Nutrition Resources
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Special Equine Health Care Needs:
Senior Horse Care:
- Probiotics: The digestive process in older horses is much less efficient
which makes it even more difficult to get them the nutrients that they need. Feeding a
probiotic will help your horse to make the best use of the vitamins and minerals he ingests.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is typically deficient in older horses
and is a powerful antioxidant in addition to being essential for the production and healing of connective tissues.
- Multi-Vitamins: Look for a product like
Accel Lifetime that meets the following requirements: contains phosphorus (older horses have an increased need for it)
and chelated minerals rather than inorganic minerals (such as sulfates and oxides) because they are more easily absorbed.
- Immune Boosting Supplements: May help protect your horse from infection
and to combat damaging free-radicals.
- Joint Supplements/Anti-Inflammatories:
Older horses frequently have problems with arthritis or joint pain and stiffness. Feeding a
joint supplement or an anti-inflammatory may help your horse remain
limber and agile.
- Daily Dewormers: Keeping up a strict worming schedule is also important
to insure that parasites aren't counteracting all of your efforts.
Restricted Ingredients for Competitors
Some ingredients are restricted by the different assocations if you're competing. The USEF is a great source for finding
out about restricted ingredients.
Click here to view their article, "Practical Advice Regarding the Equine Drugs and Medications Rule".
Please note that while most associations will likely have similar rules you should contact your association directly to
find out which ingredients are restricted.
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Glossary of Active Ingredients:
BCAA: BCAA or, Branched Chain Amino Acids, include leucine, isoleucine and valine. Limited research in horses suggests these specific amino acids are mobilized during exercise and used by the body for energy. This preserves muscle glycogen and other, structural amino acids. BCAAs are therefore believed to delay the onset of fatigue and prevent muscle breakdown especially during aerobic exercise, particularly endurance events.
Biotin:Biotin is a member of the B-vitamin family and, like some other vitamins, is a co-enzyme for several metabolic pathways. It is vital to the growth of strong, healthy hooves due to its role in collagen formation. A number of research studies show that long-term, daily supplementation of Biotin improves the growth rate and hardness of hooves, especially in horses with less than optimum quality hoof horn (soft, brittle, chipped). In addition, because it is a component of the enzyme responsible for the utilization of glucose by the liver, it may support proper insulin and glucose levels.
Bioflavonoids: Bioflavonoids or flavonoids are
a group of plant pigments that act as antioxidants to protect cells from the damaging
effects of free radicals (which are released due to injury, stress or illness).
They are believed to help the body respond to allergies, inflammation, infections
and even cancer.
Boswellia: Boswellia is an herb whose
active ingredients are said to interfere with the enzymes that contribute to inflammation
and pain. By inhibiting lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, Boswellia may act as an
anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.
Bromelain: Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapples that may aid in digestion as well as reduce pain and inflammation. Numerous studies in humans have shown Bromelain and other enzymes to be effective in speeding up recovery from exercise and injury, as well as from surgical procedures. There is evidence that some of the enzyme may be absorbed from the GI system intact and enter into the systemic circulation, where it may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving actions on joints, muscle and connective tissue.
Calcium: (Ca) is a macromineral found in highest amounts in bone and teeth. However, it also has important roles in muscle contraction, cell membranes, blood clotting, enzyme regulation and hormone release. Absorption of Calcium from the small intestine is controlled by Vitamin D but can be reduced if there is too much Phosphorus in the diet. Ideally, horses should receive slightly more Calcium than Phosphorus—a ratio between 1:1 to 2:1 is probably safe. Pregnant and lactating mares, growing horses and exercising horses may need more dietary Calcium than an adult horse at rest.
L-Carnitine:L-Carnitine is an amino acid that transports fat into mitochondria for aerobic oxidation and energy generation. By enhancing the body's use of fat for energy and therefore sparing muscle glycogen, Carnitine may provide benefits during aerobic exercise, particularly endurance events.
