Which supplement does my horse need?

If the need for certain vitamins and minerals surpasses the amount supplied, supplements can be used in a horses diet. Supplements complement the roughage, vitamin and mineral supplement and hard feed as nutritional additions, and support the horse in meeting its individual requirements. The requirements are based on the age, workload, any illnesses and the season.

What are supplements for horses?

According to the classification of feed, supplements includes all feed that is not counted as roughage or hard feed. Vits and mins could also be counted as basic feed, as minerals are often not covered by this and therefore belong to the balanced nutrition of the horse. Supplements, on the other hand, are to be regarded as feed supplements and do not belong to the basic supply of the horse.

Supplements are available for almost every organ system to meet specific needs. Hyaluronic acid has proven itself for joints and ligaments, while the sulphur compound MSM is used for tendons and ligaments, to name just a few examples.

When does my horse need supplements?

Depending on which organ system is to be targed nutritionally, the appropriate supplements are chosen. For example, supplements can be given directly before and after training or a competition. With ingredients such as MSM, lysine or vitamin E, the horse can perform at its best thanks to strengthened muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments. Especially after a strenuous activity, when the horse has lost a lot of sweat and thus electrolytes, it is advisable to replenish electrolytes. Supplements can also be useful in breeding and raising. In recovery as well as in prevention, supplements are also suitable in order to be able to specifically remedy nutritional deficiencies.

Depending on the ingredients, supplement feed for horses have a positive effect on:

• Musculoskeletal system and arthrosis
• Immunity defences
• Digestion and metabolism
• Performance and musculature
• Nerve strength
• Skin and coat
• Respiratory tract
• Hooves
• Breeding and raising

Supplements are available in different forms. They can be given to the horse as cubes, powder or liquid. Oils also count as supplements, as they not only contain valuable ingredients, but also provide extra energy without adding carbohydrates to the horse.

What supplements does my horse need?

Supplements for the musculoskeletal system of the horse

The horse’s musculoskeletal system includes the joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles of the legs, shoulders and croup. These structures can become overstrained not just in old horses. Young horses in training or competitions can also quickly suffer damage to the musculoskeletal system if their mineral supply is inadequate. Through targeted feeding of nutrients, the tendons and ligaments can be kept both hard-wearing, elastic and the joints mobile.

The body’s own protein collagen plays a major role in the durability of the individual structures. It is the most abundant protein in the body and is an important fibre component of bones, skin, blood vessels, cartilage and tendons. The collagen present determines the tensile strength of tendons and ligaments as well as the pressure elasticity of cartilage. Normally, the horse’s body can produce collagen itself from amino acids, but a lot of vitamin C is needed for this. This ability decreases, especially with age, making it susceptible to tendon and cartilage damage. To counteract this, the horse can be fed collagen hydrosylate. For the ultimate vitamin C booster, rose hips are recommended. These can be given dried or as a liquid herbal juice.

High-quality omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for healthy joints. They not only have an anti-inflammatory effect, but also contain important joint-active building blocks. Many omega-3 fatty acids are found in feed oils such as linseed oil or hemp oil. But mussel extract also contains the fatty acids necessary for a healthy musculoskeletal system.

Sulphur is an equally important player in maintaining a healthy musculoskeletal system in horses. This can be fed to the horse in organic form as MSM (methyl sulphanyl methane) in powder form. Sulphur stimulates collagen formation and prevents cramps. It occurs naturally in pasture grass, for example. The supply from fresh grass is not always sufficient, especially if the need is particularly high due to arthrosis, for example.

Our tip: For healthy joints, tendons and ligaments we recommend the supplementary feed Original Landmühle Joint Premium. The sulphur compound MSM is present organically and therefore easily available. This allows collagen to be formed for more strength and elasticity of the tendons and ligaments. Glucosamine and hyaluronic acid produce the cushioning layer of the joints, which is crucial for good cartilage substance. The two active substances prevent the joint fluid from becoming watered down, which can lead to wear and tear of the joints and subsequently to arthrosis.

Supplements for horses with arthrosis

Arthrosis is a degenerative joint disease, which means that it cannot be reversed. In arthrosis, the complex structure of the joints can be disturbed, with the joint cartilage wearing away first. As a result, bone rubs on bone and bone growths develop. These not only restrict freedom of movement, they also cause pain. In the long run, the synovial fluid changes pathologically and becomes thin instead of viscous, and thus can no longer fulfil its lubricating function. Depending on the severity of the disease, a horse with arthrosis has to struggle with considerable pain, is lame, walks rigidly or develops windgalls on the joints.

