3:6:9 ratio of oils, it’s important to understand that not all omega-3s act the same in the horse’s body. Plant-based oils such as flax and camelina are high in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a short-chain omega-3 that horses must convert to DHA before it can be used. Horses have a very low conversion rate, so most of the ALA never becomes physiologically active DHA.
W-3 Oil provides DHA directly—the form the body uses to regulate inflammation, support joint and immune function, and maintain healthy skin and coat. This is why the omega-3:6:9 ratio is less important with W-3 Oil: the benefits come from supplying the active form of omega-3 rather than trying to balance plant oils by ratio alone.
In summary: Flax and camelina oils are useful for improving overall omega-3 intake, but their effects depend on the horse converting ALA to DHA — an inefficient process in the horse’s body. W-3 Oil skips this step by delivering biologically active DHA, providing faster and more reliable benefits for joint health, skin, coat, and and the normal regulation of inflammation.
The 5L W-3 Oil comes in a convenient box-and-bag setup with a built-in pour spout and instructions for easy dispensing—no pump needed.
If you’re ordering the 20L size, a reusable pump is available as an optional add-on for $4.99. Please contact us if you’d like help adding a pump to your order or have any other questions.
We offer a $10 store credit for first-time customers when you sign up for our newsletter. You’ll also automatically receive 5% off any items added to a subscription.
Be sure to keep an eye on our website and social media pages, as we regularly run promotions and include free swag with select orders!
After you place your order, you’ll receive tracking information by email and text message. You can use the link provided or go to the “Track Orders” section of the website under “My Account.” Select the order number you want to track, and your details will be displayed on that page.
If you need help tracking your order, please contact us — we’re happy to assist!
We accept major credit cards, PayPal, Klarna, and E-Transfer payments.
If you’d like to place an order using E-Transfer, please contact us and a member of our Customer Happiness Team will be happy to assist you.
You can change, pause, skip or cancel your subscription at any time in the Subscriptions section of the website under My Account.
If you prefer, you can also call, text, or contact us directly, and a member of our Customer Happiness Team will be happy to assist you.
Yes! You can add or remove products from your subscription and even combine items into one order for greater convenience.
By combining your subscription items:
To make changes, please contact our Customer Happiness Team and we’re happy to help!
Yes! Use our Store Locator to see veterinary clinics and retail stores in your area that carry Mad Barn products.
If you own a retail store or veterinary clinic and would like to carry our products, please contact us and we’d love to work with you!
Yes! We offer free shipping on all orders over $40 in Canada and the continental United States. Orders under $40 will have a $15 shipping fee calculated at checkout.
Most orders arrive within 1–5 business days with our standard shipping. If you need your order faster, please contact us before placing your order, and we’ll do our best to arrange an expedited option for a small fee.
You can update your address anytime in the “My Account” section under Update Address. For subscription orders, make sure to update your address before the next billing date. If you need help, please contact us.
If your order hasn’t left your warehouse yet, we can often make changes or add items. Please contact us as soon as possible after placing your order.
We stand by our 100% Customer Happiness Guarantee. If your order arrives damaged, missing items, or isn’t what you expected, please contact us right away. We’ll make it right with a replacement, store credit, or refund.
We’re committed to providing fast, reliable shipping from our three warehouses in North America. In Canada and the US, most customers receive their orders within 1 to 5 business days, depending on their location.
Yes, we do ship to Hawaii! However, orders shipping to Hawaii must be processed manually by one of our team members.
Due to the high cost of shipping, additional charges apply. Please contact us &mdash we’re happy to assist and provide a shipping quote.
Feeding a balanced vitamin-mineral supplement can help correct these deficiencies. Omneity® is an all-in-one supplement that is specifically designed to meet these needs.
Most forage-based diets, even high-quality hay or pasture, are deficient in trace minerals such as zinc, copper, selenium, and iodine, as well as certain essential vitamins. Over time, these deficiencies can affect hoof health, coat condition, immune function, metabolic function and more.
Feeding a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement, such as Omneity® or AminoTrace+, ensures your horse receives complete daily nutrition to support overall health and performance. Without proper supplementation, deficiencies can go unnoticed until they result in more serious health issues.
