If you’re a horse owner, chances are that you’re aware of the many equine health supplements that are available. You might have talked to a friend who has used fish oil with success, perhaps, or had a stablemate recommend a joint supplement. You may be tempted by the wide variety of supplements that claim to solve any type of equine ailment, but not so fast! Let’s get some facts straight first.
Many supplements are effective and veterinarian-approved, but it’s important to get your supplements from a source you can trust. At SeaPet, our line of all-natural horse supplements is used by horse owners to address the effects of arthritis, dry skin, anxiety, and so much more. Here’s a rundown of the most popular horse supplements used today.
Horse Joint Supplements
Joint supplements for horses are one of the most popular supplements on the market today. Osteoarthritis affects a horse’s joints and can cause painful symptoms for your four-legged friend. Though osteoarthritis is most common in older horses, horses of any age can suffer from the effects of arthritis. Healthy horses can benefit from joint supplements as well, helping to keep joints in good working condition, supporting overall joint health.
It’s important to seek out a joint supplement for horses that’s made of quality ingredients, including chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane (or MSM for short). These are three veterinarian-approved compounds that can help to establish (or even regain) mobility. These three work in combination to target every aspect of the joint, from bone health to ligament strength to reducing inflammation in the joint itself.
Vitamin Supplements for Horses
Vitamin supplements are not needed by all horses, but certain types of horses may benefit from additional vitamins. Your horse may get all they need from feed. However, if your horse is exclusively grass- or hay-fed, they may need a vitamin supplement. In addition, nursing mares, mares in gestation, and young horses may benefit from extra vitamin supplements. Your vet will provide you with guidance as to which vitamins and minerals your horse may need. Here are a few of the most common supplements and their uses:
- Vitamin A: Vital for vision, proper muscular function, and reproductive health. Horses rarely need this kind of supplementation unless they have no access to green grass or hay.
- B Vitamins: Boosts a horse’s overall ability to digest food thoroughly. Horses produce almost all of the B vitamins they need all on their own. However, horses with poor-quality hooves may benefit from supplementation.
- Vitamin C: Protects cells and aids in the production of collagen. Vitamin C levels may need supplementation during times of stress, but oral supplements aren’t very effective. Vitamin C is best delivered in injection form.
- Vitamin D: Aids the functions that are necessary for maintaining healthy bones and joints. Just like in humans, Vitamin D is produced naturally when they enjoy time spent outdoors. The only horses who need vitamin D supplementation are generally horses who are kept entirely indoors.
- Vitamin K: Vital for the proper function of blood clotting. This vitamin is naturally present in hay, and your horse’s large intestine also produces vitamin K. The most common reason for supplementation with vitamin K is an encounter with certain toxins such as rodent poisons
Horse Skin and Coat Health Boosters
A shiny, healthy coat is a great indicator of a healthy horse. Adding dietary essential fatty acids is an effective way to help your horse’s coat gleam from the inside out. While it’s easy to find supplements for horse skin and coat health, you want to make the right choice when it comes to providing your horse with the best supplement. One of the most popular (and effective) is fish oil.
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital to good skin health. Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids can cause sensitive, inflamed, and itchy skin. Cold-pressed, distilled fish oil derived from small fish provides the best Owners who are looking for a natural solution to a dull coat may find that omega-3-rich fish oil is just the stuff for that stubborn dandruff.
Equine Calming Agents
Horses suffer from anxiety just like humans do. If you’ve noticed your horse getting spicy during trailering or vet visits, it may be anxiety. Horse supplements for anxiety abound, from herbal formulas to pharmaceuticals. The most common natural solutions include horse supplements with tryptophan (yes, the same compound that makes you sleepy after a big turkey dinner!) and CBD. Horses with high anxiety levels may need something stronger, like Prozac, hydroxyzine, or Gabapentin. However, these pharmaceutical solutions also come with an increased risk for serious side effects.
CBD is becoming an increasingly popular option as a supplement for horses with anxiety. It’s a safer alternative to pharmaceutical sedatives, and horses seem to be quite receptive to CBD. When you choose a CBD product for your horse, make sure that it’s been third-party tested so you know you’re not giving your horse any THC, the cannabinoid that gives cannabis its psychoactive effects!
The Best Supplements for Horses
As you can see, almost any type of horse can benefit from natural supplements. Of course, not all solutions are appropriate for all horses. You’ll want to do thorough research and consult with your vet before beginning any supplementation program, whether all-natural or not. They can advise you on any contraindications your horse may have, provide you with guidance on dosing, talk to you about reasonable expectations, and even give you specific recommendations for products.
Your vet’s recommendation will likely be given with a caution to buy only the best. At SeaPet, we go above and beyond when it comes to our horse supplements. We third-party test all of our products so we know that we’re providing you with high-quality, consistent products for your horse. We take the time to source the best horse supplements and have over a quarter-century of experience in the equine care industry. For horse supplements you can trust, buy SeaPet.