Cetyl Myristoleate: Cetyl Myristoleate is a unique fatty acid (Omega-5) discovered by a research chemist at the National Institute of Health (NIH) that is used for both joint inflammation and pain. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, it has been suggested that Cetyl Myristoleate may inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipooxygenase (LOX) pathways, decreasing production of inflammatory and pain mediators. It can be obtained from animal or plant sources. However, the animal source (beef tallow), provides a higher percentage of active ingredient than the plant source, requiring a much smaller serving size.
Chamomile:Chamomile is known as “the calming herb,” although it has many uses both internally and externally in people and animals. It is classified as a nervine because it is an herb with specific actions on the nervous system. Because of its anti-spasm and anti-inflammatory properties, it is especially helpful for horses that process anxiety through their intestinal system (diarrhea, colic, weight loss).
Choline: An essential nutrient that is a precursor
of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter). Has indications for concentration, memory
and muscle performance and prevents fat build-up in the liver.
Chondroitin Sulfate:Chondroitin Sulfate is not only the building block of the much larger molecules hyaluronic acid (HA) and proteoglycan (PG) it also inhibits the effects of various enzymes that degrade cartilage. Research has shown that chondroitin sulfate is bioavailable in the horse and that it appears to work synergistically with glucosamine to stimulate new cartilage production and inhibit cartilage breakdown.
Chloride: (Cl) is a macromineral commonly referred to as an electrolyte because it helps maintain the body’s acid/base balance and hydration status. It is also commonly referred to as “salt” when combined with its partner Sodium. Chloride is an essential component of two intestinal secretions necessary for digestion and absorption of nutrients: bile and hydrochloric acid (HCL), better known as “stomach acid.” When the horse’s Sodium needs are met, its Chloride needs are usually also met.
Chromium: Chromium (Cr) is a trace mineral which works
with insulin to regulate blood sugar. There may be a relationship between Cr deficiency
and insulin resistance. Supplementing with Cr has been shown to increase fat loss
and increase lean muscle mass.
Cobalt: (Co) is a micromineral used by intestinal microorganisms to produce Vitamin B12, which works with Iron and Copper to form healthy red blood cells. It is of minor interest because this is its only role in the body, no known cases of deficiency or toxicity have been reported, and horses take in all the Cobalt they need from their normal diets.
Collagen: Collagen is the main structural
protein found in the connective tissues of the body (skin, bones, cartilage, tendons,
ligaments). Hydrolyzed collagen protein (gelatin) is a modified form that has been
broken down into smaller pieces making it easier to digest and absorb. Collagen
and gelatin are inexpensive ingredients used to support joint health, nourish bones
and the tendons and ligaments surrounding them, and aid in recovery from exercise
and injury.
Copper: (Cu) is a micromineral required for production of normal connective tissues including tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone. As a component of many enzyme systems, it is also involved in making Iron available to the body for blood, in producing skin and coat pigments, in proper nerve signaling and in repairing antioxidants. Low Copper levels in mares and foals have been implicated in developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) including osteochrondrosis (OCD).
Creatine: Creatine is a component of creatine phosphate (CP), known as the storage form of quick energy. CP is stored in muscles where it helps regenerate ATP, the main source of cellular energy, by replacing Phosphorous molecules as they are released. Numerous human studies have demonstrated positive effects of Creatine supplementation for sports requiring repeated bouts of high intensity exercise (ie anerobic activities).
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Devil's Claw: Devil’s Claw is a South African herb (Harpagophytum procumbens) that is used for pain and inflammation of bone, joints and other tissues. Data from 14 clinical trials in people conducted over the last 40 years suggest Devil’s Claw is effective in the reduction of pain associated with osteoarthritis and is associated with minor risk, when compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). Because it contains “bitters” as an active ingredient, which encourages appetite but stimulates the secretion of stomach acids, it should be used with caution in animals at risk for GI ulcers.
Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous Earth is made
up of the crushed fossils of microscopic marine life. The crushed fossils are comprised
mainly of silicon particles which are very hard and sharp. These sharp edges, while
being completely safe for animals, pierce the protective shells of insects and parasites,
causing them to dehydrate and die. Diatomaceous Earth also helps to control the
fly population at your barn by destroying the fly larvae in the manure.
DMG: DMG (Dimethylglycine) is a naturally occurring substance
in the body and in many foods, but in low levels. Supplementing with this readily
absorbed ingredient makes additional DMG available to cells throughout the body,
where it is involved in energy production processes that use oxygen. DMG is used
to enhance muscle metabolism (especially in horses prone to tying-up), boost the
immune system and also serves as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek is the number one preferred
flavor in horses, and is added to supplements and feeds to stimulate appetite. This
herb contains a soluble fiber known as mucilage which may slow the digestion and
absorption of food from the intestine. Fenugreek may reduce blood sugar and support
healthy metabolic function in insulin resistant horses.
Gamma Oryzanol: Gamma Oryzanol is a natural,
hormone-like substance found in rice bran. It may have muscle building properties
in horses, helping hard keepers put on weight and equine athletes improve performance.
In order for muscle to build properly with the use of Gamma Oryzanol, high-quality
protein must be fed and there must be an active training program.
Garlic: Garlic is the most widely fed herb for horses
because of its low cost and wide range of uses. Garlic is most commonly used for
fly control, as an immune system boosting, anti-oxidant, for improving circulation,
as a natural antibiotic, a digestive aid, an expectorant and to ease respiratory
irritation. Garlic contains many vitamins and minerals such as sulfur
(which is what keeps the flies and mosquitoes away), copper,
chromium, iron, selenium, and
zinc. Garlic's antibiotic properties are special because they only kill
the harmful bacteria and leave the good bacteria that live in the gut and aid digestion.
Garlic also has anti-fungal properties and aids circulation.
Gelatin: See Collagen
Glucosamine:Glucosamine is the building block of chondroitin sulfate, a specific type of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG). Current research suggests glucosamine has two beneficial actions in joints. Not only does it increase the production of new GAGs and therefore new cartilage, glucosamine has also been shown to inhibit the free radicals and enzymes that break down cartilage. This small but complex molecule has an important role in both the production and protection of joints.
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L-Glutamine: L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino
acid in the body, especially in muscle tissue. Although it is not an essential amino
acid, there is such great demand for its use in the body that production may not
be able to keep up with consumption, so supplementing may be necessary. Glutamine
is involved in more metabolic processes than any other amino acid, including building
muscle, repairing intestinal tissue and enhancing the immune system.
Glycine: A protein-forming amino acid that has been
shown to increase electrolyte mineral absorption.
Grape Seed
Extract: Super-powerful antioxidant that is 50 times more potent than
Vitamin E and 20 times more potent than Vitamin C in its antioxidant benefits. Frequently
used to boost the immune system. Grape Seed
Extract also aids in the absorption of Vitamin C, helps to prevent capillary
damage (including lung bleeding) and eases respiratory problems especially those
brought on by allergies.
HMB: HMB (also known as Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate) is related to the amino acid leucine and is a popular supplement among bodybuilders. Studies in humans suggest it may increase lean muscle mass in two different ways: by blocking pathways that degrade muscle cell protein and by directly stimulating new protein synthesis. Because it may help prevent muscle breakdown and facilitate muscle repair, it may be especially useful to horses in heavy training.
Hops: Hops is most recognized as the flavoring agent in beer. However, this herb has also been used for centuries to relieve nervous tension, anxiety, irritability and other mood disturbances and therefore is classified as a nervine, or, an herb with specific actions on the nervous system. In humans, it has been shown to aid in sleep disturbances such as insomnia. In horses, it is most useful for those that process anxiety in the head and become distracted and unfocused.
