It is important that horses receive an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals to help them remain strong and supple, especially as they age.

Along with a healthy diet and the right types of exercise, horses can benefit from a range of daily supplements to help their bodies stay healthy and keep their minds active. We have taken a closer look at 5 of these supplements to see what your horse has to gain from taking them.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is naturally found in an animal's cartilage, helping to cushion the joints. This cartilage can gradually break down over time, causing a reduction in mobility and reducing their overall performance. 

Glucosamine can be used to treat inflammation and help to prevent cartilage degradation. It can also help them to recover from an injury, reducing pain and encouraging the production of cartilage.

Electrolytes

Essential for a variety of bodily functions, such as digestion, muscle contraction and nerve operations, electrolyte deficiency can be caused over a long period of time and take only a few weeks to correct. It can lead to poor performance, an increased risk of injury and overall slow recovery.  

The main electrolytes are calcium, magnesium, chloride, potassium and sodium, which are all easily lost through sweat. A daily electrolyte supplement can help to maintain normal levels, ensuring that your horse is hydrated and keeping a constant level of their essential vitamins and minerals.

Turmeric

Used by humans to help maintain strong joints, turmeric is also great for keeping horses strong and healthy. 

Offering excellent anti-inflammatory benefits, it can help to reduce joint related pain. Turmeric has also been proven to be effective in the treatment of gastric ulcers, allergies, aiding in recovery from infections and the healing of wounds.

Devils Claw

Great for reducing inflammation and helping to ease the symptoms of muscle pain, arthritis, rheumatic pain and aiding digestion, devils claw helps with a range of joint issues. 

Perfect for adding to a horse's food or drink daily, devils claw is a safe alternative to bute, with no side effects.

Garlic

Garlic supplements can be beneficial for your horse for a number of reasons. It can help to reduce blood pressure, purify the blood, boost the effects of any antibiotic drugs and help to increase a horse's appetite. 

Garlic can also act as a natural fly repellent, coming out through the sweat of a horse to help keep flies, ticks and midges away. 


https://integricare.ca/blog/glucosamine-for-horses/


Post By Kimberley Roderick