Even horses on good-quality pasture require additional supplementation to prevent nutrient deficiencies and balance the diet. While pasture generally provides adequate energy and protein, it is often low in trace minerals such as zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese. It also supplies suboptimal levels of biotin, a B-vitamin important for hoof health and coat quality. Over time, these deficiencies can affect your horse’s soundness, appearance, and overall well-being.
A balanced vitamin and mineral supplement, such as Omneity® or AminoTrace+, is recommended to fill these nutritional gaps and ensure your horse’s daily requirements are met.
Depending on your horse’s individual needs, additional supplements may also be beneficial:
Every horse is unique, and supplement requirements vary based on pasture quality, workload, age, and health status. For a customized plan, we recommend submitting a free diet evaluation to receive personalized suggestions from a qualified nutritionist.
Aside from forage, the foundation of any equine diet should include free-choice loose salt and a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement to meet daily nutrient requirements that hay alone cannot provide.
Mad Barn offers two options for daily vitamin and mineral support:
Supporting gut health starts with proper management. A forage-based diet, free-choice hay or pasture, ample turnout, and constant access to clean, fresh water are essential to maintain a healthy digestive system and reduce the risk of ulcers or hindgut imbalances.
For targeted gut health support, Mad Barn offers several supplements:
Combining good feeding practices with the right supplement program is the best way to keep your horse’s stomach and hindgut healthy, especially during periods of stress, travel, or dietary change.
Horses can be spooky or reactive for many reasons, so it’s important to address the root cause rather than relying solely on calming supplements. Diet plays a major role, and excess grains and sugar can contribute to hot or anxious behavior. Start with a balanced, forage-based diet with free-choice hay to optimize gut health and meet your horse’s behavioral needs.
Optimize management: Maximizing turnout, providing free-choice hay, and encouraging social interaction can significantly reduce anxiety and stress while also reducing boredom that can lead to stereotypic behaviors.
Meet nutrient requirements: Omneity provides key nutrients such as magnesium and B-vitamins that help support a calmer disposition by correcting nutritional imbalances that may contribute to nervousness.
Support gut health: Visceral+ promotes a healthy stomach and hindgut by maintaining gastric mucosa, supporting a balanced gut microbiome, and aiding gut lining repair. Digestive discomfort is a common but overlooked trigger for anxious behavior, and a healthier gut helps horses stay more relaxed and focused.
Support hormonal health: Chasteberry supports normal dopamine and prolactin levels, helping regulate mood and behavior. This can be particularly helpful for mares and senior horses with hormone-related behavioral changes.
For the best results, we recommend submitting a free diet evaluation for personalized recommendations based on your horse’s unique needs.
If your horse is underweight, consult your veterinarian first to rule out underlying health issues such as parasites, metabolic conditions, or dental problems that could interfere with nutrient absorption or appetite.
The foundation of any weight gain program is free-choice access to high-quality forage, such as grass hay or pasture. Adding up to 20% of the forage ration as alfalfa hay, cubes, or pellets can help, as alfalfa is higher in energy and protein.
Avoid relying on large amounts of concentrate grains to promote weight gain. High-starch meals are rapidly digested in the stomach, and undigested starch that reaches the hindgut can disrupt the gut microbiome and cause digestive upset.
To increase calorie intake safely, consider adding W-3 Oil, a concentrated source of essential fatty acids that supports healthy weight gain and overall wellness when fed at 200 mL or more per day.
Ensure the diet is properly balanced with a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement, such as Omneity or AminoTrace+, depending on your horse’s individual needs.
For personalized guidance, submit a free diet evaluation. Our nutritionists will help you create a feeding plan personalized to your horse’s condition and weight gain goals.
For easy keepers, managing calorie intake while supporting metabolic health is key. Provide plenty of mid-maturity forage with controlled calories and avoid high-starch grains. When combined with regular exercise, balanced nutrition promotes healthy weight management.
Because feed intake is often restricted to control weight, we strongly recommend adding a concentrated vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure the diet remains nutritionally complete. Options include Omneity or AminoTrace+, depending on your horse’s individual needs. Both are low-calorie and contain no added sugars, making them suitable for overweight horses.