Hyaluronic
Acid: Hyaluronic Acid or HA is an integral component of joint cartilage and joint fluid, providing both lubrication and shock absorption. Hyaluronic acid is what makes joint fluid “sticky.” Because it blocks inflammatory reactions, protecting cells in the joint, HA is especially useful in acute situations as well as flare-ups of chronic joint conditions.
Inositol: Inositol is closely related
to the B-vitamin family and is found in nearly every cell in the body. Because of
its location within the cell membrane, it plays two major roles: transporting fats
and assisting in nerve transmission. By participating in the action of serotonin,
a neurotransmitter whose brain levels are known to be a factor in anxiety, inositol
may be helpful in nervous horses.
Iodine:(I) is a micromineral whose only known function is as part of the thyroid hormones which regulate metabolism. Like Selenium and most other microminerals, the margin between safe and toxic dietary levels is small. Unfortunately, too much Iodine and too little Iodine both result in the same clinical sign—and enlarged thyroid gland or “goiter.” Although Iodine requirements increase slightly for exercising horses as well as mares and foals, determine if your horse is already receiving enough Iodine from the diet before supplementing.
Iron: (Fe) is a micromineral found in the hemoglobin of red blood cells (RBCs), the myoglobin of muscle cells, and various enzyme systems. Many horsemen supplement Iron to enhance energy levels and performance, but Iron deficiency in horses is rare and increasing Iron in the body has not been shown to improve RBCs or athletic ability. Because horses usually receive plenty of Iron in their diets, and because excess Iron in the body can cause deficiencies of other microminerals, it should only be supplemented when anemia due to Iron deficiency has been verified by a veterinarian through bloodwork.
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Licorice: Licorice is one of the most widely used
herbs for people and animals in both Western and Chinese medicine. Sweet and soothing,
licorice is used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, expectorant and other healing
activities. The deglycyrrhized form is preferred because it has less side effects.
Lysine: An essential amino acid (must be present in
the diet since the body cannot create it on its own) that is most commonly found
to be missing in the horse's diet. Lysine is necessary for the proper use of all
of the amino acids. Deficiencies in any of the essential amino acids can lead to
decreased growth and development as well as a low tolerance for stress.
Manganese:(Mn) is a micromineral crucial for proper formation of chondroitin sulfate and therefore healthy bones and joints. It is also essential in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Supplementation should be considered because not all diets provide the same levels of Manganese, it is among the least toxic of the trace minerals, and it plays an important role in young growing horses as well as active performance horses.
Magnesium: (Mg) is a macromineral that serves as an electrolyte in the blood, as an activator of hundreds of enzymes, and as a participant in muscle contractions. A normal diet can meet the Magnesium requirements of most adult horses in maintenance. However, pregnant and lactating mares, young growing horses, and especially horses in moderate to heavy work have additional requirements for Magnesium. Because one of the clinical signs of Magnesium deficiency is nervousness, it is added to many calming supplements.
Methionine: Methionine is an amino acid that is
essential in producing cystine. Cystine is one of the amino acids that is present
in keratin, the protein that the hoof wall is primarily made of. Methionine is also
indicated for maintaining normal skin, tendons, cartilage and ligaments.
MSM:
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a source of organic sulfur which is required for
a number of functions in the body. Sulfur plays critical roles in the formation
of protein, connective tissue, immunoglobulins and enzymes. MSM is a safe and inexpensive
compound that may support healthy joints; a strong immune system; and resilient
skin, coat and hooves.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:Omega-3 Fatty Acids are named for their chemical structure but are valued for their health benefits. In order for the body to function well, there must be a balance between the omega-3s (generally considered anti-inflammatory) and the omega-6s (generally considered pro-inflammatory). Unfortunately, horses that do not have access to grass may be getting too many omega-6 fatty acids from their fortified grain. To bring the ratio back into balance, many people feed flax seed to their horses, the greatest plant source of omega-3s. Flax seed is 40% oil, and nearly 60% of that oil is alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 that can be converted by the body into DHA and EPA, which have additional benefits.