The course of arthrosis can be significantly influenced by targeted feeding. Due to the inflammation, harmful substances and free radicals can develop in and around the joint. With vitamins C and E and zinc, the horse is supplied with antioxidants. For the removal of harmful substances, good blood circulation is necessary, which is stimulated with the help of herbs such as devil’s claw.

Supplements for a stronger immune system

A strong immune system is important for the horse, especially in the cold season, to ward off pathogens and to mitigate or shorten the course of illness. Feeding is not to be underestimated for an effective immune system! Vitamins in particular prevent infections and support the immune system in the case of injuries and allergies.

Vitamin C is of the greatest importance in this respect. Due to its antioxidant effect, it intercepts free radicals and protects the horse’s body from infections. It also promotes wound healing. In horse feed, rose hips, black cumin and garlic supply a lot of vitamin C.

Black cumin has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect due to its substance thymoquinone. It also contains many important minerals, such as zinc, selenium and magnesium. Black cumin is available as whole seeds, as black cumin oil or in cube form.

Garlic, e.g. as granules, strengthens the body through various vitamins. Besides vitamin C, garlic contains many B vitamins that are responsible for numerous metabolic functions. Especially vitamin B6 is found in garlic in large quantities and is important for a healthy immune system. Vitamin B1 is crucial for energy metabolism. In addition, garlic can help to repel flies when used internally. The sulphurous compounds are released through the skin, which causes a fly-repellent odour. Despite its effects, caution is advised when administering garlic: a daily dose higher than 25g of garlic per day in a 600 kilogram horse can lead to anaemia.

Herbs also stabilise the immune system as they also ward off free radicals, have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. The dried medicinal herbs can simply be mixed into the feed or poured over as liquid. When giving herbs, it is important to remember that they must not be fed continuously. A herbal cure should be scheduled for about one to three months. After that, a break of at least 2 weeks should be taken before they can be fed again.

Our tip: For a strong immune system, we recommend the Original Landmühle Herbal Juice Bronchial, which contains a variety of different herbs. It is made from 100% herbs and also has a positive effect on the respiratory tract. Especially in the cold season, it is an absolute must in horse feeding.

Support the horse’s metabolism and digestion with supplements

A strong immune system and healthy digestion go hand in hand, because a large part of the immune cells are located in the gut. Digestion in turn determines the functionality of the metabolism, which sends the supplied nutrients to where they are needed in the horse’s body. Therefore, stress in horses, for example due to competing, travelling, administration of medication or moving yard, can have a negative effect on the digestion and thus on the immune system.

The sensitive balance of the intestinal flora is thrown off equilibrium, resulting in free faecal water syndrome and diarrhoea. In the worst case, the stomach lining becomes inflamed and causes stomach ulcers.

Stomach ulcers are a common problem, especially in sport horses, because about 70 % of sport horses suffer from the painful injuries in the stomach wall. To prevent ulcers, the horse needs enough hay to buffer the stomach acid.

You can find more in-depth information in our guide Horse Feeding – the Basics.

For a healthy metabolism, the focus is on liver and kidney health. The two detoxification organs protect the horse from infections by filtering harmful substances from the body and excreting them. In order not to put unnecessary stress on the liver and kidneys, low-quality feed such as mouldy hay, oats infested with mites or poisonous plants (e.g. ragwort) should be avoided at all costs. Many diseases have their origin in damage to the liver, which is overtaxed in its function as a detoxification organ. As a result, the liver and intestines can no longer absorb the nutrients supplied or filter out harmful substances, which is why external symptoms and signs of illness eventually make themselves felt:

• Overweight/underweight
• Cresty neck
• Itching and loss of mane and tail
• Dull coat and problems with shedding
• Mud fever
• Free faecal water syndrome and diarrhoea
• Filled legs
• Poor hoof quality

Once these external symptoms are visible in the horse, the entire metabolism and digestion have been in a poor state for a long time. Quick action is required and a veterinarian must be consulted immediately.

But before these problems get out of hand, the liver and the metabolism can be supported at an early stage. Bitter liver herbs that stimulate the metabolism are suitable for this. Such herbs are, for example, milk thistle, black cumin, dandelion or parsley. They have a detoxifying and draining effect and support the liver and kidneys in their detoxification function.