For personalized guidance, submit a free diet evaluation. Our nutritionists can help you create a feeding plan tailored to your horse’s condition and weight management goals.
A strong immune system starts with a balanced diet that provides all essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Deficiencies, particularly in zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamins A and E, can compromise normal immune function.
We recommend Omneity as an all-in-one supplement to meet daily vitamin and mineral requirements. Omneity also contains yeast to support gut health and amino acids that help maintain immune function.
For additional targeted support, Spirulina provides natural antioxidants to help protect cells from oxidative stress, and W-3 Oil supplies DHA to support a healthy inflammatory and immune response.
Schedule regular veterinary check-ups and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on vaccines and deworming. Because immune function can be influenced by diet, workload, and stress, we recommend submitting a free diet evaluation so our nutritionists can help you create a customized plan to support your horse’s immune health.
For horses with Cushing’s (PPID), Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), or Insulin Resistance (IR), we recommend AminoTrace+ as a foundational supplement. It is specifically formulated for metabolic horses and provides high levels of bioavailable magnesium, zinc, copper, and vitamin E, with no added sugars or starches.
These nutrients play an important role in supporting insulin sensitivity, immune function, and overall metabolic health. AminoTrace+ also supports hoof quality, muscle function, and antioxidant status, making it ideal for horses with these conditions.
For personalized guidance, we encourage you to submit a free diet evaluation with our equine nutritionists.
Feeding a horse with PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy) requires a low-sugar, low-starch diet while ensuring balanced vitamins and minerals are provided. Improper nutrition can contribute to muscle pain and other complications.
A high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement such as Omneity can help meet nutritional requirements without adding unnecessary sugars or starches.
Because every PSSM horse has unique needs, we recommend submitting a free diet evaluation so our equine nutritionists can create a personalized plan to support your horse’s health and performance.
For pregnant mares, we recommend Omneity to ensure balanced levels of essential trace minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium. This supports the mare’s nutritional needs and promotes healthy foal development.
During early to mid-gestation, calorie and protein requirements remain relatively stable, so focus on providing high-quality forage and using Omneity to balance vitamins and minerals.
In late gestation and early lactation, the mare’s energy and protein demands increase significantly to support fetal growth and milk production. At this stage, the diet can be supplemented with high-energy feeds such as alfalfa hay, roasted soybeans, vegetable oil, or a commercial broodmare feed.
Adding W-3 Oil provides DHA, which benefits reproductive health and supports foal brain development. Optimum Digestive Health pellets can also support gut health and may increase antibody levels in colostrum, offering better immune protection for the foal.
Because each mare’s requirements vary based on forage quality, body condition, and environment, we recommend submitting a free diet evaluation for a personalized feeding plan from our equine nutritionists.
For more details, see our articles: How to Feed a Pregnant Mare and How to Feed a Lactating Mare.
Proper nutrition is key to supporting healthy growth while minimizing the risk of developmental orthopedic diseases (DODs), such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Research shows that overfeeding calories is a major risk factor, so the goal is to provide high-quality protein and balanced minerals without excess energy.
Good pasture or high-quality hay can meet much of a foal’s needs. If forage quality is moderate or pasture access is limited, additional protein from alfalfa, soybean meal, or a balanced growth feed may be required.
For vitamins and minerals, Omneity is ideal to support bone and joint development with balanced calcium and phosphorus and optimal levels of copper and zinc. For more details, see our article: How to Feed a Growing Foal: Nutrition from Birth to Yearling.
For a personalized feeding plan, submit a free diet evaluation to ensure your foal’s diet supports steady, healthy growth.
Currently, there isn’t enough research to determine if the vitamin and mineral requirements of donkeys or mules differ significantly from those of horses. While their needs may be slightly lower, current recommendations from the NRC and The Donkey Sanctuary UK suggest following the same nutritional guidelines as for a horse of equivalent body weight.
We recommend feeding Omneity to help meet daily requirements for essential vitamins and trace minerals.
