Magnesium For Horses
Magnesium is a macromineral that serves as an electrolyte in the blood, in hundreds of enzyme reactions, and in muscle contractions and nerve signaling. A horse deficient in magnesium may show signs of nervousness, muscle tremors, and ataxia (lack of muscle coordination, gait abnormalities). Equine Clinical and Applied Nutrition states that low levels have also been linked to behavioral consequences, while Veterinary Clinics of North America describes the importance of magnesium for proper immune system function as well as normal insulin action on glucose (blood sugar).
Sources and Bioavailability of Magnesium for Horses
According to the most current NRC (Nutrient Requirements of Horses), magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium carbonate appear to be equivalent as supplemental dietary sources of magnesium for horses and have a higher absorption rate (70%) than the magnesium found in nature.
Serving Size: An 1100lb adult horse in no work requires 7.5 grams (7,500 milligrams) of magnesium in the diet each day, which can normally be met by a complete and balanced diet. Exercise, lactation, and growth all increase the requirement for magnesium, with very heavy work actually doubling it to 15g/day.
Toxicity: Having too much magnesium in the body is rare in all species because it is readily excreted in urine. And although controlled studies of magnesium toxicity in horses specifically have not been performed, the maximum tolerable concentration in the diet has been set at 0.8%, which is 80 grams or 80,000 milligrams. Not sure which supplement is right for your horse? We have compiled comparison charts so that you can compare active ingredient amounts in the following categories for Calming Supplements and Metabolic Supplements.
This formula may be administered in addition to a daily serving of SmartCalm Pellets or SmartCalm Ultra Pellets.
• Provides a complete selection of fat- and water-soluble vitamins, plus a carefully balanced panel of macro and micro minerals to complement the diet of your performance horse, regardless of forage type
• Includes higher levels of the nutrients that have an increased requirement for horses in heavy exercise, including vitamin E, magnesium, and the B-vitamin complex
• Contains betaine, which is related to the B vitamin family and helps cells maintain normal fluid levels
These pellets are so tasty your horse will eat them even without grain!
Some products in this category also contain adaptogenic botanicals, which help maintain composure under stress and a balanced demeanor. Adaptogens aid the body in resisting physical, psychological, and environmental stress, such as occurs with training, exercise, or social isolation. By helping to keep the body’s systems in balance, these adaptogens support a variety of functions, including nervous system health and emotional well-being.
Additionally, if you compete in rated horse shows, supplements with herb free formulation may be your best option. Unlike herbal calming supplements that often include ingredients that are prohibited by many competitive organizations, nutrient-based supplements generally focus on providing key nutrients like tryptophan, magnesium and B-vitamins that are an important part of your horse’s diet. Of course, we always recommend checking the rule books for any organizations under which you compete to confirm their individual rules and that these ingredients are appropriate.
Omega Horseshine®:
- Promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat, plus normal shedding
- Supports strong, durable hooves
- Benefits mares in gestation, lactation, and growth
- Benefits foals in gestation, lactation, and growth
- Support top performance
- Low NSC (4.4%), as recommended for IR/Cushing's horses
Made in the USA
80 CC tube (one full oral syringe)
Additionally, if you compete in rated horse shows, supplements in this category may be your best option. Unlike herbal calming supplements that often include ingredients that are prohibited by many competitive organizations, herb-free supplements generally focus on providing key ingredients like taurine, magnesium and B-vitamins that are an important part of your horse’s diet. Of course, we always recommend checking the rule books for any organizations under which you compete to confirm their individual rules and that these ingredients are appropriate.
• Provides a complete selection of fat- and water-soluble vitamins, plus a carefully balanced panel of macro and micro minerals to complement the diet of your older performance horse, regardless of forage type
• Includes higher levels of the nutrients that have an increased requirement for horses in heavy exercise, including magnesium and the B-vitamin complex
• Contains more of the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E to support immune health in the hardworking senior
• Contains betaine, which is related to the B vitamin family and helps cells maintain normal fluid levels
These pellets are so tasty your horse will eat them even without grain!
Made in the USA
- Joint
- Gastric
- Vascular
- Hoof
- Coat
- Digestion
- 5 mg of chromium & 5,000 mg of magnesium support proper insulin function
- 1,000 mg of cinnamon & 150 mg of bitter melon help maintain healthy blood sugar levels
- All in a tasty beet-pulp based pellet that’s perfect for horses being fed little to no grain, and with no added sugar!
