The Rise of Supplements in Equine Nutrition

The popularity of supplements in horse care has skyrocketed, with a vast array of products available from all over the world on the market. Particularly concerning is the multitudes of products aimed at supporting the gastrointestinal tract, joint support and calming agents, not to mention vitamins and minerals. Horse owners are increasingly influenced by expensive marketing campaigns that capitalise on our love for our horses.  But most people don’t read labels or if they do, don’t understand the effects of the ingredients, which means that they can inadvertently give horses double doses of some ingredients, and can sometimes cause more harm than good.

These supplements may look and sound harmless but anything we ingest has an impact on both short and long term health. This includes various ‘natural products’ that promise to help.What might work for one horse might not suit another, highlighting the importance of individualised care.

The Benefits of Supplements

There are scenarios where supplements can play a vital role in a horse’s diet. For instance, older horses may require joint support, while performance horses might need additional electrolytes after rigorous training. Certain supplements can address specific deficiencies—like vitamin E in horses with limited access to fresh forage. Research and expert opinions often support the judicious use of these products when warranted.

Potential Risks of Over-Supplementation

However, giving too many supplements can be detrimental. Over-supplementation may lead to nutrient imbalances or toxicity. For example, excess vitamin A can cause serious health issues, while high levels of certain minerals can interfere with absorption.  Additionally, many horses may not need supplements at all if their diet is already balanced and nutritious. It’s also essential to remember that the horse’s gut still has to absorb and metabolise everything in their feed, which can put added strain on their system.  Our good intentions can cause harm.

Recognising Nutritional Needs

To determine whether supplements are needed, it’s essential for horse owners to evaluate their horses’ individual nutritional needs. Regular veterinary check-ups and consultations with independent equine nutritionists can help identify any deficiencies or specific dietary requirements. Professional equine herbalists can also provide valuable insights into natural supplementation options, ensuring that any herbal products used are appropriate for the horse’s specific condition.

Practical Tips for Horse Owners

Here are some practical tips for evaluating the need for supplements:

• Assess Diet: Regularly review your horse’s diet to ensure it meets their nutritional needs.

• Monitor Health and Performance: Keep an eye on your horse’s condition, energy levels, and performance. Changes may indicate nutritional needs.

• Consult Professionals: Work with veterinarians, independent equine nutritionists, or professional equine herbalists before adding the latest ‘on trend’ product to your feeding regime.

• Choose Wisely: If supplementation is necessary, select high-quality products and adhere to recommended dosages.

In conclusion, while supplements can benefit some horses, moderation and informed choices are key. Understanding your horse’s individual needs and maintaining a balanced diet is paramount to their health. Before adding any supplements, consider their specific requirements, and consult professionals to make the best decisions for your equine companions.

Sophie

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So why are we feeding products and supplements which go against the Law of Nature?

Horses are pure herbivores – their bodies are designed to eat plant material only. The herbivore species have flat grinding teeth and a very long digestive system specifically designed to break down tough cellulose fibre in plants. Horses have jaws which move sideways enabling grinding of plant material in the oral cavity – digestion begins here. Once the food is reduced in size and thoroughly mixed with saliva it’s swallowed, travels down the oesophagus into the stomach.

Horses are ill equipped to cope with the large quantities of fat that are sometimes introduced to their diets by the well-meaning owner. Long term studies have shown this may cause duodenal reflux, this is where caustic bile in the small intestine back splashes into the stomach triggering ulcers.

Herbivores only eat things that need photosynthesis to live. This excludes fish, sharks, cows, shell fish and products made from them.

A study in the U.S on human dietary fish oil supplements containing beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids were found to contain more than 30 different fatty acids, including 10 – 14 different saturated fats. Oxidization in the leading fish oil dietary supplements exceeded maximum levels established by the International Standards of Quality. Little is known about the potential biological effects of these oxidized lipids.

These data indicate that the levels of saturated fats and oxidized Omega–3 fatty acids may interfere with their intended/potential biological effects.

Bear in mind this study is raising question marks for the human population whose gut is set up to be able to metabolise far more fat, be it saturated or unsaturated, than the horses’ system which isn’t equipped to deal with fats or animal products.

Horses may eat animal products occasionally due to nutritional stress or lack of any other feed. However, most supplements on the commercial market containing animal material are well disguised to ensure horses find them palatable. They can be inadvertently disguised on the ingredients label also. After all, how many people could be expected to know that chondroitin and glucosamine are natural compounds found in the cartilage, trachea or tails of animals such as cows, pigs, sharks or shellfish. Plant based glucosamine is not so readily available.

If your horse sifts out some of these products or won’t eat their feed, then take the hint – don’t feed it.

It seems that even reputable companies look at the science behind a particular nutritional constituent and the way it may work within the body (usually data from human trials) whilst completely disregarding the Laws of Nature pertinent to the horse. Is this wise?

Are we looking at short term gain with possible long term pain from other areas of the body which may only show up over time. Some data suggests that herbivores fed animal products may develop organ disease, growth abnormalities, tumours or digestive disorders.

However, if you have an old horse who is joint sore then use any of these supplements to relieve inflammation and pain, quality of life is premium, possible long-term negative effects don’t apply to the oldies.