For horses with respiratory conditions or seasonal allergies, start by ensuring the diet is balanced to support immune and lung health. A complete vitamin and mineral supplement like Omneity or AminoTrace+ helps fill common nutritional gaps in forage-based diets.
Adding an omega-3 source such as W-3 Oil is highly recommended to support lung tissue and manage inflammation. Rich in DHA, W-3 Oil has been shown to help reduce coughing and airway inflammation in horses with RAO, heaves, or IAD.
Spirulina provides natural antioxidants and mild anti-histamine effects that can help manage seasonal allergies and improve respiratory comfort. Many owners find it helpful for horses with mild to moderate sensitivities.
For more comprehensive support, NOCR combines adaptogenic herbs, botanical antioxidants, and spirulina to help maintain clear airways, efficient oxygen delivery, and strong immune defenses. It supports respiratory comfort in both pleasure horses with seasonal sensitivities and performance horses exposed to dust, pollen, travel, or heavy training.
If you suspect laminitis, contact your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Nutrition plays a critical role in recovery and long-term management.
The goal for horses recovering from laminitis is to provide adequate forage to keep them satisfied while ensuring it is low in sugar and starch. Soaking hay can help reduce water-soluble carbohydrates, but it may also lower vitamin and mineral content, making it especially important to balance the diet.
We recommend AminoTrace+ as a vitamin and mineral supplement to support hoof health, insulin sensitivity, and overall well-being. AminoTrace+ is formulated specifically for horses with metabolic concerns and contains no added sugars or starches. Along with loose salt and, if needed, ground flaxseed or soaked forage cubes, this makes an excellent base diet for laminitic horses.
For the best results, conduct a forage analysis and submit a free diet evaluation with our equine nutritionists. We can help create a plan that supports your horse’s recovery and long-term health.
The most effective way to promote healthy mane and tail growth is to ensure your horse’s diet is properly balanced in essential vitamins and minerals. Nutritional deficiencies are a common cause of poor hair quality or slow growth.
One key nutrient is biotin, and research suggests that providing at least 20 mg per day supports optimal hair and hoof growth. Trace minerals such as zinc and copper also play a critical role in maintaining healthy skin and hair follicles.
We recommend feeding Omneity, which provides biotin, zinc, copper, and other essential nutrients in a balanced formulation to support strong, healthy mane and tail growth as well as overall coat and hoof health.
One option to help support hormone balance and mood in horses is Chasteberry. This herbal supplement has traditionally been used to help balance hormone levels and manage signs of moodiness or irritability, particularly in mares and older horses.
While Chasteberry may help with hormone-related behavior, if you’re looking for solutions for general nervousness or stress, you may also be interested in learning about calming supplements. For more details, check out our article: Calming Supplements for Horses.
If you’re unsure which product is right for your horse, we recommend submitting a free diet evaluation. Our nutritionists can help you select the best support for your horse’s needs.
Building muscle and developing a strong topline starts with a properly balanced diet that provides adequate high-quality protein and essential amino acids. Forage should be the foundation, but if your horse’s hay or pasture is low in protein, adding sources such as alfalfa, soybean meal, or flaxseed meal may be beneficial.
To ensure your horse receives the necessary vitamins and minerals for muscle growth and recovery, we recommend Omneity or AminoTrace+. Both provide organic trace minerals and key amino acids to support healthy muscle tissue.
If your horse needs additional amino acids, Three Amigos delivers lysine, methionine, and threonine in an ideal ratio to further promote protein synthesis, lean muscle, and topline development. These essential amino acids are the most common limiting amino acids in the equine diet.
Nutrition is only part of the equation. Correct conditioning and exercise are also essential to developing the topline. For training tips, check out our article: Exercises to Improve Your Horse’s Topline.
For the best results, submit a free diet evaluation to get a customized feeding plan based on your horse’s specific needs.
Poor hoof quality is often linked to vitamin and mineral imbalances. Supporting strong, healthy hooves requires proper nutrition, regular trimming, and appropriate living conditions.
Key nutrients for hoof health include zinc, copper, and biotin (around 20 mg daily for a 500 kg horse). Horses also need the amino acids lysine, threonine, and methionine, which are essential for keratin production and strong hoof horn.
