Supplements and Vitamins for Horses: Complete Guide 2026
Equine supplementation has seen great advances in recent years. Today, we have scientifically developed formulas to cover all the nutritional needs of sport horses, stable horses, and pasture horses. This guide will help you understand what supplements your horse needs.
Why Do Horses Need Supplements?
Domestic horses, especially those performing athletic work, have nutritional needs that hay and conventional feed do not always fully cover:
- Increased joint wear and tear in competition horses
- Depleted soils that reduce the nutritional value of pasture
- Stress from transport and frequent changes of environment
- Intensive work that increases electrolyte and vitamin consumption
- Specific problems such as brittle hooves, dull coat, or nervousness
Types of Supplements by Function
Joint Supplements
The most demanded for sport horses. They help maintain cartilage health and reduce joint inflammation.
| Active Ingredient | Function | Typical Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Glucosamine | Cartilage synthesis | 5,000-10,000 mg/day |
| Chondroitin | Cartilage elasticity | 2,500-5,000 mg/day |
| MSM | Natural anti-inflammatory | 10,000-20,000 mg/day |
| Hyaluronic acid | Joint lubrication | 100-500 mg/day |
| Omega-3 | Systemic anti-inflammatory | According to product |
Coat and Hoof Supplements
- Biotin (Vitamin B7) — Essential for keratin formation. Minimum 15-20 mg/day for visible results.
- Zinc — Essential for skin, hair, and hooves. Works synergistically with biotin.
- Methionine and Lysine — Amino acid precursors of keratin.
- Organic Silicon — Strengthens hoof structure.
Calming and Balance Supplements
For nervous horses, sensitive to stress from transport or competition:
- Magnesium — The most used and effective for reducing muscle tension and nervousness.
- Tryptophan — Serotonin precursor. Natural calming effect.
- Valerian — Adaptogenic plant. Note: prohibited in FEI competition.
- Plant extracts — Chamomile, passionflower, hops. Natural and generally permitted.
Performance Supplements
- Electrolytes — Sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium. Essential in summer and after intense sweating.
- Vitamin E + Selenium — Antioxidants that protect muscles during exertion.
- B vitamins — Especially B12 for energy metabolism.
- L-Carnitine — Improves the use of fats as fuel in endurance work.
Digestive Supplements
- Prebiotics and Probiotics — Balance intestinal flora, especially after antibiotics or diet changes.
- Yeasts (Saccharomyces) — Improve fiber digestibility.
- Digestive enzymes — Optimize nutrient absorption.
Horse Supplement Brands Available at RdV
| Brand | Origin | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Vetnova | Spain | Veterinary formulation, complete range |
| Cavalor | Belgium | High-performance sports nutrition |
| Dodson & Horrell | United Kingdom | Natural and organic ingredients |
| NAF | United Kingdom | Competition supplements, FEI Clean |
How Do I Know What My Horse Needs?
Before starting any supplementation, observe your horse:
- Does it have a dull coat or brittle hooves? → Biotin and zinc
- Is it stiff or has difficulty warming up? → Joint supplement
- Is it nervous or affected by transport? → Magnesium or natural calming agent
- Does it work hard in summer? → Electrolytes and vitamin E
- Does it have frequent digestive problems? → Probiotics and prebiotics
For more specific needs, always consult your veterinarian before starting supplementation.
Explore our full range of horse supplements, including Vetnova products. Consultation available with our specialized technical team.
