What Supplements Should I Give My Horse?
To maintain your horse's health, giving them a well-balanced diet and regular physical activity is not enough. Their diet should also include supplements to address specific needs and promote overall good health. There are numerous options for supplements available. In this blog post, we will look at the various types of horse supplements, their advantages, and ways to use them well in your horse's life.
Horse Supplements and What They Do
Horse supplements are available in different forms, like powders, pellets, and liquids; each one has a specific focus on health. Types of supplements that are often used include:
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Vitamins and Minerals: These are very important for your horse's general health. They help ensure that your horse gets all the necessary nutrients that might not be in its food. Some crucial vitamins are A, D, and E, while significant minerals include calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
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Joint Supplements: These usually have glucosamine and chondroitin, which aid in maintaining joint function. This is particularly helpful for aged horses or those who have had past problems with their joints. The supplements can assist in lessening inflammation and enhancing movement abilities.
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Aids for Digestion: Probiotics, prebiotics, and supplements like garlic powder help maintain a good digestive system by assisting beneficial bacteria in the gut and enhancing the absorption of nutrients.
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Calming Supplements: If your horse is anxious or excitable, you might consider giving it supplements that contain magnesium or herbal extracts to help it remain calm and relaxed.
Knowing what each supplement does can help you create a routine that is most beneficial for your horse's individual needs.
Why Feed Horse Joint Supplements?
Good horse joint health is essential for your horse's overall performance and comfort, especially if they are doing lots of training or competing. Joint supplements help in many ways, including the following:
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Assist with Cartilage Maintenance: Joint supplements are beneficial for preserving the condition of cartilage, which acts as a cushion in between joints and decreases rubbing. This can be very important for horses that are active or getting old.
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Inflammation Decrease: Several joint supplements, such as tumeric have ingredients that reduce inflammation. These can aid in diminishing swelling and pain within the joints.
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Improve Movement: These supplements can help to maintain joint health and lubrication, improving your horse's ability to move smoothly. This can result in better performance and less discomfort.
Regularly giving joint supplements can help your horse's joint health in the long run, so they are worth the investment.
How to Calm an Anxious Horse
Horse anxiety may show up as unease, edginess, or problems with concentration. Dealing with this issue needs a holistic plan that covers various areas, including the following:
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Supplements: Some of these, including Equu Brewers Yeast, are made to enhance relaxation and a sense of calm. Ingredients such as magnesium, valerian root, and chamomile have properties that can help relax nervous horses.
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Environmental Changes: Make sure your horse's environment is calm. Give them a place that feels good and familiar, and prevent rapid alterations.
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Regular Handling and Training: Your horse can develop more confidence and become less anxious when you handle and train it consistently.
How to Get a Horse to Eat Supplements
Getting your horse to consume supplements might not always be easy, but there are some excellent strategies that can help:
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Mixing with Feed: Add the supplement to your horse's regular feed. In general, horses usually eat supplements that are mixed with their grain or other feed.
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Use Flavour Enhancers: Some supplements have taste options or can be mixed with flavour enhancers such as applesauce or molasses to make them more pleasant.
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Consistency: Begin with a small amount of the supplement and gradually increase it. Your horse might get used to the taste over time and eat it more willingly.
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Try Different Forms: If your horse is fussy, try giving supplements in different forms, like powders or pellets, to see what they like.
Learning to use supplements correctly can be a key factor for your horse's health and wellbeing. Understanding the purpose of each supplement, why good joint health matters, ways to deal with anxiety issues, and getting your horse to eat them are all essential aspects that aid in creating a plan suited for their needs. For guidance or suggestions on which supplements should be part of your horse's diet, visit Mole Avon Country Stores or browse our vast online collection.
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Posted by Lauren Cook
13th August 2024