Perna: Perna (Perna Mussel, Green-lipped Mussel, Sea
Mussel) is a shellfish that naturally contains a number of active compounds that
work against inflammation and the destructive cycle of degenerative joint disease.
The unique combination of biologically active proteins, chelated minerals, glycosaminoglycans,
amino acids, nucleic acids and essential fatty acids work together to maintain healthy
connective tissue.
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Phosphorus: (P) is a macromineral that, like Calcium, is found in highest amounts in bone. It is also required for energy production and the synthesis of many vital compounds such as DNA. Because Phosphorus is present in high amounts in cereal grains, especially wheat bran, some horses receive too much Phosphorus and not enough Calcium then develop problems. To avoid this, first make sure the horse’s diet meets at least the minimum recommended NRC levels of both Calcium and Phosphorus, then make sure the ratio between the two is somewhere in the 1:1 to 2:1 range.
Potassium: (K) is a macromineral commonly referred to as an electrolyte because it helps maintain the body’s acid/base balance and hydration status. Since it is the main electrolyte involved in muscle contraction, the highest amounts of Potassium in the body are found in muscle tissue, including the heart. Fortunately, most horses receive all the Potassium they need from their forage, and only need to be supplemented during hot weather or heavy exercise, to replace sweat losses. The amount of Potassium in the diet of HYPP horses must be closely monitored. Consult your veterinarian for feed and supplement recommendations.
Prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible soluble
fiber that serve as food for the probiotics or "good" bugs and stimulate
their growth. Examples of prebiotics are fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria
and yeast) fed to promote healthy digestive and immune function. When these "good"
bugs break down food ingredients that the body normally can't, they produce energy
and vitamins for the body, food for cells in the cecum and colon, and byproducts
that keep the "bad" bugs from growing. Research suggests probiotics are
useful in repopulating the intestine with "good" bugs after antibiotic
use and may benefit certain horses with diarrhea.
Psyllium:
Commonly used in the prevention and treatment of sand colic,
psyllium is a highly soluble plant fiber that turns into a gelatinous substance
in the horse's gut and absorbs sand and harmful residues and passes them safely
through the digestive tract. A must if you live in a sandy area and feed your horse
on the ground.
Pyrantel Tartrate:
The active ingredient in daily wormers,
pyrantel tartrate paralyzes parasites and moves them through the horse's system
so they are unable to encyst themselves into the intestinal wall. 2.11% Pyrantel
Tartrate is the common percentage found in daily wormers.
Daily wormers prevent infestation, stopping larvae and adult worms before
they have a chance to migrate out of the intestinal tract and do permanent damage.
With daily de-wormer the manufacturers
also recommend ivermectin twice a year, usually in the Spring after the thaw and
again in the Fall. (Ivermectin should
also be used when first starting a horse on daily
de-wormer.)
Riboflavin Riboflavin or Vitamin B2, is required for aerobic energy production in the body and other chemical processes. Usually horses can meet the NRC dietary requirement of Riboflavin from a combination of fresh grass or alfalfa hay plus microbial production of the vitamin in the intestine. However, stabled horses with little access to pasture or heavily exercised horses may require supplementation. Because the family of B-vitamins works closely together within the cells of the body, if you supplement one you should supplement the others.
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Selenium:
Selenium is a trace mineral that partners with Vitamin E in the body’s antioxidant defense system to trap free radicals produced by exercise, illness and certain medical conditions. While some parts of the country have high levels of Selenium in their soil and therefore the plants that grow there, Selenium deficiency has been reported in 46 states. Therefore, most horses will need supplementation to meet the NRC requirement of 1mg/day for maintenance. For optimum immune function and exercise recovery, 2 to 3 mg/day is recommended, which is still well below the 5mg/day which may be the upper safe limit. Selenium Yeast, the organic form of the mineral, is better absorbed than inorganic Selenium Selenate or Selenite.
