Picking feed and supplements that meet a horse’s individual needs can be challenging. Managing a barn with multiple horses can complicate chores if clients want each horse to have specific products. Working with a veterinarian and or an equine/nutritionist can help you design a program that fits your routine and provides the right nutrition for the horses in your care.
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When it comes to supplements, the choices are endless. It can be overwhelming to choose among the hundreds of options available. In an unofficial Facebook survey, horse owners responded to let us know these additives were among their favorites.
Quiessence Magnesium and Chromium Pellet for Horses—Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Coach and trainer Adam D’Agostino said the Quiessence Magnesium and Chromium pellet is his go-to supplement. The additive is ideal for horses with tight, tense muscles or a sore back or those horses that are more nervous.
Natural Equine Essentials Digest Plus—Designed to support the digestive system, it includes papain, which is found in papaya, and other ingredients that provide omega-3 and 6, antioxidants and proteins. “Feeding this supplement has been the best supplement change for my horse,” said Hillary Rapier.
Ultimate Recovery from Buckeye Nutrition—“I’m biased, I know, because I work for them, but I’ve found the results are amazing with my horses,” said Abby Strawder from Ohio. “It includes branch chain amino acids, live probiotics for gut health, added fat, electrolytes, biotin for healthy hooves, antioxidant vitamins E and C, omega-3s for an anti-inflammatory diet, and calcium for bone recovery.”
KER Micro-Max Ration Fortifier—One editor (who asked to remain anonymous) said this is her go-to supplement for her older, easy-keeper trail horses to ensure they get the nutrients they need every day.
Over the Counter
Those who care for horses with special dietary needs because of ulcers or insulin resistance issues must be careful. In severe cases, the type of food matters to avoid flare-ups.
“Now that I’ve discovered peppermint Tums and wintergreen Tums, I will never give my ulcer-prone horse sugar cubes again,” said Jennifer Bryant from southeastern Pennsylvania. According to the Tums website, the primary active ingredient is calcium carbonate, which is naturally mined from limestone.