• Provides a complete selection of fat- and water-soluble vitamins, plus a carefully balanced panel of macro and micro minerals to complement your senior horse’s diet, regardless of forage type
• Includes higher levels of B vitamins, which senior horses may not be able to synthesize as efficiently
• Contains more of the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E to support immune health in the older horse
These pellets are so tasty your horse will eat them even without grain!
Note: To accommodate feeding programs consisting of alfalfa hay/grain based diets, choose Mega-Mag™.
View our Multi-Vitamin Supplement Comparison Chart
• Provides a complete selection of fat-soluble (A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble (C and B complex) vitamins
• Contains a carefully balanced panel of macro and micro minerals to complement your horse’s diet, regardless of forage type
These pellets are so tasty your horse will eat them even without grain!
Note: To accommodate feeding programs consisting of grass-type hays (timothy, coastal, Bermuda, native grass)/grain, choose Mega-Cell™.
Also available in Seroquine™ Powder and Seroquine™ Paste.
Perfect Prep EQ Training Day Powder is a daily calming supplement that supports focus and stabilizes attitude so your horse leaves his stall with his head in the game. This formula provides a comprehensive selection of ingredients that includes magnesium, taurine, thiamine, inositol, Vitamin BeHave (a proprietary blend of B vitamins), and sodium copper chlorophyllin.
One Syringe of Perfect Prep EQ™ Gold Paste: Designed for horses requiring support for extended periods of time
Perfect Prep EQ™ Gold Paste uses natural ingredients in a proprietary blend to support sustained relaxation and focus in horses during stressful conditions. Perfect Prep EQ Gold acts gradually. First dose begins working at 3 hours with maximum effects at 6 hours after administration. For maximum support, give 1/2 to 1 full tube (30cc-60cc) every 8-12 hours as needed during the event. Time last dose 3 to 4 hours prior to performance. Effects may last up to 18 hours after last dose. Effects are cumulative. Contains magnesium, thiamine (vitamin B1), inositol, Metaphan, Deglycyrrhized Licorice Root, Pyridoxine HCL, Riboflavin, Coconut Oil - 60 cc tube.
One Syringe of Perfect Prep EQ™ Supreme Paste: Use 90 minutes before any stressful activity for increased support
Perfect Prep EQ™ Supreme is a quick acting targeted calming formula that helps horses stay calm and focused during stressful situations. It provides a proprietary blend of ingredients that includes magnesium, inositol, thiamine, l-tryptophan, Amino Acid Chelate, Riboflavin and Vitamin BeHave (a proprietary blend of B vitamins). Perfect Prep Supreme should be administered 90 minutes prior to activity for maximum benefit, and the effects may last up to six hours.
If you don’t compete in rated horse shows (products in this category contain herbs not permitted by many competitive organizations), an herbal calming formula is a great option to consider. Additionally, if you’ve tried a nutrient-based supplement and didn’t see the results you were hoping for, switching your horse to an herbal formula may be an appropriate next step. Finally, if you’re currently feeding a nutrient-based supplement and you like what you’re seeing but still want to provide more support, pairing your nutrient-based formula with an herbal formula may be an appropriate choice for your horse.
Also available as Training Day Powder!
Excessive electrolyte depletion may result in muscle fatigue, muscle damage, and dehydration. With fast electrolyte replenishment helps support body and muscle function. This highly palatable formula is ideal for fussy eaters to help replace key nutrients lost in sweat.
- Quickly replenish nutrients lost through sweat during exercise and stress to help support body and muscle function
- Support performance by avoiding excessive electrolyte depletion
- Concentrated blend of key minerals in a tasty formula
Due to state regulations, this product is not for sale in the state of California, Idaho, Nebraska and South Dakota.
Running low on horsepower? If your horse isn’t giving you his all, it might be because he doesn’t have everything he needs. Give him comprehensive nutritional support to power his performance so he can give you everything he’s got.
SmartEnergy is ideal for horses that lack stamina, are lethargic, or are easily fatigued. While many other energy supplements are focused on providing iron, feeding extra iron has not been shown to improve red blood cell count or athletic ability, and veterinarians agree that iron is rarely deficient in a horse’s diet. SmartEnergy offers a smarter solution by providing a range of nutritional building blocks required for the production of healthy red blood cells, without added iron.
Specialized ingredients include magnesium, chromium, and zinc to promote healthy insulin function. Acetyl-l-carnitine provides antioxidant and blood sugar support, and the Chinese herb jiaogulan supports normal insulin sensitivity and circulation to the hooves. Other key minerals such as iodine and selenium support normal thyroid function, while vitamins such as biotin help promote healthy hoof structure and integrity.