Question 1

Which trace minerals are essential for horses?

Accepted Answer

The essential trace minerals horses require include copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, iodine, cobalt, and iron. These minerals are needed in small amounts, but they play critical roles in hoof formation, connective tissue, immune function, antioxidant defense, energy metabolism, thyroid hormone production, and red blood cell function.

Among these, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese are the nutrients most likely to require supplementation in forage-based diets. Hay and pasture often do not supply these minerals in adequate or balanced amounts, particularly when soil conditions are poor or when horses are not fed the full rate of a fortified feed. Providing a complete vitamin and mineral supplement such as Mad Barn's Omneity® helps ensure horses receive these essential trace minerals in the right amounts to support overall health and performance.

Question 2

What trace minerals are commonly lacking in a horse’s diet?

Accepted Answer

The trace minerals most commonly lacking in a horse’s diet are copper, zinc, selenium, and iodine. These nutrients are frequently low in hay and pasture, especially in regions with mineral-deficient soils or in diets based primarily on unfortified forage. Deficiencies in these trace minerals can affect hoof quality, coat condition, immune response, antioxidant protection, metabolic function, and recovery from exercise.

Even when a horse is consuming enough calories and protein, trace mineral intake may still be inadequate if the diet is not properly balanced. Many feeding programs also contain excess iron, which can further interfere with copper and zinc status. Feeding a well-formulated vitamin and mineral supplement such as Mad Barn's Omneity® is the best way to address these common trace mineral gaps and support your horse's long-term health.

Question 3

Do horses need trace mineral supplementation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most horses benefit from trace mineral supplementation because hay and pasture rarely supply balanced levels of copper, zinc, selenium, and iodine needed to fully support equine health.

Forage mineral content reflects soil composition, and many regions produce hay that is relatively low in copper and zinc while containing excess iron. These imbalances can affect hoof quality, connective tissue strength, immune function, and metabolic efficiency even when calorie intake is adequate.

The most reliable way to determine your horse’s mineral needs is to evaluate the forage and feeding program through a free diet evaluation.

Question 4

How do I choose a trace mineral supplement for my horse?

Accepted Answer

Choosing a trace mineral supplement for your horse begins with evaluating the forage and identifying which nutrients are deficient or out of balance.

Many forage-based feeding programs supply adequate calories and fiber but fall short in copper, zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and certain essential amino acids that support connective tissue, hoof health, and immune function.

Mad Barn’s Omneity® is designed to correct these common deficiencies for most horses, while horses consuming high-iron forage or experiencing hoof or metabolic concerns may benefit from the higher copper and zinc levels provided by AminoTrace+.

Question 5

What is the best trace mineral supplement for horses with poor hoof quality?

Accepted Answer

The best trace mineral supplement for horses with poor hoof quality is Mad Barn’s AminoTrace+.

Healthy hoof horn depends heavily on adequate copper and zinc because these minerals support collagen formation, connective tissue cross-linking, and keratin production within the hoof wall. Horses with brittle hooves, slow hoof growth, cracks, or weak hoof structure often benefit from increased intake of these nutrients.

AminoTrace+ provides elevated copper and zinc levels along with biotin and essential amino acids that support stronger hoof walls and improved hoof growth.

Question 6

What are the signs of trace mineral deficiency in horses?

Accepted Answer

The most common signs of trace mineral deficiency in horses include weak hoof walls, slow hoof growth, faded coat color, dull hair coat, reduced immune resilience, and decreased performance.

Copper and zinc deficiencies often affect connective tissue strength and coat pigmentation, while selenium deficiency can impair antioxidant protection and muscle recovery.

Because these deficiencies develop gradually, the most reliable way to identify nutrient gaps is to evaluate the forage and feeding program through a diet analysis.

Question 7

What is the difference between organic and inorganic trace minerals for horses?

Accepted Answer

The difference between organic and inorganic trace minerals for horses is how efficiently the minerals are absorbed and utilized by the body.

