Horse Vitamins

Just like people need vitamins, horses also need horse vitamins. With all the breeds of horses out there and the different living conditions we couldn't possibly give you specific recommendations, only your vet can do that.

What we can do is give you a general overview on the vitamins your four legged friend might need.

Horses Need the Following Horse Vitamins:

Vitamin A - also known as retinol. A horse obtains retinol by converting Beta-Carotene found in green herbage into vitamin A. Vitamin A is also in many feeds and supplements so it's possible for a field kept horse to get too much vitamin A. A common sign of too much vitamin A is loss of appetite.

Vitamin B Group - If your horse is receiving adequate amounts of forage then it usually has enough of the vitamin B group.

Vitamin C - need for a horse exposed to any kind of stress. Exercise is said to out pace the horse's ability to synthesize vitamin C. Check with your vet if you think you need to supplement this horse vitamin.

Vitamin D - required for digestion of calcium and phosphorus in horses. Horses generate vitamin D from exposure to sunlight and it is also found in compound feeds. It is very rare for a horse to have a vitamin D deficiency, if they do it manifest as rickets.

Vitamin E - helps to fight stress and supports normal immune system function. If a horse is deficient in vitamin E it will have muscle degeneration or what is known as "white muscle disease". High levels of vitamin E are reported to have calmative effect on horses.

Vitamin H - also known as Biotin - has been shown to be beneficial in helping hoof quality in horses. Levels of 15-20 mg per day are effective against weak cracked hooves, when fed over an extended period of time.

Vitamin K - is essential in the blood clotting process. It is generated in the hindgut by micro-organisms. Unless your horse has had sever hindgut disruption it shouldn't be deficient in vitamin K.

Its best you consult with your vet on specific issues for your horse vitamin needs.

Several products we recommend are form EntirelyPets.com, their descriptions are below:

Featured Products - Horse Vitamins

Glyco-Flex® EQ Powder (60 servings) Glyco-Flex® EQ for horses is a nutritional supplement to support proper joint and connective tissue functions.* It is made from pure, freeze-dried Perna canaliculus (Green-Lipped Mussel from New Zealand). It contains all major classes of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) including Chondroitin -4- and -6- Sulfates. GAGs are referred to as the "glue of life" and make up the core of all connective tissue. The Perna in Glyco-Flex® EQ is also rich in amino acids, naturally chelated minerals, numerous enzymes, vitamins and nucleic acids (RNA and DNA). Glyco-Flex® EQ is an exceptional supplement because it can effectively support the maintenance and repair processes of connective tissues including joints, synovial fluid, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.* One level scoop provides 4.3 grams Perna canaliculus Mussel. Ingredients: Alfalfa, Perna canaliculus Mussel, Sorbitol, Mineral Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Caramel. Suggested use: Add three (3) scoops, twice daily to feed, for 4-6 weeks. Then drop back to 1 scoop twice daily in divided doses. For horses over 1200 lbs, add 1 additional scoop daily.

Foundation Foot Supplement (60 servings) A nutritional support supplement for proper growth and maintenance of the hoof. A premier equine supplement that provides key nutrients necessary for hoof health such as Biotin, Methionine, Cystine, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Copper and Silicon.* Topicals can only prevent hoof moisture loss from the outside. Foundation™ works to ensure proper health and function of the entire hoof from within. One level scoop provides 20 mg Biotin, 10 mg B6, 1,000 mg DL-Methionine, 450 mg L-Cystine, 120 mg Zinc, 40 mg Copper, 30 mg Silicon. Ingredients: DL-Methionine, L-Cystine, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Equisetum Arvense, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Alfalfa. Suggested use: Add one to four serving scoops daily to feed. For more than one serving, divide between AM and PM if possible

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