Horse supplements are widely used to improve the health and performance of horses. The global market for equine supplements is huge at $89.5 billion in 2023, which is projected to grow to $116 billion by 2030. The value of supplements was minimized for decades by medical professionals, who mostly opted for prescription medicines to treat equine health issues.
In recent years medical professionals, including veterinarians, have increasingly adopted nutritional supplements to help address multiple health issues. However, due to easy access of supplements by consumers, there is reason to question both the need and overuse of some supplements being consumed.
So, what guidelines should be followed in using equine supplements? What key benefits do equine supplements provide? And what are the best equine supplements for horses? The article below answers key questions concerning equine supplements.
Summary
Overuse of horse supplements
When selecting equine supplements, it’s essential to consider the horse’s specific needs, consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist, and choose high-quality, research-backed products if needed.
As with humans, there is always a temptation to take supplements that claim to provide health and performance benefits, without having detail knowledge of the vitamins profile in the bloodstream, including any vitamin deficiencies. However, it is essential to know the wellness profile or vitamin profile of a horse before giving supplements. If a horse already has a sufficient vitamin profile, there may be no benefit to giving supplements. Accordingly, supplements could be a waste of money and could even contribute to overdosing of vitamins, as documented by the Equine Chronicle.
Due to the forgoing, an investment in a wellness or vitamin profile is essential to the health of a horse and the costs associated with maintaining good equine health. A wellness or vitamin profile should be provided by your veterinarian or other reputable source. A home equine test is available from Chewy as illustrated below.
Eleven Essential vitamins all horses need
For reference, a list of 11 essential vitamins all horses need is provided by Equus magazine, a dedicated provider of equine information.
When horse supplements are needed, choose the best purity and potency
For most equestrians, horse care is a high priority. Accordingly, most equestrians choose the best supplements, high-quality, research-backed products supplied by SmartPak. SmartPak has transformed the way horse owners approach equine health, nutrition, and overall well-being. Founded in 1999, SmartPak’s mission has been to simplify horse care and enhance the equestrian lifestyle. Today, the company stands as the most trusted name in the equine industry, celebrated for its innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to quality.
SmartPak horse supplements
As the undisputed leader, Smartpak provides a wide range of supplement options tailored to individual horse needs, as will be covered in detail below.
The SmartPak System: A Game-Changer in Equine Nutrition
At the heart of SmartPak’s success lies its revolutionary supplement delivery system, aptly named the SmartPak system. The concept is brilliantly simple yet immensely effective: individually portioned, daily doses of supplements tailored to each horse’s unique needs. Delivered in easy-to-use, recyclable containers, SmartPaks eliminate the guesswork and hassle of managing multiple supplement containers.
This system ensures that every horse receives the precise nutrients they need, whether for joint health, digestive support, hoof strength, or overall wellness. By streamlining the supplement process, SmartPak has not only saved time for busy horse owners but also improved the consistency and accuracy of equine nutrition programs.
SmartPak Supplement Wizard
In lieu of getting blood test or other vitamin profile, SmartPak provides a “Suplement Wizard” that inputs relevant facts of a horse to prescribe supplements based on the unique characteristics of the horse. The Supplement Wizard can be accesseed by clicking on the link below.
SUPPLEMENT WIZARD:
SmartPak equine supplements plus comprehensive product offering
While the SmartPak supplements system may have put the company on the map, its expansive product offerings have solidified its place as a one-stop shop for equestrians. From high-quality riding apparel to tack, grooming supplies, and stable essentials, SmartPak caters to the diverse needs of riders and their horses.
SmartPak equine supplements and health care
SmartPak’s extensive range of supplements covers virtually every aspect of equine health. Popular options include:
- SmartFlex: Targeted joint support for horses of all ages and activity levels.
- SmartDigest Ultra: Aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system, especially beneficial for horses under stress.
- SmartHoof: Supports strong and healthy hooves.
Link to SmartPak:
What Smartpak horse supplements should be given
As mentioned previously, it is essential to consider the horse’s specific needs when choosing horse supplements. Accordingly, consultation with a veterinarian in advance of giving supplements to a horse will provide assurane that the correct supplements and dosages are given.
A veterinarian may do a blood test to determine deficiencies and recommend specified supplements. Otherwise, supplements may not provide much benefit to a horse and overuse could be a detriment at a huge cost. That said, there are several health indications that could justify the use of equine supplements.
Joint health
- Purpose: To support joint function and mobility, especially in performance or aging horses.
- Common Ingredients: Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane).
- Who Benefits: Horses with arthritis, joint wear, or stiffness.
Digestive support
- Purpose: To promote gut health and prevent issues like colic, ulcers, or diarrhea.
- Common Ingredients: Probiotics, prebiotics, yeast, and antacids.
- Who Benefits: Horses under stress, undergoing dietary changes, or with a history of gastrointestinal problems.
Hoof health
- Purpose: To strengthen hoof walls and promote growth, reducing issues like cracks or brittleness.
- Common Ingredients: Biotin, zinc, methionine, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Who Benefits: Horses with weak, slow-growing, or brittle hooves.
Muscle development and recovery
- Purpose: To support muscle growth, strength, and recovery after exercise.
- Common Ingredients: Amino acids like lysine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and vitamin E.
- Who Benefits: Performance and young horses in training.
Energy and performance
- Purpose: To boost stamina, focus, and endurance for competition or work.
- Common Ingredients: Electrolytes, B vitamins, and adaptogens like ashwagandha.
- Who Benefits: High-performance horses or those in heavy work.
Immune support
- Purpose: To strengthen the immune system and prevent illness.