Organic trace minerals are bound to amino acids or organic compounds that help protect the mineral during digestion and improve absorption through the intestinal wall. Inorganic forms such as oxides and sulfates are more likely to bind with other dietary components and may be absorbed less efficiently.

Supplements such as Mad Barn’s AminoTrace+ use organic trace minerals to improve mineral utilization and support more reliable correction of deficiencies.

Question 8

Can trace mineral deficiency cause poor coat condition in horses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, trace mineral deficiency is a common nutritional cause of poor coat condition in horses.

Copper and zinc support pigment production, hair follicle function, and keratin formation within the coat. When intake is inadequate, horses may develop faded hair color, rough coat texture, delayed shedding, and reduced coat shine.

Mad Barn’s AminoTrace+ provides elevated copper and zinc levels that support healthier coat pigmentation and stronger hair fibers.

Question 9

Which horses need trace mineral supplements the most?

Accepted Answer

Horses eating primarily hay or pasture without fortified feed are the most likely to require trace mineral supplementation.

Growing horses, broodmares, performance horses, and horses with metabolic conditions or chronic hoof problems often have higher requirements for copper, zinc, selenium, and other micronutrients that support tissue growth, immune defense, and metabolic regulation.

Evaluating forage mineral levels through a diet analysis helps determine which horses require additional supplementation.

Question 10

What trace minerals do broodmares need during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant broodmares require adequate copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, and iodine to support fetal growth and skeletal development.

Copper and zinc are especially important for bone and cartilage formation in the developing foal, while selenium supports antioxidant protection and immune function.

Providing balanced trace mineral supplementation during pregnancy helps support proper foal development and maintain the mare’s overall metabolic health.

Question 11

Should I supplement trace minerals year-round or seasonally for horses?

Accepted Answer

Most horses benefit from trace mineral supplementation year-round because the mineral content of forage does not change enough seasonally to eliminate common deficiencies.

Hay and pasture mineral levels depend largely on soil composition rather than growing season. Many forage sources remain relatively low in copper and zinc regardless of when they are harvested.

Providing consistent supplementation helps maintain stable mineral intake that supports hoof growth, immune function, connective tissue strength, and metabolic health.

Question 12

How do trace mineral ratios in the diet affect horses?

Accepted Answer

Trace mineral ratios strongly influence how well horses absorb and utilize nutrients.

Excess iron in forage can interfere with copper and zinc absorption because these minerals compete for similar transport mechanisms in the digestive tract. When iron levels are high relative to copper and zinc, horses may develop functional deficiencies even when total mineral intake appears adequate.

Balancing these ratios through proper supplementation helps maintain connective tissue strength, hoof integrity, immune health, and normal metabolic function.

Question 13

Do horses need trace mineral supplements if they eat grain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most horses still benefit from trace mineral supplementation even when they consume grain.

Fortified feeds are designed to meet nutrient requirements only when fed at the manufacturer’s recommended rate. Horses receiving smaller grain meals may not consume enough vitamins and minerals to balance the diet.

Mad Barn’s Omneity® provides complete vitamin and mineral support without adding excess calories, making it useful for horses receiving limited grain.

Question 14

Is hay alone enough to meet a horse’s trace mineral requirements?

Accepted Answer

No, hay alone rarely supplies balanced levels of trace minerals required for optimal equine health.

Many hay-based diets contain relatively low copper and zinc while providing higher iron concentrations. These imbalances can affect connective tissue formation, hoof integrity, immune function, and metabolic processes.

Mad Barn’s Omneity® helps correct these common nutrient gaps by supplying balanced trace minerals, vitamins, and amino acids designed for forage-based diets.

Question 15

How can I test my horse's trace mineral levels?

Accepted Answer

The most practical way to evaluate a horse’s trace mineral intake is to analyze the forage and review the complete feeding program.

Blood tests measure circulating mineral levels but often reflect only recent intake rather than long-term mineral balance. Forage analysis reveals the mineral composition of the horse’s primary feed source and helps identify deficiencies or imbalances.

Mad Barn nutritionists can review forage analysis and feeding programs through a free diet evaluation to help determine whether trace mineral supplementation is necessary.

