AminoTrace+

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes involved in carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. It also plays a structural role in keratin synthesis, contributing to the integrity of hooves, skin, and coat.

Biotin is not synthesized by the horse in sufficient quantities and must be obtained from dietary sources such as fresh pasture, alfalfa, oats, barley, and soybean meal. Supplementation with biotin has been shown to support normal hoof growth rate, hardness, and horn quality, especially in horses with brittle or weak hoof walls.

Clinical studies in horses demonstrate that daily biotin intake of approximately 20 mg supports the development of strong, resilient hoof horn when provided consistently over several months. Biotin also contributes to normal cellular metabolism and energy production through its role in enzymatic reactions within mitochondria.

Calcium iodate is a stable, bioavailable source of iodine used in equine diets to support normal thyroid hormone synthesis. Iodine is required for the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), hormones that regulate metabolic rate, growth, thermoregulation, and energy utilization.

By contributing to normal thyroid function, calcium iodate helps maintain energy balance, muscle performance, and overall metabolic efficiency. Compared to other iodine sources such as potassium iodide, calcium iodate provides superior oxidative stability and shelf life in mineral premixes and pelleted feeds.

Iodine requirements in horses depend on workload, diet composition, and life stage. Supplementation ensures adequate intake where soil or forage iodine levels are low or variable, supporting consistent thyroid hormone activity and metabolic health.

Calcium-D-pantothenate is the stable, supplemental form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), a water-soluble vitamin essential for cellular energy metabolism. It is a structural component of coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl-carrier proteins, which are required for carbohydrate oxidation, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism.

Pantothenic acid supports the synthesis of steroid hormones, neurotransmitters, and acetylcholine, and contributes to maintaining healthy skin, coat, and hoof tissue. In horses, adequate B5 levels help sustain normal metabolic activity and recovery during periods of stress or high workload.

Deficiency is uncommon, as pantothenic acid is supplied by forages, grains, and microbial synthesis in the hindgut. However, horses with digestive disturbances, high-grain diets, or antibiotic use may benefit from additional supplementation to maintain optimal nutrient utilization.

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that supports normal carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. It contributes to healthy glucose utilization and insulin function, which are critical for maintaining metabolic balance and energy regulation in horses.

Chromium yeast is an organic, highly bioavailable form of chromium in which the mineral is incorporated into yeast biomass (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). This form enhances intestinal absorption and cellular uptake compared to inorganic sources. By supporting efficient glucose transport into cells, chromium yeast helps maintain normal insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism in both performance and metabolically challenged horses.

In horses under heavy training or metabolic stress, chromium supplementation has been shown to help sustain normal post-exercise glucose and insulin responses, supporting recovery and endurance. Chromium yeast provides a safe, physiologically relevant source of this micronutrient, ensuring consistent delivery and utilization.

Cobalt carbonate is an inorganic source of cobalt, an essential trace mineral required for the microbial synthesis of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the equine hindgut. Vitamin B12 is necessary for red blood cell production, energy metabolism, and the conversion of propionate to glucose during exercise, contributing to normal stamina and metabolic function.

In horses, cobalt status influences hindgut fermentation and nutrient utilization. The microbes in the large intestine incorporate cobalt into cobalamin, which supports methylation reactions and normal protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism. Stable cobalt supply is therefore vital for maintaining vitamin B12-dependent pathways.

Among cobalt sources, cobalt carbonate offers good stability in premixes and comparable bioavailability to organic forms. It is commonly included in trace mineral blends to support overall vitality, especially in horses on hay-based diets or in regions with cobalt-deficient soils.

Copper is an essential trace mineral involved in multiple enzymatic processes that support connective tissue formation, antioxidant defense, and energy metabolism. It is a cofactor for lysyl oxidase, an enzyme required for cross-linking collagen and elastin, helping maintain strong tendons, ligaments, and bone matrix integrity. Copper also contributes to melanin synthesis for normal coat pigmentation and supports red blood cell formation through iron metabolism.

In horses, adequate copper status is associated with joint soundness, tissue repair, and optimal hoof and coat condition. Copper also plays a role in antioxidant defense as part of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that helps neutralize free radicals generated during exercise or stress.