- Common Ingredients: Vitamin C, selenium, echinacea, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Who Benefits: Horses recovering from illness, under stress, or exposed to pathogens.
Weight and condition management
- Purpose: To help maintain or improve body condition.
- Common Ingredients: Fatty acids, rice bran, and high-calorie supplements.
- Who Benefits: Underweight horses or those with trouble maintaining weight.
Skin and coat health
- Purpose: To enhance coat shine, texture, and skin condition.
- Common Ingredients: Omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids, flaxseed, and vitamin E.
- Who Benefits: Horses with dull coats or skin issues.
Behavioral and stress management with horse supplements
- Purpose: To reduce anxiety, promote calmness, and support focus.
- Common Ingredients: Magnesium, tryptophan, valerian root, and chamomile.
- Who Benefits: Nervous, spooky, or stressed horses.
Senior horse supplements support
- Purpose: To address aging-related issues like decreased digestion, arthritis, and nutrient absorption.
- Common Ingredients: Joint supplements, digestive enzymes, and vitamin blends.
- Who Benefits: Older horses needing extra support.
Horse supplements and health care
SmartPak’s extensive range of supplements covers virtually every aspect of equine health. Popular options include:
- SmartFlex: Targeted joint support for horses of all ages and activity levels.
- SmartDigest Ultra: Aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system, especially beneficial for horses under stress.
- SmartHoof: Supports strong and healthy hooves.
Herbal equine products
Smartpak herbal equine supplements can boost the immune system, improve antioxidant status, and increase coping abilities and concentration. Herbs have also been beneficial for several equine disorders, including recurrent obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic dermatitis and joint inflammation.
Each product is backed by thorough research, and SmartPak’s commitment to transparency ensures that horse owners can trust the quality and efficacy of what they’re feeding their equine partners.
LINK TO SmartPak:
SmartPak equine supplements plus comprehensive product offering
While the SmartPak supplements system may have put the company on the map, its expansive product offerings have solidified its place as a one-stop shop for equestrians. From high-quality riding apparel to tack, grooming supplies, and stable essentials, SmartPak caters to the diverse needs of riders and their horses.
SmartPak 100% Happiness Guarantee
SmartPak apparel and gear for riders
SmartPak’s rider-focused offerings blend style and function. From breeches and show jackets to casual wear and footwear, SmartPak’s apparel is designed to perform in and out of the saddle. Brands like Ariat, Piper, and Kerrits are among the popular choices, ensuring riders look and feel their best.
Smartpak tack & equipment
For horse gear, SmartPak provides a broad selection of saddles, bridles, saddle pads, and more. With options for multiple disciplines, including dressage, hunter/jumper, and western, SmartPak ensures that every rider can find what they need to excel in their sport.
SmartPak customer-centric innovations
SmartPak’s success is rooted in its customer-first philosophy. The company goes above and beyond to create a seamless shopping experience, offering perks like free shipping on orders over a certain amount and an industry-leading satisfaction guarantee. One of the stand-out features of SmartPak’s service is their AutoShip program, which allows customers to set up automatic deliveries for supplements and other essentials. This ensures horse owners never run out of the products they rely on.
SmarPak SmartPerks
SmartPak’s loyalty program, SmartPerks, is another way the company rewards its customers. Members enjoy benefits such as free shipping, early access to sales, and exclusive discounts. This program underscores SmartPak’s commitment to building lasting relationships with its community.
SmartPak education and empowerment
Beyond its product offerings, SmartPak is a leading advocate for education within the equestrian world. The company’s website features a wealth of resources, including blogs, how-to guides, and videos that cover topics ranging from horse health and training tips to product recommendations and rider fitness. These resources empower horse owners to make informed decisions and deepen their understanding of equine care.
SmartPak Ask the Vet series
One of SmartPak’s most popular educational initiatives is the “Ask the Vet” video series. Hosted by Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak’s Staff Veterinarian, this series answers common questions about horse health and care, making expert advice accessible to equestrians everywhere.
Commitment to sustainability
SmartPak recognizes the importance of protecting the environment for future generations of equestrians and their horses. The company has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. From recyclable SmartPak containers to efforts in minimizing packaging waste, SmartPak is dedicated to sustainability. Additionally, the company partners with organizations like the National Forest Foundation to support reforestation projects, further demonstrating its commitment to ecological stewardship.
A trusted partner in the equestrian community
Smartpak’s influence extends far beyond its product offerings. The company actively supports the equestrian community through sponsorships, events, and charitable initiatives. Whether backing riders at the grassroots level or contributing to organizations that promote equine welfare, SmartPak is deeply invested in the well-being of both horses and humans.
Customer testimonials
The glowing reviews from SmartPak’s customers speak volumes about the company’s impact. Horse owners frequently commend the convenience of the SmartPak system, the quality of the products, and the exceptional customer service. Riders appreciate the company’s dedication to providing gear that enhances their performance and comfort.
Final thoughts
In choosing supplements for a horse, the first prerequisite is to know the vitamin profile for a horse, including any vitamin deficiencies. In lieu of obtaining a complete profile, you may elect to utilize the SmartPak Supplement Wizard to complete a profile of your horse’s need for supplements.
If supplements are needed, SmartPak is the undisputed leader in horse supplements. Through its innovative solutions, comprehensive product offerings, and unwavering dedication to customers, the company has earned its place as a beloved partner in the equestrian world. For horse owners and riders seeking quality, convenience, and care, SmartPak is a trusted ally on every step of their equestrian journey.
As SmartPak continues to innovate and expand, its dedication to equine health and the equestrian lifestyle remains unwavering. With a finger on the pulse of industry trends and a commitment to addressing the evolving needs of its customers, SmartPak is poised to lead the equine market for years to come.
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