Silica:Silica is the second-most plentiful element on earth, yet horses may not receive adequate levels from their diets because not all forms of silica are bioavailable and it is easily destroyed in processing. Research over the last 30 years has shown that silica increases bone growth and density while decreasing bone loss and thinning, maintains the strength of connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments, has a positive effect on wound healing, is required in cartilage formation and improves the quality and appearance of skin, hair and hooves.
Sodium:(Na) is a macromineral commonly referred to as an electrolyte because it helps maintain the body’s acid/base balance and hydration status. It is also commonly referred to as “salt,” when combined with its partner Chloride. Sodium is critical for normal nerve and muscle function, as well as transport of many substances (such as glucose) across cell membranes. There is very little Sodium in forages and grains, so it must be supplied separately. Because horses may not consume enough salt from a regular livestock block to meet their needs--especially in hot weather or during heavy exercise--it may need to be topdressed on feed.
Soluble Fiber:
(See Prebiotics)
Sodium Chloride
(NaCl): Commonly known as salt,
Sodium Chloride is a critical part of the horse's diet. It's necessary
for regulating hydration in the body and for muscle and nerve impulse generation.
Dehydration is a direct result of
Sodium
Chloride deficiency. All horses should have access to salt and fresh water.
Lactating mares and horses on a heavy exercise regimen are especially indicated
for increased levels of
salt in
their diet.
Soluble Fiber:
(See Prebiotics )
Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD): Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD),
also known as orgotein, is the most important and effective antioxidant in the body
and is the first line of defense against free radicals that damage cells. However,
it is a delicate protein that is quickly degraded by the acids and enzymes in the
stomach. In order to pass through to the intestine where it can be absorbed and
used by the body, it must be coated with a protective layer.
Sulfur: (S) is a macromineral found in certain amino acids (methionine and cysteine), certain B-vitamins (thiamine and biotin), as well as heparin, insulin and chondroitin sulfate. Therefore Sulfur serves major structure and function roles in the body. It is a component of proteins such as enzymes and of connective tissue such as hooves, bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Sulfur is also involved in carbohydrate metabolism, blood clotting and joint health. Horses meet their Sulfur requirements from their diet and only one incidence of toxicity due to excess has ever been reported.
Taurine: Taurine is an amino acid found
in high concentrations in electrically active tissues such as the brain, heart,
retina and muscle. It stabilizes membranes and assists in the movement of electrolytes
in and out of cells, which is critical for proper nerve transmission and muscle
contraction. Taurine also acts as a detoxifier, is necessary for the absorption
of fats and vitamins, and influences proper insulin and glucose levels. It can be
found in supplements for growing horses, nervous horses and horses with metabolic
issues.
Thiamine: Thiamine or Vitamin B1, is important in carbohydrate metabolism and in the transmission of impulses along nerves (for this reason it is often used in calming supplements). The NRC has set a daily dietary requirement for Thiamine because, unlike most of the other B-vitamins, microorganisms in the intestine do not make enough Thiamine to meet the horse’s needs. Fortunately fresh forage and cereal grains are good sources of this vitamin. However, horses that are exercising or do not have access to pasture or fortified grains may need additional supplementation.
L-Tryptophan: L-Tryptophan is
an essential amino acid that is converted by the body into serotonin, melatonin
and other hormones that transmit nerve signals in the brain. The effect of serotonin
is to increase the feelings of well-being and contentment, to calm and to soothe.
Valerian: Valerian is a “nervine,” or, an herb with specific actions on the nervous system. Its sedating effects can be so potent that it should not be used by people or animals taking central nervous system (CNS) prescription medications or undergoing surgery using general anesthesia. Valerian rebalances a nervous system struggling with restlessness, anxiety and, in humans, insomnia. Because it also relieves muscle cramps and spasms associated with tension, it is especially helpful in horses that process anxiety through their muscles.
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Vervain: Vervain (also known as Verbena) is an herb
used for many reasons in people, but mostly for calming in horses. Characterized
as a "nervine," an herb with specific actions on the nervous system, several
compounds have been isolated from the plant and shown to have actions on nerve cells.