Feed Name	Brand	ID	Availability	Format	Protein	Fat	ADF	NDF	NSC	DE	Lysine	Calcium	Phosphorus	Magnesium	Potassium	Sodium	Chloride	Iron	Zinc	Copper	Selenium	Biotin	Vitamin E
13% Sweet Horse Ration (Equiline)	Hi Pro	430277		Textured	14.44%	5%	9.4%	29.54%	50%	3.35 mcal/kg	4.3%	0.89%	0.67%	0.25%	1%	0.44%	0.99 ppm	400 ppm	150 ppm	45 ppm	0.33 ppm	0 ppm	222.22 KIU
BioMare Cubes	Pryde's EasiFeed	1045110	--	Extruded	17.6%	5.3%	12.5%	40%	--	3.77 mcal/kg	4.9%	1.5%	0.7%	0.5%	0.6%	0.4%	0.7 ppm	155.6 ppm	168.9 ppm	58.9 ppm	0.9 ppm	0.2 ppm	216.7 KIU
Caliber Complete Horse Ration	Co-op	401531		--	13.33%	2.22%	22%	--	--	2.03 mcal/kg	5.09%	0.83%	0.5%	0.33%	1%	0.44%	--	--	333.33 ppm	94.44 ppm	0.33 ppm	8.22 ppm	333.33 KIU
Caliber Mare & Foal Ration	Co-op	401534	--	--	17.78%	6.11%	16.5%	--	--	2.35 mcal/kg	5.62%	1.11%	0.83%	0.33%	0.89%	0.44%	--	--	366.67 ppm	66.67 ppm	0.67 ppm	6.22 ppm	377.78 KIU
Caliber Performance Horse Mineral	Coop Agro	736903	--	--	100%	--	--	--	--	1 mcal/kg	1.7%	10.5%	5.8%	2.1%	0.7%	4.4%	--	2421.1 ppm	4421.1 ppm	842.1 ppm	10.5 ppm	60 ppm	5263.2 KIU
Caliber Performance Horse Ration	Co-op	401533		--	15.56%	5.56%	24.75%	--	--	3.54 mcal/kg	6.07%	1.11%	0.67%	0.33%	0.78%	0.67%	--	--	305.56 ppm	83.33 ppm	0.67 ppm	6 ppm	444.44 KIU
Caliber Senior & Special Care Horse Ration	Co-op	401532		Pelleted	15.56%	7.78%	24.75%	--	--	3.11 mcal/kg	5.14%	1.11%	0.67%	0.33%	1.33%	0.39%	--	--	488.89 ppm	83.33 ppm	0.55 ppm	6.22 ppm	555.56 KIU
Caliber Working Horse Ration	CO-OP	401301		--	17.78%	7.78%	16.26%	34%	--	3 mcal/kg	9.37%	2.17%	1.44%	0.33%	1.33%	0.44%	--	--	555.56 ppm	111.11 ppm	1.5 ppm	12.22 ppm	1111 KIU
EasiConditioner	Pryde's EasiFeed	1049897	--	Extruded	17.8%	5.8%	4%	12.8%	--	3.9 mcal/kg	4.8%	0.9%	0.5%	0.3%	0.6%	0.4%	0.6 ppm	156.7 ppm	163.3 ppm	57.8 ppm	0.9 ppm	0.2 ppm	172.2 KIU
EasiSport	Pryde's EasiFeed	1045296	--	Pelleted	19.9%	10.7%	39.4%	49.4%	9%	3.4 mcal/kg	4.9%	1.3%	0.7%	0.5%	0.9%	0.5%	1 ppm	355.6 ppm	296.7 ppm	108.9 ppm	1.6 ppm	0.3 ppm	405.6 KIU
Equiline Armour Performance Ration	Shur-Gain	499902		--	13.3%	8.9%	18.75%	45%	15.5%	3.3 mcal/kg	5.87%	0.9%	0.7%	--	--	0.6%	--	100 ppm	--	--	0.44 ppm	0 ppm	333.3 KIU
Equiline Fat N Fibre	Equiline	408878		--	14.61%	7.87%	14.72%	33.5%	21.27%	2.85 mcal/kg	4.3%	0.9%	0.67%	0.36%	1.08%	0.45%	0.99 ppm	412.67 ppm	91.91 ppm	21.55 ppm	0.34 ppm	--	247.25 KIU
Equiline Pelleted Senior Care Ration	Shur-Gain	499952		Pelleted	16.7%	5.6%	23.38%	33.38%	--	2.97 mcal/kg	--	0.8%	0.6%	--	--	0.44%	--	--	--	--	0.33 ppm	--	244.4 KIU
