Horse Supplements & Balanced Diet
Horse Supplements & Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is the backbone of equine health. Supplements fill the gaps, support performance, and address specific needs. In this guide, we’ll explore how to integrate key supplements into a horse’s daily feed, ensuring nutrients work together rather than compete.
1. Why Supplements Matter in a Balanced Diet
Even the best hay and grains can lack certain nutrients. Supplements help:
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Bridge nutritional gaps—like extra magnesium or probiotics.
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Support targeted needs—joints, digestion, temperament.
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Enhance performance—keeping muscles, hooves & gut in sync.
“Think of supplements as seasoning—too much ruins the dish, too little leaves it bland.”
2. Calming Supplements for Stress & Focus
When daily work or shows ramp up nerves, calm your horse without dumbing them down:
Top Picks:
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Calm & Collected Gold—magnesium + L‑tryptophan
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Cavalor® Calm—valerian + passionflower
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Seroquine™ Powder—herb‑free amino blend
Tip: Introduce 7–10 days before an event for best effect.
3. Digestive Supplements to Keep Guts Happy
A healthy gut means fewer colic episodes and better nutrient uptake.
Key Choices:
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GutHealth Xtra Strength Pellets—probiotics + prebiotics
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Probios Dispersible Powder—easy‑mix saccharomyces
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dac® Cool Gut—herbal soothe + psyllium husk
Dosage: Spread small doses throughout the day to mimic constant grazing.
4. Joint Supplements for Mobility & Comfort
Keep arthritic or aging horses moving with:
Our Favorites:
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Cosequin® ASU—glucosamine + ASU
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Absorbine Flex + Max Pellets—MSM + HA
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Equithrive Joint Powder—sea cucumber + MSM
Pro Tip: Start early—even in young performance horses—to slow cartilage wear.
5. Hormonal Support for Mares & Riggy Geldings
Balance mood swings and seasonal behavior with targeted botanicals:
Leading Formulas:
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RigCalm Supplement—chasteberry + raspberry leaf
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Mare Plus® Gestation & Lactation Pellets—balanced vitamins for broodmares
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Smart & Simple® Raspberry Leaf—pure leaf powder
Reminder: Herbs can take 2–4 weeks to show full effect.
6. Respiratory & Electrolyte Support (Checklist)
Horses in heavy work need clear airways and balanced electrolytes. Use this quick‑reference chart:
| Supplement Type | Product | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebulizer Care | Flexineb E3 Portable Nebulizer | As needed | Follow vet protocol |
| Electrolyte Mix | Equine Omega Vitamin E + salt | Daily during work | Top‑dress with half dose in breakfast & dinner |
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Tick off:
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Never skip “rest days” without electrolyte boost
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Clean nebulizer after each session
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7. Miscellaneous & Dewormers
For general health, a deworming schedule is crucial—consider adding:
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Quest® Gel Dewormer—moxidectin for resistant strains
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Panacur Powerpac—fenbendazole double‑dose
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Safe‑Guard Paste—pyrantel for tapeworm
Note: Rotate active ingredients every 6 months to prevent resistance.
8. Integrating Supplements into Your Feed Plan
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Audit your forage—test hay for nutrient content.
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Select 2–3 core supplements—avoid overlap (e.g., two MSM sources).
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Stagger dosing—morning: digestive + joint; evening: calming + hormones.
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Monitor & adjust—watch coat, hooves, behavior; tweak as needed.
“Keep a log—dates, doses, observed changes. It’s the simplest way to know what truly works.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mix all these in one bucket?
A: Better to split doses—some work best on an empty stomach.
Q: How soon will I see results?
A: Calming—hours; digestion—days; joints & hormones—weeks.
Q: Are supplements safe long‑term?
A: Yes, when dosed correctly and rotated as needed.
Q: Which supplement do I add first?
A: Start with digestive support—good gut health underpins everything.
A balanced diet plus the right supplements equals a happier, healthier horse. Adjust based on workload, age, and veterinary advice—and you’ll see the difference in shine, stride, and mood.
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