Chelated Minerals

Chelated minerals are trace minerals that have been chemically bound to organic molecules—typically amino acids or peptides—to form stable complexes. This binding is designed to protect the mineral during digestion and enhance its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Common chelated minerals in equine nutrition include chelated forms of zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.

In horse feeds and supplements, chelated minerals are often used to improve bioavailability compared to inorganic sources such as sulfates or oxides. Enhanced absorption can be particularly beneficial in animals with higher nutrient demands, compromised digestive efficiency, or when dietary interactions may limit mineral uptake (e.g., high phytate or iron content).