Organic forms such as copper proteinate are more bioavailable than inorganic sources like copper sulfate or oxide, allowing for more efficient absorption and utilization. Supplementing with organic copper helps maintain normal copper levels in horses consuming forages grown in low-copper soils or diets high in competing minerals such as zinc, iron, or manganese.

Dried yeast extract is produced from the soluble components of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and provides a concentrated source of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), beta-glucans, nucleotides, and peptides. These bioactive fractions support a balanced hindgut microbiota, efficient nutrient absorption, and optimal digestive and immune function.

Beta-glucans and MOS from yeast help maintain microbial stability and gut barrier integrity by promoting beneficial bacteria and reducing pathogen attachment to the intestinal wall. The naturally occurring nucleotides in yeast extract play a key role in supporting rapid epithelial turnover and cellular regeneration in the intestinal lining, especially during periods of stress or high metabolic demand.

Through its combined prebiotic, immune-supportive, and trophic effects, dried yeast extract contributes to digestive resilience and gastrointestinal health in performance and metabolically sensitive horses.

Folic acid (folate, Vitamin B9) is a water-soluble B-vitamin that functions as a one-carbon donor in DNA synthesis, methionine regeneration, and amino acid metabolism. It supports normal cell proliferation, tissue repair, and red blood cell maturation, processes that are particularly important during periods of growth, training, or recovery.

In horses, folate status reflects both dietary intake and microbial synthesis in the hindgut. Levels may be lower in animals maintained primarily on hay compared with those on fresh forage. Medications that interfere with folate metabolism, such as sulfadiazine or pyrimethamine used in EPM treatment, can also reduce availability, making supplementation beneficial in some cases.

Folic acid helps maintain normal hematologic and mucosal function, contributing to overall metabolic efficiency and recovery from exercise or illness.

Lysine is an essential amino acid and one of the most common limiting nutrients in equine diets. Because it cannot be synthesized by the body, it must be obtained from feed or supplementation. Lysine is required for protein synthesis, muscle development, tissue repair, and growth.

This amino acid is a structural component of collagen and elastin, supporting the strength and resilience of tendons, ligaments, skin, and bone. It also contributes to calcium absorption and immune function by aiding in the production of antibodies, enzymes, and hormones. Inadequate lysine intake can reduce protein utilization, impair growth and muscle maintenance, and limit performance capacity.

Grasses and cereal grains are naturally low in lysine, making supplementation particularly beneficial for horses in training, growing horses, and those on hay-based diets. Providing adequate lysine helps ensure optimal protein metabolism, topline development, and overall performance.

Magnesium is an essential macro-mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions that regulate energy metabolism, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. It supports bone integrity, cardiovascular function, and normal insulin sensitivity in horses.

In muscle tissue, magnesium contributes to relaxation following contraction, helping to maintain normal muscle tone and reducing the risk of cramping or tightness. It also plays a role in maintaining a calm temperament by supporting balanced nervous system activity, particularly in horses prone to stress or excitability.

Magnesium oxide is a highly concentrated inorganic source of magnesium commonly used in equine diets. It provides a bioavailable and cost-effective way to maintain optimal magnesium levels, especially for horses with limited access to fresh forage or those losing electrolytes through heavy sweating or training.

Manganese is an essential trace mineral required for the development of bone, cartilage, and connective tissue in horses. It functions as a cofactor for several key enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, reproductive health, and antioxidant defense. One of its most important roles is activating the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), which helps protect cells from oxidative damage.

This mineral also contributes to the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate, a critical component of joint cartilage, supporting soundness and long-term joint integrity. Adequate manganese intake is therefore particularly important for growing horses, broodmares, and equine athletes with high structural and metabolic demands.

Organic sources such as manganese proteinate offer improved bioavailability compared to inorganic forms like manganese oxide, enhancing absorption and utilization. This allows for more effective support of skeletal strength, enzyme activity, and metabolic efficiency.

Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) are complex carbohydrates derived from the outer cell wall of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). They function as prebiotics that help maintain a balanced hindgut microbiota, support mucosal integrity, and promote optimal digestive function in horses.