Vervain may help rebalance the nervous system of horses with nervous, excess energy,
helping them slow down and concentrate.
Vitamin A:Vitamin A is well-known for its role in maintaining healthy vision, especially night vision. However, it is also needed for reproduction, immunity, and normal skeletal development in young growing horses and exercising horses that are remodeling bone. Horses must satisfy their Vitamin A requirement from their diet, but only horses on fresh green pasture or high-quality alfalfa are likely to meet that requirement. Horses on grass hay, horses with no access to pasture, or horses that are exercising or breeding probably need supplementation.
Vitamin B The Vitamin B family is made up of several compounds that serve many important roles in the body: protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism; energy production; proper nerve cell transmission; and cell reproduction and division (especially rapidly dividing ones such as red blood cells). B-vitamins include Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Folic Acid (B9), and Cyanocobalamin (B12). Choline, Biotin, Inositol and others are sometimes referred to as B-vitamins. For most of the B-vitamins, microorganisms in the large intestine make all the horse needs. Only Thiamine and Riboflavin have NRC dietary requirements. However, research suggests B-vitamin supplementation may be beneficial to stabled horses with little access to fresh pasture, heavily exercising horses, pregnant and lactating mares, horses with GI conditions that may interfere with normal gut flora, and any periods of stress (injury, illness, shipping, old age, etc.)
Vitamin C
(Ascorbic Acid, Ester C):Vitamin C is an antioxidant that works with Vitamin A and Vitamin E to protect the tissues of the body, especially those of the respiratory system. It is also important in the production of connective tissues like tendons and ligaments, skin and hooves, bones and teeth. Under normal circumstances, horses make their own Vitamin C in the liver from glucose. However, disease, transport, “heaves,” old age and endurance exercise have all been shown to decrease blood levels of Vitamin C, indicating horses undergoing these particular stresses may benefit from dietary supplementation.
Vitamin D (Calciferol):Vitamin D plays an indirect role in bone growth and maintenance by managing the levels of Calcium (Ca) in the body. It controls the absorption of Ca from the intestine, the movement of Ca into and out of bone, and the amount of Ca excreted by the kidneys. While a minimum requirement has been set by the NRC, it is assumed that horses make all the Vitamin D they need simply by exposure to sunlight, which converts precursors of Vitamin D in the skin to the active form of the vitamin. However, horses kept indoors for prolonged periods, horses fed poor quality hay, very young foals or exercising horses that are remodeling bone may need supplementation.
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Vitamin E
(Tocopherol): Vitamin E is most recognized as an antioxidant that works closely with its partners Selenium and Vitamin C to protect the body from the oxidative stress of exercise, illness and certain medical conditions. Found in high amounts in fresh pasture, levels begin to decay the moment pasture is cut for hay. That is why any horse that does not have access to grass-- regardless of its activity level or health--should receive Vitamin E supplementation. Although synthetic Vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol) is bioavailable to the horse, natural Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) is better absorbed.
Vitamin K (Menadione):Vitamin K is necessary for the activation of proteins which play a role in blood clotting, bone metabolism and vascular health. The combination of Vitamin K from pasture or hay and that produced by bacteria in the large intestine is considered adequate for the normal healthy horse’s needs. Horses that may need Vitamin K supplementation include those with anticoagulants (dicumarol, coumarin, warfarin) in their system, whether accidentally or as part of medical therapy, with chronic liver conditions, or with disturbances of the GI microorganisms such as colic, diarrhea or antibiotic treatment.
Yeast: (See
Prebiotics and
Probiotics)
Yucca:Yucca is an herb native to North and Central America used by ancient and modern civilizations to relieve pain and inflammation. While it’s mechanism of action is largely unknown, active ingredients have been isolated from Yucca that have antioxidant, anti-platelet clumping and anti-inflammatory properties.