For most horses, we recommend Omneity, a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement that provides all the essential nutrients to grow strong, healthy hooves.
For horses with poor-quality hooves, slow growth, or underlying metabolic issues such as insulin resistance or Cushing’s (PPID), we recommend AminoTrace+. It contains higher levels of organic trace minerals and natural vitamin E, making it ideal for horses with brittle, cracked, or weak hooves, or those needing additional metabolic support.
Hoof growth is a slow process, and visible improvement can take six months or longer as new, healthier hoof tissue gradually grows down from the coronary band.
Supporting joint health starts with meeting vitamin and mineral requirements to help maintain normal connective tissue structure and function. A properly balanced diet supports collagen formation, keratin production, and overall tissue integrity to maintain joint function, soundness, and mobility. We recommend Omneity, which provides bioavailable trace minerals (zinc, copper, manganese), biotin, and other nutrients that help support healthy joints and connective tissues.
Adding W-3 Oil can help maintain normal joint function and support a healthy inflammatory response. It provides DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that helps support joint mobility and overall musculoskeletal health.
For additional support, MSM Powder supplies bioavailable sulfur, a building block of collagen and other structural proteins that help maintain healthy cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
For more information, see our article: Top 8 Joint Supplements for Horses.
Excess iron in the diet can interfere with the absorption of other essential trace minerals, particularly copper and zinc. Over time, this imbalance may negatively impact hoof quality, coat condition, and immune function. High iron levels are also a concern for metabolic horses, as iron can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation.
To help counteract the effects of excess iron, the diet should supply higher levels of copper and zinc in appropriate ratios. These minerals compete with iron for absorption in the gut and help maintain a healthier trace mineral balance.
If your horse’s hay or water contains moderate iron levels (generally below 300 ppm), Omneity provides balanced vitamins and trace minerals to support overall health. Omneity is formulated without any added iron, making it safe for all horses.
If iron levels are high or your horse has metabolic concerns such as insulin resistance, laminitis, or Cushing’s (PPID), we recommend AminoTrace+. It delivers elevated levels of copper and zinc to better offset high dietary iron and support metabolic and hoof health.
Proper nutrition plays an important role in supporting healthy tissue repair and recovery. A balanced vitamin and mineral profile provides the building blocks for strong ligaments and tendons. We recommend Omneity, which supplies key nutrients such as trace minerals, magnesium, and essential amino acids (lysine, methionine, and threonine) that support normal collagen synthesis and connective tissue health.
For additional targeted support, the following supplements can be beneficial during recovery:
Combining a balanced base diet with these targeted supplements helps provide the nutritional support needed for normal tissue repair and recovery.
Free Fecal Water Syndrome (FFWS) can have multiple contributing factors, including hindgut imbalance, diet changes, or stress. We often recommend Optimum Digestive Health, a comprehensive gut supplement that supports hindgut function, promotes a healthy microbiome, and enhances forage fermentation.
Because every horse is different, we suggest submitting a free diet evaluation so our nutritionists can assess your horse’s diet and provide targeted recommendations.
For more information, read our detailed blog: Free Fecal Water Syndrome in Horses.
Muscle stiffness can have multiple causes, including electrolyte imbalance, magnesium deficiency, low vitamin E or selenium levels, dehydration, or soreness from exercise. Addressing the underlying cause is important, but nutritional support can play a key role in maintaining normal muscle function and recovery.
Magnesium supports normal muscle relaxation and nerve function, while natural vitamin E and organic selenium act as antioxidants to protect muscle tissue during exercise. Acetyl L-Carnitine supports normal energy metabolism and may help with post-exercise recovery.
For additional support, W-3 Oil provides DHA to help maintain a healthy inflammatory response, and NOCR promotes circulation and oxygen delivery, which is important for muscle recovery.
Because every case is different, we recommend submitting a free diet evaluation so our nutritionists can assess your horse’s current diet and identify potential nutritional gaps. Always consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical conditions or injuries.
