The Scoop On Equine
Vitamin & Mineral Supplements

If you own a horse, you may have found yourself wondering whether or not their diet is providing everything they need. Designed to fill nutritional gaps, vitamin and mineral supplements can be an easy way to support your horse's health and performance. In this edition of "The Scoop on Supplements," we will go over some things to consider before feeding a supplement and explain the functions of vitamins and minerals.

Before deciding to feed a vitamin or mineral supplement, you should evaluate your horse's diet. If your horse has regular access to fresh grass or high-quality hay, they may be getting everything they need. Additionally, many concentrated feeds provide vitamins and minerals, which is something to keep in mind if your horse receives grain.

Your horse's body condition is another thing to consider before feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement. Certain deficiencies can display as a dull or sunbleached coat, poor recovery from exercise, or other symptoms depending on the cause and severity. On the other hand, if your horse has a good weight, a shiny coat, and enough energy to do their job, they may not need a supplement.

Vitamins are organic compounds needed to sustain many processes throughout the body. They each have special functions and are needed in different amounts.

• Vitamin A: Supports vision, muscle function, and reproductive function. Horses primarily get their vitamin A through beta carotene present in fresh grass and high-quality hay.
• B Vitamins: There are eight types of B vitamins, each involved in some aspect of metabolism, energy production, and neurotransmitter synthesis. A commonly talked about B vitamin is biotin, often fed to support hoof health.
• Vitamin C: Functions as an antioxidant and aids in the formation of collagen to support connective tissue. Horses naturally make their own vitamin C, so supplementing is typically not necessary.
• Vitamin D: Facilitates the absorption of calcium and the excretion of phosphorus to support bone health. Like humans, horses are able to make their own vitamin D as long as they get adequate exposure to sunlight.
• Vitamin E: Functions as an antioxidant, supports the immune system, and supports muscle function and recovery. Horses primarily get vitamin E from fresh grass. If supplementing, opt for natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) as opposed to synthetic (dl-alpha-tocopherol) for better absorption.
• Vitamin K: Primarily supports blood clotting and wound healing. Horses produce their own vitamin K, so supplementation is usually not necessary.

Minerals are inorganic compounds that help regulate a variety of important functions throughout the body. Macro-minerals are needed in relatively large amounts, while micro-minerals are needed in much smaller quantities.

• Calcium: The majority of calcium is found in the bones and teeth, however, it also plays a vital role in nerve function and muscle contraction. Hay is the primary source of calcium for most horses, with alfalfa containing higher amounts than grass hay.
• Magnesium: Magnesium functions as a cofactor for hundreds of reactions in the body, from energy production to DNA synthesis. It's also critical for nerve function and muscle relaxation. Most horses get enough from hay and grain.
• Phosphorus: Supports bone health and energy production. Most horses get enough from hay and grain.
• Sodium: Helps the body manage fluid balance by helping to retain water. Horses typically consume salt through concentrated feeds or by licking a salt block.
• Chloride: Chloride pairs with sodium to create sodium chloride, otherwise known as table salt. It is important for fluid regulation, supporting hydrochloric acid production in the stomach, and maintaining acid-base balance in the body.
• Potassium: Along with sodium, potassium helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contraction, and relaxation. Most horses get enough through their diet since forage is high in potassium.
• Sulfur: Supports structural integrity of protein hormones such as insulin, as well as skin, coat, and hooves. Horses generally get sulfur from hay and grains, as well as some supplements like MSM.

• Zinc: Supports a variety of enzymes throughout the body, as well as immune function and wound healing. Horses typically get enough zinc from hay and grain.
• Selenium: Functions as an antioxidant alongside vitamin E. Selenium is found in hay. However, hay grown in selenium-deficient soil, found in certain parts of the US, may not provide adequate amounts of this mineral.
• Iron: Needed for the synthesis of hemoglobin, the protein molecule that transports oxygen. Most horses get plenty of iron through the diet.
• Copper: Supports bone development, iron utilization, and maintenance of tissue. Horses typically get enough copper from hay, beet pulp, and concentrated feeds.
• Cobalt: Supports metabolism and vitamin B12 synthesis in the hindgut. Like other minerals, horses typically get plenty from high-quality hay and grain.