Finding the right supplements for your equine partner . The search for the right supplements for your horse can often be both confusing and frustrating. With so many choices out there how do we know if we're getting the right product? First of all, what is a supplement? I would consider this to be anything that we would add to our horse's diet which is not grain, pellet or hay. This includes vitamins, minerals, probiotics, oils, joint formulas, and herbs. There is only two things that I would venture to suggest be in every horse's diet. A good quality vitamin and mineral supplement is essential for balanced nutrition in every horse. This will provide your horse with any essential nutrients which are not being provided for by their grass, hay and grain. A grain, in this case, refers to any oats, sweet feed, pelleted feed, or bran. As well, salt should be made available in some form. Other than this, I would tend to be quite careful with my selection of supplements (or grains) to add to the diet. Although they tend to be made from natural substances, it is possible, depending on your horse's internal chemistry, for a supplement or even a grain, to be toxic to their system. When determining whether to use a supplement there are several strategies. (1) Listen to your gut instinct! How does giving your horse this supplement make you feel? (2) Second, do your research. Check the quality of the supplement, read the label, check the expiry, find a website focusing on equine nutrition. If you're going to put a substance into your horse it is in your best interest to know what is in it. (3) Consult a professional. A herbalist, nutritionist, equine therapist, or veterinarian would be able to answer your questions. (4) Try it out. Test your horse on the lowest dose of the supplement for a several weeks. Make sure it is the only thing you change in their feed schedule to eliminate other factors. Is there any change in their behaviour or energy level? Is the quality of the coat better or worse? Do they tend to be more sluggish or sensitive to touch? If you are still unsure, it may be in your best interest to try Applied Kinesiology with an experienced practitioner. Applied Kinesiology asks the body which supplements it is compatible with and which ones it is not compatible with. It is also possible to determine which supplements are absolutely necessary. This is also a great way of determining the perfect feed schedule for your horse. Remember, every horse is unique and requires different grain (or no grain) and supplements (or no supplements) in order to stay balanced and healthy. What you feed to one horse without a problem may be creating a toxic imbalance in another. As horse owners, it is crucial that we develop a good "eye" for any changes in behaviour. It is possible that this may be an indication of a nutritional imbalance. Trust your instinct! And always remember that “less is more.” I have included a list of supplements that I use regularly and with success... Apple Cider Vinager Alakaline, detoxifier, aids digestion and absorption, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal Aloe Vera Juice Detoxifier, aids digestion and absorption, healing properties, alkaline Probiotics or Acidophilus Replenish healthy bacteria in the hindgut, important after worming, antibiotics, feed change Essential Fatty Acids - Flax (ground or milled), sunflower seeds Promotes cellular, joint, and brain health. Essential nutrient. Great for skin, coat and hooves |