It’s undoubtably a difficult situation as some of the animal-based supplements can really improve arthritic horses as they do in humans and dogs. Short term trials have reinforced this.

The author cannot find any scientific data which supports that any of these animal based supplements act as a preventative for arthritic disease.

Authors note:

With my unique hair assessment system I get the horses I assess to rate all feeds and nutritional supplements because (just like humans), what suits one horse may not suit another. Rating is done on a scale of 0 – 10. 10 = perfect, 5 = average or not required, 0 = poison. 3 and below is damaging to the horse’s system.

I have rated over 10 thousand horses over 27 years. ALL horses have rated anything containing animal products 3 or below. I have had many client’s horses who have been diagnosed with unusual tumours, particularly in the gastro-intestinal tract. This led my investigation into common feed additives and their potential side effects in our beloved equine companions.

Sophie

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The competition season is back in full swing, which means horses are travelling from place to place, staying in different yards or stables and often in close proximity to other horses and ponies.

All too frequently horses arrive home harbouring a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection. Initially they may not present with any symptoms – their vital signs are normal, they just seem a little flat.

This is the ideal time to administer immune-boosting and infection preventative herbs. The old rule of thumb is the quicker a ‘disease’ is treated the quicker it will leave the body, so don’t wait until the infection takes hold!

Start giving the horse some herbal support as soon as it appears ‘off colour’. If it isn’t incubating an infection, the herbs given are only going to boost the immune system regardless – which can only benefit the horse.

ECHINACEA

The number one immune-boosting herb is Echinacea angustifolia root. It contains the most powerful properties in the Echinacea family. For home use Echinacea purpurea, the whole plant (root and aerial parts) can food store or a reputable commercial herb retailer who sells human grade herbs.

Organically grown Echinacea purpurea grows very well in Australia so there is rarely a shortage of supply. The pharmaceutical grade standardised potent herbal extract, used by practitioners, is immune-enhancing, immune-balancing, anti- inflammatory and depurative (cleans the blood and improves detoxification). Think of Echinacea if a horse has an abscess, wounds, a venomous bite or sting, bronchial conditions, enlarged glands and even toothache, skin conditions, gut infections or Ross River virus. If it is the real thing, a quality extract will make your tongue numb and you’ll salivate briefly! This herb is a must in any infective state and can be used safely in conjunction with antibiotics, if they are necessary.

ASHWAGANDHA

Indian Ginseng Withania somnifera is another of my favourite herbs, often commonly known as Indian Ginseng, as well as Ashwagandha. It has immune-modulating properties – meaning it balances the immune system. It’s also an adaptogenic (it increases the body’s resistance or adaptation to physical, environmental or emotional stressors). Think of this herb for horses that just aren’t thriving, yet the vet can’t find any problem; horses that are poor doers for no apparent reason, picky eaters or ones suffering from post-viral syndrome. The adaptogenic aspect really helps horses that are on the move, in different environments and situations, be it at competitions, races or clinics – it increases their resistance to stressors and increases their core strength. Make sure to source a good quality W. somnifera as some varieties are very low in the required active principles.

KING OF BITTERS

Andrographis paniculata is indeed a bitter tonic. Bitters have a direct interaction with the gastrointestinal (gut) tissue. In addition to appetite and digestion they improve general health and immune function. Think of this herb if a horse is either flat, has much flatulence (wind), loses its appetite, has diarrhoea or a chronic cough. Because Andrographis is energetically a cold herb it is preferable to take it with an energetically warm herb such as a fresh ginger root. They combine together very nicely. Ensure the herb being used is A. paniculata as there can be adulteration with other species. NB: Not advised to use in pregnancy.

VITAMIN C

Horses make their own Vitamin C in the liver however, stress of any kind (accident or injury, travelling, sickness or other) quickly depletes the supply and the body needs more. Horses benefit from 4-6 teaspoons or more of sodium ascorbate or ascorbic acid daily if they have any kind of infection. Any vaccination depletes the body of Vit. C so dose with extra Vit. C
three days before and three days after any vaccination, to reduce negative effects. It’s prudent to have a bottle of injectable Vit. C in the stable fridge so it can be injected into a muscle if the horse is bitten by a snake. This should keep the horse alive until the vet arrives.
Many believe the herb Rosehip has the same effect as Vit C as it contains ascorbic acid. Whilst Rosehips are a wonderful tonic herb and do help with mild Vit. C deficiency a horse requires the actual vitamin itself in times of need.

COLLOIDAL SILVER

There are many who swear by the benefits of Colloidal Silver for themselves and their animals to boost the immune system. I used it with both horses and humans in my early days of practice in conjunction with herbs and had good results. Then the supply company were no more, I couldn’t find a supply that tested out with high therapeutic value so no longer used it! Ask around for a good source as they aren’t all the same. Your health practitioner or health store should be able to help you. Good immune health starts with a balanced diet and health-giving exercise. Physical and emotional stress compromise the immune system, so it is important to give your horse healthy turnout, friendly equine companions, access to pasture or hay, and room and time to ‘be a horse’.

Sophie

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