MOS can bind to certain pathogenic bacteria, reducing their attachment to the intestinal lining and supporting a healthy microbial environment. These actions contribute to improved nutrient absorption and overall digestive resilience. In addition, MOS contains beta-glucans that support normal immune modulation and gut barrier function.

Mad Barn uses Bio-Mos^® from Alltech^® as the source of MOS in our formulations. Bio-Mos^® is derived from a proprietary yeast strain and has been evaluated in over 700 research trials, including peer-reviewed studies in horses and other species.

DL-Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid that serves as a building block for proteins involved in metabolism, growth, and tissue repair. Because horses cannot synthesize methionine internally, it must be obtained from feed or supplementation. It is often identified as the second-most limiting amino acid in equine diets, meaning insufficient methionine can restrict overall protein synthesis even when other amino acids are present in adequate amounts.

Methionine supports the formation of structural proteins such as keratin and collagen, contributing to strong hooves, healthy skin, and a glossy coat. It also plays a critical role in maintaining connective tissue integrity, supporting joints, ligaments, and tendons. In the nervous system, methionine assists in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and helps support normal mood and focus.

Biochemically, methionine acts as a precursor for several important compounds, including taurine, L-carnitine, and cysteine. It is also required for the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a key methyl donor involved in cellular metabolism, detoxification, and liver health. Through its conversion to cysteine and subsequently glutathione, methionine supports antioxidant defense and helps protect tissues from oxidative stress.

According to the NRC’s Nutrient Requirements of Horses, a 500 kg (1,100 lb) horse at maintenance requires approximately 7,500 mg of methionine per day. Supplementation may be beneficial for horses on high-fiber or low-protein diets, those in heavy training, or horses needing nutritional support for hoof growth and coat quality.

Phosphorus is an essential macromineral that supports bone development, energy metabolism, and overall cellular function in horses. It forms a key part of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s main energy molecule, and contributes to the structure of DNA, cell membranes (phospholipids), and connective tissue. Phosphorus also helps regulate pH balance and fluid homeostasis in the body.

In equine diets, phosphorus is supplied naturally by forages, grains, and protein meals such as oats and soybean meal. Feeds like wheat bran and rice bran contain higher concentrations of phosphorus, although much of it exists in a bound form known as phytate, which reduces bioavailability. To ensure adequate intake and proper mineral ratios, supplemental inorganic phosphorus sources such as monosodium phosphate may be used.

Monosodium phosphate is a highly bioavailable source of phosphorus that supports bone density, cartilage health, and energy metabolism. It is particularly beneficial for growing horses, lactating mares, and performance horses with higher mineral demands. This form of phosphorus is also used to balance high-calcium diets, such as those containing alfalfa, to maintain the ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for skeletal and metabolic health.

Compared to other phosphate sources, such as monocalcium phosphate, monosodium phosphate contains very low levels of trace iron. This makes it an excellent option for horses that require careful management of the zinc:copper:iron ratio in their diet—an important factor for maintaining metabolic balance, coat quality, and hoof integrity.

Because phosphorus is a non-renewable resource mined from natural deposits, appropriate supplementation helps meet equine requirements without contributing to environmental excess. Balancing phosphorus intake ensures optimal bone and tissue health while minimizing nutrient waste.

Natural Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells and tissues from oxidative damage. It supports immune health, muscle recovery, cardiovascular function, and neural integrity in horses. Compared to synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol, the natural form is significantly more bioavailable and efficiently incorporated into cell membranes, making it the preferred source for supplementation.

Vitamin E is a key component of the body’s antioxidant defense system, neutralizing free radicals produced during metabolism and exercise. It helps maintain the integrity of muscle and nerve tissues, supports red blood cell stability, and reduces oxidative stress associated with intense training or illness. Chronic deficiency can lead to neuromuscular disorders such as equine motor neuron disease or vitamin E–deficient myopathy.

Fresh green pasture is the richest natural source of vitamin E, but levels decline rapidly during hay storage and are negligible in most grains. Horses without regular access to pasture, those in heavy work, or individuals with metabolic conditions benefit from daily supplementation of natural vitamin E to maintain optimal antioxidant status and support recovery.

