nutrition notes logo white
Innovation & Research from Kent Nutrition Group
Nutrition Notes

The Scoop on Supplements: Where to Begin and What to Look For

As an equine veterinarian, one of the questions you might hear is: Does my horse need supplements?

The answer, of course, depends on a variety of factors, most importantly the horse in question. So, we asked Sentinel Product Manager Kristyn Sturken how to assess a horse’s diet and lifestyle to determine if a supplement could benefit their health and performance.

Where should a veterinarian start when recommending supplements?

Before adding anything to a horse’s diet, it’s important to note their body condition and take inventory of what they’re currently getting nutritionally. A complete review will help determine if you need a supplement, but in many cases, with good quality hay and adequate feed, a horse won’t need one.

Start with the foundation of their nutrition in forage. What type of hay are they eating, is it good quality and are they eating enough to meet their forage needs?

“You should also look at the makeup of a horse’s feed, and whether or not it’s being fed according to the label,” Sturken says. “If their forage or feed intake falls short, a general protein, vitamin and mineral supplement, or ration balancer, can often fill in the gaps.” Before adding anything to a horse’s diet, it’s important to note their body condition and take inventory of what they’re currently getting nutritionally. A complete review will help determine if you need a supplement, but in many cases, with good quality hay and adequate feed, a horse won’t need one.

After feed analysis, which horses benefit from supplements?

  • Performance horses: Their higher energy demands and stress levels may necessitate additional nutritional support.
  • Seniors: Older horses with poor dentition and less efficient digestive systems may struggle with maintaining body condition and may benefit from an extruded feed or high-fat supplement.
  • Young, growing horses: Adequate and balanced protein, vitamin and mineral ratios are essential for proper development.
  • Breeding horses: Adequate vitamin and minerals are key to a successful breeding operation. Conception rates can be affected due to mineral deficiencies in both mares and stallions. Providing adequate protein, vitamins and minerals is also key for mares in late gestation, and lactation.
  • Horses with ulcers, colic or digestive concerns: Prior colic episodes or ulcers may be improved with an extruded feed and specific supplemental nutrition.
  • Horses with poor hoof quality: Supplements that contain biotin, zinc and organic manganese may benefit hoof health.

What key ingredients should I look for in a supplement?

The right supplement will always depend on the needs of the specific horse and the condition you’re trying to manage. For digestive concerns, including ulcers, look for ingredients like:

  • Prebiotics and probiotics: Prebiotics nourish beneficial bacteria, while probiotics introduce live microorganisms to maintain gut balance.
  • Butyrate and zinc: These support intestinal cell integrity, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Marine-sourced calcium: Derived from algae, it helps buffer the stomach, aiding horses prone to ulcers.
  • Organic acids: These contribute to overall gut health and immune function.

For supporting hoof condition, look for ingredients like:

  • Biotin: B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of amino acids that support keratin production.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: An integral part of cell membranes functioning to regulate inflammation, lubricate hoof tissues and support healthy hoof growth.
  • Trace Mineral Amino Acid Complexes: Bio-available sources are shown to benefit at the hoof level. Zinc, copper and manganese are important for healthy growth, structure and maintenance of hoof tissues and joints.
  • Methionine: An amino acid used in the building of keratin, the main protein in hoof tissue that provides stability and strength.

How do I ensure proper supplementation?

To get a full nutritional profile, it’s crucial to read supplement labels and follow feeding instructions to ensure the correct portion. While most horse owners feed their companions by volume with a scoop, a kitchen scale is a great tool to help determine precise amounts.

“Once your supplement is incorporated into your horse’s diet, monitor your horse’s condition over time,” Sturken says. “Watch for improvements in coat shine, hoof quality, behavior, digestive health or other intended changes.”

How do I choose the right supplement?

The form of a supplement—pellets, powders, pastes or extruded products—often depends on horse and owner preferences. Some horses prefer one form over another, so palatability is key. Ultimately, choosing a supplement that meets the horse’s nutritional needs is more important than the form.

With countless supplements on the market, how should I guide owners toward high-quality products?

The options for equine supplements can seem overwhelming, so it’s important to be scrupulous checking labels. Look for a guaranteed analysis and therapeutic levels of key nutrients. Also, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable manufacturer that invests in quality control and sound nutritional science.

“Don’t hesitate to reach out to feed companies and their nutritionists,” says Sturken. “We’re always happy to lend our expertise when it comes to creating balanced diets or evaluating supplements.”

How can owners tell if a supplement is working?

Knowing if your supplement regime is benefiting your horse requires patience. It can take a minimum of 30 to 60 days or longer to see improvements in hoof quality, coat condition, weight gain or behavior. Be sure to monitor your horse regularly and document with photographs to assess the supplement's impact.

The Sentinel team can help you make the best nutritional decisions for your horse and the horses under your care. Sign up for the latest news, research and expert nutritional guidance for all horses.

Kristyn Sturken, Equine Product Manager at KNG.

Kristyn Sturken, Equine Product Manager

Sturken joined Kent Nutrition Group in 1995 and currently works in the marketing and product department with a major focus on her passion, equine products.
Meet Kristyn

HAVE A QUESTION FOR OUR NUTRITIONISTS?

Submit Your Question

Compare Products
Scroll to Top