Zinc :(Zn) is a micromineral involved in over 100 enzyme systems ranging from connective tissue formation and antioxidant protection to carbohydrate metabolism and immune system function. It is most recognized for its role in healthy skin and hooves and supplementation should be considered because amounts in normal feedstuffs may not meet requirements and toxicity has not been reported.
L-Tryptophan: L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is converted by the body into serotonin, melatonin and other hormones that transmit nerve signals in the brain. The effect of serotonin is to increase the feelings of well-being and contentment, to calm and to soothe.
Valerian: Commonly found in calming supplements, Valerian is a natural tranquilizer used to
calm nervous, irritable horses without hindering performance. If you compete, you should check the rules of your association
before giving your horse any calming supplements since their use is sometimes prohibited. You should consult your veterinarian
before feeding valerian to pregnant or lactating mares.
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Vervain: Vervain (also known as Verbena) is an herb used for many reasons in people, but mostly for
calming in horses. Characterized as a "nervine," an herb with specific actions on the nervous system, several compounds
have been isolated from the plant and shown to have actions on nerve cells. Vervain may help rebalance the nervous system of horses
with nervous, excess energy, helping them slow down and concentrate.
Vitamin A (Retinol): Vitamin A is particularly important for horses that have little or no
access to fresh grass, horses that are breeding, and horses that are prone to skin problems. Vitamin A is essential for
eye health, bone growth, sperm and egg production, and growth of the cells that line the respiratory and digestive tracts,
as well was the reproductive organs.
Vitamin B (B1-Thiamine, B2-Riboflavin, B3-Niacin,
B4-Choline Chloride, B5-Pantothenic Acid, B6-Pyridoxine, B7-Biotin, B8-Inositol, B9-Folic Acid, B10-Para-amino-benzoic acid
(PABA), B12-Cobalamin, B13-Orotic Acid, B14-Betaine, B15-Dimethylglycine (DMG)): B Vitamins are especially important
for horses that aren't eating normally or that are under stress brought on by age, heavy exercise, illness, injury, transport,
surgery or infection. Thiamine is sometimes used to help to prevent tying up. Vitamin B12 has been shown to aid in the production
of red blood cells.
Vitamin B deficiency is marked by nervousness and
irritability.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Ester C):
Vitamin C is essential to the production of connective tissues (ligaments, tendons, cartilage).
Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that boosts immune system health and helps to keep the lungs infection
and irritant free. Older horses in particular will benefit from increased intake of
Vitamin C.
Vitamin D (Calciferol): Vitamin D is created when a compound in the skin is exposed to the
sun's ultraviolet rays. Horses that are not exposed to outdoor light for long periods (longer than one month) may need to
be supplemented with Vitamin D. Vitamin D is critical to normal bone growth and development. Too much Vitamin D results
in Calcium deposits in the blood vessels and excessive doses can be toxic. Consult your veterinarian before supplementing
with Vitamin D in amounts greater than 11,000 IU/day for an 1100 lb horse.
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Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Vitamin E is an
antioxidant that is essential to normal muscle function and is particularly helpful in horses that are exercised frequently.
Damaging free radicals are generated during exercise and supplementing with
Vitamin
E can help to protect the muscle cells.
Vitamin K (Menadione): Necessary for proper liver function and blood clotting. Moldy sweet
clover and some anticoagulants can interfere with the production of Vitamin K.
Yeast: (See
Prebiotics and
Probiotics)
Yucca: Yucca is a natural anti-inflamatory and is believed to have pain killing properties. Yucca
is also used to control ammonia and to aid in digestion.
Zinc: Zinc aids in protein synthesis which is needed for proper hoof growth. In order to best
absorb zinc and copper, it is recommended to feed them at a ratio from 3:1 to 5:1 (zinc to copper)
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or advice (or the use of such information or advice) that is provided on this web site or incorporated into it by reference.
The information on the SmartPak Equine web site is provided on the basis that all persons accessing this site undertake
responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.
References:
Kellon, E. (1998).
Equine Supplements & Nutraceuticals. Breakthrough
Publications, NY.