horse supplements
A stroll down the supplement aisle of your local feed store can result in a dizzying case of information overload, often leaving you with more questions than answers. But choosing nutritional or health supplements for your horse doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Knowing what your horse needs, as well as some key questions to ask as you review products, will help take the stress out of your supplement search.
Before incorporating a new supplement into your horse’s regimen, it’s important to know for sure whether he needs it. It’s one thing to add a supplement when your horse is clearly experiencing a challenge, such as stiffness when you warm him up, a dull coat, or ongoing anxiety when he’s in the stall. It’s quite another to add a supplement simply because you’ve heard good things or someone in your barn is urging you to give it a try. Supplements are just one element of whole horse care and it’s always a good idea to have your veterinarian assess your horse to help determine the need. You may find that in addition to a supplement, your vet will recommend you consult your farrier for help with a hoof-related issue or implement equine massage to help with discomfort your horse is experiencing.
If you do decide you want to add a supplement to the mix, it is important to understand the types of supplements available. Nutritional supplements are products such as vitamins, minerals and other ingredients that are intended to provide nutritional value as a component of a complete and balanced diet. If your horse’s issue is not related to nutrition, you likely will not see the result you want by adding a nutritional supplement. Health supplements are products intended to support maintenance of normal biological structure and function and are also known as “dosage form health products.” A joint support product containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid or MSM is an example of an animal health supplement.
When it’s time to select a specific product, do some research on ingredients common to the supplement category you’re shopping, and begin inspecting the labels of products you’re considering. As you read labels, ask the following questions to help identify reputable companies with established manufacturing standards in place for their products:
- Do the product claims sound too good to be true?
There are no magic bullet products that are good for everything that ails a horse. Outrageous claims on a company’s products and marketing materials should be an immediate red flag. If a company overtly claims—or even implies—the product will treat, prevent, mitigate or cure any disease, they are breaking the law and misleading consumers. Bottom line: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
- Does the product have a lot number?
Lot numbers on products do not guarantee quality, but they do demonstrate that the manufacturer likely complies with some type of quality standards that require product traceability. In the case of a product recall, lot numbers are essential in helping manufacturers track when and where products were shipped so they can notify customers of the problem.
- Are the product ingredients and amounts clearly listed?
Look for product labels with quantities of each ingredient listed per unit of administration. You should be able to easily determine what ingredients are in the product and exactly how much of each ingredient is contained in a dose. The ingredients should be listed in descending order by quantity, however, be aware that seemingly large numbers may be misleading. For example, an ingredient with a large number followed by “ppm,” which means parts per million and is a way of expressing very dilute concentrations of an ingredient, in fact may not be a meaningful amount of the ingredient at all. Biotin for hoof health is often an example to look for.
- Who can I call if I have questions or need advice?
The label should list the company providing the productand their contact information. And the company should have employees, technicians or veterinarians on staff with the expertise to answer any question you have. This includes information about the testing and quality standards in place for their products. When asking about quality standards, if you’re told “we comply with cGMPs” (which stands for current good manufacturing practices), ask which cGMPs they comply with. The need to be following the standards that are applicable to their product and industry. If you are given the runaround or cannot get satisfactory answers, consider choosing a different product.
- Does the product have the NASC Quality Seal?
The National Animal Supplement Council is a nonprofit trade organization made up of companies dedicated to providing the highest quality nutritional and health supplements for animals. The NASC Quality Seal program provides strict guidelines for product quality assurance, adverse event reporting and labeling standards. To display the NASC Quality Seal, a companymust pass a comprehensive on-site quality audit every two years, maintain ongoing compliance with rigorous NASC quality standards, and pass random independent testing of their products to help ensure they are meeting label claims. Only companies that meet these exacting requirements can use the NASC Quality Seal on their products and marketing materials. If you see the NASC Quality Seal on the label, you’ll know the product comes from a responsible supplier that is committed to attaining the highest standards of quality and vigilance.
A final consideration as you select a product is price. Before you pick up the least expensive product on the shelf and give it a try,remember that cheap products are typically cheap for a reason. Quality ingredients and responsible manufacturing cost money. Don’t spend more than you can afford but do determine a price range that fits your budget and buy the best quality product you can get for that amount.
Finally, remember that your horse is as much an individual as you are. There is no magic bullet, no one-size-fits-all fix. Observe his behavior, learn his patterns, and share your concerns with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist. Supplements can play a key role in keeping your horse healthy and happy, but only when they are incorporated as an element of whole horse care that also includes a high-quality diet, routine vet checks, and competent care and training.