Equiline Shine	Shur-gain	386527		--	14.4%	20%	19.25%	39.6%	15.5%	3.98 mcal/kg	5.87%	1.1%	0.94%	0.39%	0.99%	0.44%	0.65 ppm	44.4 ppm	55.56 ppm	22.2 ppm	0.33 ppm	0 ppm	444.4 KIU
Frisky Foal	Masterfeeds	401279		Pelleted	18.89%	4.44%	21.25%	58.62%	--	2.58 mcal/kg	5%	1.33%	1%	0.33%	--	0.44%	--	--	155.56 ppm	38.89 ppm	0.66 ppm	1.44 ppm	333.33 KIU
Grand Slam	Equi-lete	1058393	--	Pelleted	32.2%	6.2%	8.9%	14.4%	--	3.48 mcal/kg	6.9%	5%	1%	1.6%	2%	--	--	--	1333.3 ppm	333.3 ppm	8.9 ppm	51.4 ppm	1543.2 KIU
H-150 Competition	Royal Horse	623035		Textured	14.04%	7.87%	23.88%	33.88%	11.24%	2.66 mcal/kg	41.6%	12.36%	6.18%	0.34%	1.57%	0.72%	--	142.7 ppm	84.27 ppm	28.09 ppm	0.45 ppm	0.84 ppm	561.8 KIU
H-350 Competition	Royal Horse	623275		Textured	14.12%	10.17%	15%	41.27%	24.86%	3.24 mcal/kg	4.4%	1.36%	0.68%	0.34%	1.47%	0.9%	--	175.14 ppm	109.6 ppm	36.16 ppm	0.53 ppm	0.85 ppm	474.58 KIU
Horse and Pony Nuts	Heygates Feeds	529798		--	12.2%	3.3%	26.12%	36.12%	--	2.39 mcal/kg	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	22 ppm	--	--	--
Resolve	Dunstan	992545	--	Pelleted	16.11%	13.3%	20%	30%	3.33%	3.34 mcal/kg	6.9%	1.11%	0.67%	0.89%	1.11%	0.67%	1.11 ppm	222.22 ppm	222.22 ppm	83.33 ppm	1 ppm	8.33 ppm	827.78 KIU
Surmount (Pellet)	Masterfeeds	71871		Pelleted	13.33%	6.74%	19.8%	40%	21%	3 mcal/kg	4.17%	0.89%	0.55%	0.27%	--	0.44%	--	--	133.33 ppm	38.89 ppm	0.6 ppm	1.22 ppm	216.67 KIU
Total Supplement	Total Supplements	976216	--	--	1.51%	2.52%	2.5%	8%	--	1.71 mcal/kg	2.7%	3%	3.53%	3.03%	3.03%	--	--	5055.2 ppm	4044 ppm	505.6 ppm	20.3 ppm	73.4 ppm	8907.6 KIU

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Trace Minerals - Feed Ingredient

Related Ingredients

Trace Minerals - Feed Ingredient

Related Ingredients

Feed Database

Omneity® Pellets

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Visceral+

Optimum Digestive Health

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Omneity® Pellets

AminoTrace+

Biotin

MSM

w-3 Oil

Biotin

w-3 Oil

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3:1 Zinc Copper

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Chasteberry

MagneChrome

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Magnesium Oxide

Visceral+

Visceral+

NOCR

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Three Amigos

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Acetyl-L-Carnitine

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w-3 Oil

Spirulina