Bug bites and skin irritations, such as rain rot, are often worsened when the immune system or skin barrier is compromised. Low vitamin and mineral intake can make it harder for the skin to respond appropriately to these triggers. Omneity® provides a full profile of vitamins and minerals, including zinc and copper, which are critical for supporting skin integrity and immune function.
For additional support, W-3 Oil and Spirulina can help. W-3 Oil is rich in DHA, an anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid that supports a healthy immune response and promotes sebum production, the natural oily barrier that protects skin from irritants. Spirulina is a blue-green algae high in antioxidants, which help modulate immune activity and protect cells from inflammation.
As for garlic, while some supplements include it for fly control, there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. Research we’ve conducted with garlic as a natural fly repellent has not shown measurable results. Garlic and other plants in the Allium family can also cause Heinz body anemia when fed in high amounts, and there is concern that even low doses may lead to mild Heinz body formation, potentially causing lethargy or reduced performance. For these reasons, we do not recommend using garlic supplements for fly control in horses.
For managing flies, products such as Solitude and Simplifly can be fed to reduce fly populations, although they are only effective if all animals in the area are fed the product. Permethrin-embedded fly sheets can also be effective as a physical barrier.
Yes, soy is safe for most horses and can be an excellent source of high-quality protein. Soybean meal is one of the most common protein sources in equine feeds because it provides essential amino acids, such as lysine, which support muscle development, hoof quality, and overall tissue repair.
Some horse owners express concern about soy due to its phytoestrogen content or because certain horses may have sensitivities. However, the levels of phytoestrogens in soy-based equine feeds are very low and are not known to have negative hormonal effects in healthy horses. Horses with known soy allergies or metabolic conditions may require alternative protein sources, but for most horses, soy is well-tolerated and nutritionally valuable.
Soybean oil is also widely used as a safe and concentrated calorie source for horses. It contains none of the protein fractions that have been associated with soy sensitivities or allergies, making it suitable for horses that may not tolerate soy protein.
For a detailed breakdown of the benefits and considerations of soy in horse diets, check out our article: Is Soy Good or Bad for Horses?
A balanced intake of selenium is important because both deficiency and excess can affect health. Most horses do not receive enough selenium, especially in areas with selenium-deficient soils, even when fed fortified feeds. Over-supplementation is uncommon when using a well-formulated vitamin and mineral supplement as directed.
To determine whether your horse is meeting its selenium requirements, we recommend submitting a free diet evaluation. Our nutritionists can calculate your horse’s total selenium intake and help you decide if additional supplementation is needed.
Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain a balanced inflammatory response, support joint function, promote skin and coat health, and benefit immune function. Horses on fresh pasture generally consume higher levels of omega-3s, but hay-based diets and many commercial feeds are naturally low in these fatty acids.
Plant oils like flax and camelina are high in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which must be converted in the horse’s body to DHA and EPA to provide full benefits. Supplementing with a direct source of DHA, such as W-3 Oil, ensures your horse receives these active omega-3s for optimal joint comfort, skin and coat quality, and overall well-being.
For personalized guidance, submit a free diet evaluation to consult with our equine nutritionists.
Magnesium supports normal muscle relaxation, nerve signaling, and overall metabolic function. The daily requirement for a 500 kg horse ranges from 7.5 g/day for maintenance to 15 g/day for horses in heavy work. Too much magnesium can cause loose manure, so supplementation should be based on total dietary intake.
To determine whether your horse would benefit from magnesium supplementation, submit a free diet evaluation, and our nutritionists can calculate your horse’s current intake and make recommendations.
Amino acid needs depend on workload, age, and diet quality. Most forages supply enough amino acids for the average horse, but forage-based diets can be low in essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine, and threonine. These amino acids are critical for muscle development, tissue repair, and hoof health.
Omneity provides these essential amino acids, along with balanced vitamins and minerals, to support overall health and performance. For a personalized recommendation, submit a free diet evaluation.
Research suggests supplementing 20 mg of biotin per day supports hoof growth and quality in horses. Higher levels have not been shown to provide additional benefits.
Omneity delivers therapeutic levels of biotin, as well as zinc, copper, lysine, and methionine—key nutrients required for strong, healthy hooves.