Supplementing bioavailable natural forms of vitamin E has been shown to enhance immune response, improve muscle enzyme stability, and reduce inflammation following exercise, contributing to overall vitality and performance in horses.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as a coenzyme in more than 150 enzymatic reactions involved in amino acid metabolism, gluconeogenesis, glycogen utilization, and neurotransmitter synthesis. It supports normal energy metabolism, immune competence, and red blood cell formation.

In horses, Vitamin B6 is synthesized to some extent by hindgut microbes but may require dietary support under conditions of high metabolic demand, such as intense training, growth, or recovery. It also plays roles in maintaining normal homocysteine metabolism and supporting muscle and nervous system function.

Supplementation may be beneficial for horses on high-grain or hay-only diets, under prolonged stress, or with impaired hindgut function that could limit microbial synthesis or nutrient absorption.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as a precursor for the coenzymes flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), which are essential for oxidative metabolism and ATP generation. These coenzymes participate in numerous redox reactions, supporting carbohydrate, protein, and lipid catabolism.

Riboflavin also contributes to antioxidant defense by maintaining glutathione in its reduced, active form through FAD-dependent glutathione reductase activity. Adequate riboflavin status supports energy metabolism, muscle performance, and recovery in exercising horses.

Horses obtain riboflavin primarily from forage, particularly legumes such as alfalfa and clover, and from microbial synthesis in the hindgut. Deficiency and toxicity have not been documented in horses, though supplementation may support animals on low-quality forage, under high workload, or during periods of digestive disturbance.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1026 is a live yeast strain used as a probiotic to support hindgut health and digestive efficiency in horses. It promotes a stable hindgut environment by helping maintain optimal pH and fostering the growth of beneficial cellulolytic bacteria that aid in fiber fermentation.

This yeast strain has been shown to enhance nutrient digestibility, particularly for fiber and phosphorus, and to support normal microbial balance under dietary or environmental stress. It may also improve feed efficiency and promote consistent appetite and digestive comfort in performance horses.

Mad Barn utilizes Yea-Sacc^® 1026 from Alltech^® as its source of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This strain has been extensively researched for its effects on digestion, microbial ecology, and nutrient utilization in horses and other livestock species.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral and a critical component of the horse’s antioxidant defense system. It is incorporated into selenoproteins that protect cells from oxidative damage, support normal muscle and heart function, and maintain healthy immune and thyroid activity. Adequate selenium intake helps horses recover from exercise and supports overall metabolic health.

Organic forms such as selenium yeast provide selenium bound to amino acids (mainly selenomethionine), making them more bioavailable and efficiently utilized compared to inorganic forms like sodium selenite or sodium selenate. This enhanced absorption allows for safer, more consistent selenium delivery, particularly in performance horses or those in low-selenium regions.

Selenium requirements vary depending on diet, workload, and regional soil content. Horses consuming hay or feed grown in selenium-deficient soils often benefit from supplementation to help maintain optimal antioxidant balance and muscle function.

Sodium chloride (salt) provides two essential electrolytes — sodium and chloride — that are critical for maintaining fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction in horses. These minerals help regulate hydration, acid–base balance, and blood volume, particularly during periods of sweating, heat exposure, or strenuous exercise.

Sodium plays a primary role in maintaining normal nerve and muscle function, while chloride is involved in gastric acid production and overall electrolyte homeostasis. Together, they support proper digestion, cardiovascular stability, and the thirst response — all key to optimal performance and recovery.

Forage alone often provides insufficient sodium, so supplemental salt should always be available free-choice. Horses in moderate to heavy work or hot environments may require several ounces of added salt per day to replace sweat losses. Loose salt or electrolyte blends offer a reliable way to maintain hydration and prevent imbalances.

Thiamine (vitamin B1) functions as a coenzyme for key enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism, including pyruvate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and transketolase. Through these reactions, it facilitates ATP generation and supports normal neuromuscular function.

Most horses obtain sufficient thiamine from forage and microbial synthesis in the hindgut, but additional supplementation may be useful in animals under heavy training, stress, or antibiotic therapy that may impair gut microbial activity. Thiamine status influences energy utilization, coordination, and glucose metabolism, making it relevant for performance and recovery in athletic horses.

