Do Horse Supplements Work

The effectiveness of horse supplements has long been a hot topic of debate among equestrians and equine experts. While some horse owners swear by these supplements’ benefits, others remain sceptical about their effectiveness. To determine whether or not horse supplements actually work, examining the research and evidence available is necessary.

Do horse supplements work is a discussion that follows on from do current feed stuffs make supplements necessary. That is a sensitive topic our MD wrote about before. The gist of which was “why, with all the modern researched feeds and supplements are the veterinary intervention stats (percentage wise) not going down.”

Do Your Research

Numerous studies and clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the potential effects of horse supplements on various aspects of equine health. These studies often involve controlled experiments and rigorous scientific methods to ensure reliable results.

Through these investigations, researchers have explored the impact of nutritional supplements on areas such as equine joint health, hoof health and condition, digestion, and overall performance. From mineral supplements to herbal ingredients to solve joint issues and weight loss, healthy horses, lameness in horses, and aged horses are often prime targets for the equine supplement industry.

What Do Horse Supplements Do?

Horse supplements serve various purposes and can have different effects on equine health. Targeted supplements are horse supplements specifically formulated to address specific health concerns or conditions in horses.

These supplements contain ingredients that have been researched and proven to be effective in improving the targeted area of health with beneficial effects.

Some examples of targeted supplements include joint supplements, hoof supplements, digestive supplements, and respiratory supplements. Joint supplements often contain glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid to support joint health and reduce inflammation. Hoof supplements may contain biotin, methionine, and zinc to promote healthy hoof growth and prevent issues like cracks and lameness.

Joint Supplements

One key area in which horse supplements are commonly used is joint health. Studies have indicated that certain ingredients typically found in equine supplements, such as active ingredients, including green-lipped mussel and concentrations of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, can help improve joint health in horses.

These ingredients have been found to reduce inflammation in the joint capsules and promote cartilage repair and joint fluid, leading to increased mobility and decreased pain in horses with conditions like arthritis or joint injuries. Some owners with performance horses like to feed a joint health supplement even if their horse has healthy joints, normal joint function, and healthy cartilage to create purported benefits of anti-inflammatory effects and help support healthy connective tissues and synovial fluid.

Joint supplementation is a big business for supplement companies, suggesting to help with arthritic horses, competition horses, mild lameness cases and treatment of osteoarthritis, so do your research into their formulations and ingredients. From herbal supplements to omega-3 supplementation and hyaluronic acid supplementation, there are plenty to choose from in your oral administration!

Hoof Supplements

Similarly, horse supplements containing the key ingredient biotin have been shown to improve hoof condition. Biotin is a B vitamin that plays a crucial role in forming keratin, the protein that makes up the hoof wall. Previous studies have demonstrated that supplementing horses with equine oral biotin can lead to stronger and healthier hooves, reducing the risk of cracks and other hoof-related issues.

Digestive Supplements

Digestive supplements for horses are also commonly used by equestrians. Combined with a control diet, these supplements often contain probiotics and prebiotics to soothe the digestive tract, which are beneficial bacteria and fibers that support a healthy digestive system.

Research has shown that these supplements can help improve horse health and digestion in horses, leading to better nutrient absorption and reduced risk of gastrointestinal issues such as colic. Health benefits of a healthy gut include improvements in behavioural issues under saddle or when rugging and grooming, where signs of discomfort could suggest that ulcers may be present.

Respiratory Supplements

Respiratory supplements may contain herbal extracts or nutrients that support respiratory health and reduce inflammation in the airways. These herbal remedies are suggested to help with allergic inflammatory responses and may benefit horses and ponies suffering from respiratory issues. Their function in the horse’s welfare varies, and horse owners are advised to look at current studies to determine which dietary supplement would most benefit animals suffering from this condition.

Do Horse Supplements Work?

Regarding overall performance, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of horse supplements is less clear-cut. While some studies have suggested that certain supplements can enhance athletic performance and recovery in horses, others have found no significant difference compared to a control group.

Factors such as individual horse physiology and training methods may also play a role in determining whether or not a supplement will have noticeable effects on performance, and you also need to ensure that anything you feed your horse does not include a banned substance if you plan to compete. It is important to note that supplements in equestrian sport are regulated by various governing bodies, such as the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale), which sets guidelines and restrictions on the use of substances in competition and lists FEI banned substances on their wesite.

Not All Horse Supplements Are Treated Equal

It is important to note that horse supplements’ quality and specific formulation can vary greatly. Not all supplements are created equal, and some may not contain the necessary ingredients or be formulated to allow optimal absorption and effectiveness. In fact, feeding too much of the wrong supplement can have adverse effects on your horse’s health over time, creating diet toxicity. Therefore, horse owners must research and choose supplements from reputable manufacturers that have been tested and proven effective.

Does My Horse Need Supplements?

It’s important to note that while horse supplements can benefit specific areas of equine health, their effectiveness may vary. Not all supplements have been extensively studied or proven to be effective. It is always recommended to consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to a horse’s diet, as they can guide which supplements may benefit an individual horse’s needs.

Backed By Science?

In addition to these considerations, it is crucial to note that the equine supplement industry is largely unregulated. This lack of regulation can lead to inconsistencies in product quality and misleading claims. Therefore, it becomes even more critical for horse owners and equine nutritionists to assess the scientific evidence behind a supplement’s claims carefully.

Scientific evidence is vital in determining whether a horse supplement works as intended. Some supplements have undergone rigorous research studies to assess their efficacy, while others may have limited evidence supporting their claims. Reviewing the available scientific literature and looking for studies conducted on the specific supplement in question is essential.

Where Does Aloeride Fit Into Your Horse’s Dietary Supplements?

First and foremost, Aloeride is a natural, organic, Soil Association certified Aloe Vera supplement. Aloeride aloe vera is NOPS negative. Every Aloeride batch is tested by the accredited Newmarket laboratory LGC for all current Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances and there are no adverse analytical findings for Aloeride. Aloeride does not contain any synthetic molecules.

Aloeride has many benefits, including supporting digestive health, hoof health and strength, skin health and coat shine. Research into the benefits of aloe vera is well-documented for horse owners to digest.

Aloeride does not negatively impact your horse and will not interfere with any other supplement you choose to feed. In fact, aloe vera helps your horse absorb feed and supplements better.

Each carton of Aloeride provides 30 days of supplementation, and unlike liquid, Aloe Vera is taste-free and delivers concentrated Aloe Vera goodness in a daily oral supplement.

So, How Do You Choose The Right Supplement For Your Horse?

Choosing high-quality supplements is another important factor in determining effectiveness. Look for supplements from reputable manufacturers that adhere to strict quality control standards. This can help ensure that the supplement contains the ingredients it claims to have and that they are present in effective dosages.

Before using any supplement, whether you plan to compete in an equestrian sport or have a retired horse, do your research and speak to your vet or an independent equine nutritionist who can assess the horse’s specific needs and provide expert advice. They can help determine if a supplement is necessary and if it complies with the rules and regulations set by governing bodies.

It is also important to remember that supplements should not be used as a substitute for proper nutrition and management practices. A balanced diet and appropriate exercise regimen are crucial for the health and well-being of horses.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of horse supplements can vary depending on the specific supplement, the individual horse’s needs, the quality of the product, the actual uptake of nutrients. It is essential to approach supplements cautiously, do thorough research, consult with professionals, and make informed decisions based on sponsor-independent scientific evidence.