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Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in a wide range of activities within the horse's body. Niacin is most well known for its ability to increase blood flow and improve circulation. It has also been shown to influence nutrient metabolism, digestion, nerve function, skin health, and more.

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Mature horses at maintenance typically require 35 milligrams of vitamin B3 per day, and deficiency is not a problem in most parts of the world. Niacin is widely available in the horse's diet and exists in both bound and unbound forms. Only the unbound form can be used by the horse. Although grains are high in vitamin B3, most of it is bound and unavailable to the horse.

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Niacin, like other B-vitamins, can be produced by microbes in the horse's hindgut. Depending on your horse's diet, this may be the main source of niacin. Niacin can also be made in the horse's liver from the amino acid tryptophan.

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Some horses may benefit from supplementation with this vitamin. In certain cases, the amino acid leucine can interfere with niacin production in the liver, so horses on high-protein diets often benefit from higher levels of niacin in the diet. Horses engaged in light to heavy work also require more — at levels of 60 milligrams and 100 milligrams, respectively.

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Wondering how much niacin is in your horse's diet? Contact Mad Barn for a complementary dietary analysis, and our equine nutritionists will help you make appropriate changes to your horse's feeding regimen.