Rich dietary sources include brewer’s yeast, rice bran, and whole grains, while content in hay declines with age and storage. Thiamine hydrochloride is the most common supplemental form, with documented safety and bioavailability in horses.

Threonine is an essential amino acid and one of the primary limiting amino acids in equine diets, meaning it often limits the rate of protein synthesis when insufficiently supplied. It plays a key role in maintaining normal muscle development, immune function, and digestive health.

Within the gastrointestinal tract, threonine is a critical component of mucin glycoproteins that protect and maintain the gut lining. Adequate threonine intake supports gut integrity, particularly in horses consuming high-grain or low-quality forage diets, or those experiencing digestive stress.

Beyond its role in gut barrier function, threonine contributes to the synthesis of structural proteins, enzymes, and neurotransmitters. It works synergistically with lysine and methionine to optimize amino acid balance, supporting lean tissue development and recovery in growing, performance, or metabolically challenged horses.

Vitamin A (retinol and its precursors such as beta-carotene) is an essential fat-soluble nutrient required for epithelial integrity, vision, immune competence, and reproductive function. It acts through retinoic acid–mediated regulation of gene expression, influencing cell differentiation and tissue repair.

In horses, vitamin A is obtained primarily from beta-carotene in fresh forage, which is converted to retinol in the intestinal mucosa. Because beta-carotene degrades rapidly in stored hay, horses maintained on hay-based diets are at greater risk of low vitamin A status, especially during winter months or periods without pasture access.

Deficiency can result in impaired night vision, reduced immune function, and compromised epithelial health. Supplementation helps maintain adequate plasma retinol concentrations in horses with limited forage diversity or increased physiological demand.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble cofactor for methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. Through these pathways it supports one-carbon metabolism, red blood cell maturation, myelin maintenance, and mitochondrial energy production from propionate.

In horses, most B12 is synthesized by hindgut microbes from dietary cobalt. Status may be influenced by cobalt intake, forage-only rations with low fresh pasture, or disruptions to hindgut function. Supplementation is used to help maintain normal energy metabolism, appetite, and hematologic parameters when intake or endogenous synthesis may be insufficient.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble nutrient essential for maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis in horses. It supports proper bone mineralization, neuromuscular function, and overall mineral balance by regulating intestinal absorption and renal conservation of calcium and phosphorus.

Horses have limited ability to synthesize Vitamin D3 through ultraviolet exposure compared to other species, and forage content is typically low. Supplementation helps maintain optimal Vitamin D status, particularly in horses with restricted sunlight exposure, those on hay-based diets, or animals with higher metabolic or skeletal demands.

While deficiency may impair skeletal development and mineral metabolism, excessive intake can result in toxicity. Therefore, providing physiologically appropriate levels through balanced formulations is essential to maintain normal calcium-phosphorus balance and long-term musculoskeletal health.

Yucca schidigera provides saponins and polyphenols that support gut and environmental management. In equine settings, yucca is used to bind ammonia in manure, helping to lower ambient ammonia and support air quality and respiratory comfort in stabled horses.

Yucca’s phytochemicals also help maintain a balanced hindgut microbial ecosystem and provide antioxidant support, contributing to normal inflammatory balance and efficient nutrient utilization.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral required for numerous enzymatic processes involved in metabolism, tissue repair, immune defense, and antioxidant protection. It supports normal hoof growth and integrity, skin and coat condition, joint health, and reproductive function in horses.

In the body, zinc participates in more than 300 enzymatic reactions related to protein synthesis, collagen formation, and insulin regulation. Adequate zinc status contributes to normal glucose metabolism, muscle recovery, and wound healing, while deficiency can impair growth, immunity, and integumentary tissue quality.

Zinc proteinate is an organic, chelated form in which zinc is bound to amino acids or small peptides, improving intestinal absorption and bioavailability compared with inorganic forms such as zinc oxide or zinc sulfate. This form helps ensure more consistent mineral uptake under dietary or physiological stress and supports optimal trace mineral balance when fed alongside copper and manganese.