Our tip: Original Landmühle offers various herbal mixtures that specifically support the liver metabolism. For horses with metabolic problems, we recommend Original Landmühle Metabolism Herbs and Original Landmühle Liver Herbs, with which you can round off your horse’s feed plan. Milk thistle, black cumin and dandelion support the liver, while bilberry leaves, shepherd’s purse and fenugreek seeds promote the sugar metabolism, which can be disturbed especially in horses with weight problems.

Brewer’s yeast are also noteworthy helpers in the horse’s metabolism. They were already used hundreds of years ago for horses with liver dysfunction, digestive disorders and coat problems. Brewer’s yeast provides essential amino acids and B vitamins for a well-functioning digestion. Often, good doers that are mainly fed fibre suffer from a deficiency of these valuable amino acids and vitamins, resulting in metabolic disorders. Stressed horses also have an increased need for B vitamins. Brewer’s yeast also contains valuable minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium.

Beware of baker’s yeast!

The commercially available fresh yeast from the refrigerated shelf such as dry yeast is not suitable for feeding horses, as it can trigger colic. The bacteria it contains multiply in the digestive tract and release large amounts of carbon dioxide. This leads to painful and sometimes life-threatening colic in the horse.

Our tip: A balanced digestive system is necessary for a healthy metabolism, which provides many important B vitamins for the horse. Original Landmühle Gut Balance in granulate form supports the intestinal flora with 60% brewer’s yeast and 40% brewer’s grains. Gut Balance supports particularly stressed horses whose digestion can be irritated. Original Landmühle Gut Balance is an ideal supplement to the horse’s basic feed.

Feeding horses for high performance – supplements for performance and musculature

Healthy muscles are important for competition horses with performance peaks as they are for leisure horses/happy hackers, young and old horses. Strong, relaxed and powerful muscles provide support and stability for the entire horse skeleton. Often the nutrient supply via the basic feed with hay and hard feed is not sufficient to nourish the muscles sufficiently. Due to a lack of nutrients, the horse’s muscles can quickly become tired or tense, the horse holds on tightly and can no longer move supple. This can cause problems in training a youngster as well as in the work of an already trained horse.

The main components of muscle metabolism are the essential amino acids lysine, methionine and threonine and vitamin E. Essential amino acids must be supplied and, as building blocks of the body, support muscle development, whereby the muscle cells are not increased but expanded. A rich source of amino acids is algae, of which the algae species spirulina and chlorella are particularly used in feed.

Other important nutrients for muscle metabolism are calcium and magnesium, which are helpful against tension. But fats and carbohydrates are also important energy suppliers.

Our tip: The premium supplementary feed Original Landmühle Muscle Premium is rich in the valuable amino acids lysine, threonine and methionine, which come from the spirulina algae, among others.

For that extra energy without feeding the horse more carbohydrates, we recommend the Original Landmühle Power Bundle – an oil mixture of linseed and rice germ oil. It provides easily digestible and thus quickly available energy.

Feed nervous horses calmly – supplements for more nervous strength

For the horse as a flight animal, it is normal and necessary for survival to show a certain degree of nervousness. In the wild, carelessness could cost it its life. However, a lack of nutrients can lead to overreactions and hypersensitivity, which can even be dangerous when dealing with the horse.

Magnesium, vitamin B12 and the protein tryptophan are important for a functioning stimulus transmission and nerve strength. A deficiency of magnesium can turn a horse into a dangerous startler, as stimuli are no longer transmitted properly. If the horse shows such overreactions, the blood should be checked for a magnesium deficiency.

The need for magnesium can increase in stressful situations, as well as during lactation, growth, increased sweating and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Since magnesium is hardly contained in hay or oats, it must be supplied to the horse through supplements.

A magnesium deficiency that persists over a longer period of time can make itself felt with muscle tremors, muscle cramps, nervousness and increased excitability, as well as exaggerated spooking. The horse is mentally less resilient.

If the horse is also deficient in vitamin B12, its willingness to perform decreases, while its reflexes, however, start up excessively.

Horses can also suffer from mood swings. The amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor of the „happiness hormone“ serotonin, is partly responsible for this. Serotonin has a great influence on the horse’s state of mind, whether it reacts anxiously, nervously or aggressively. So for a horse with a strong nerves, tryptophan is also crucial.

Our tip: If your horse is unusually spooky and nervous and if you are sure that it has nothing to do with external circumstances, there may be a magnesium deficiency. In addition to clarification by the vet, a supplement with organic magnesium may be recommended, as is the case with Original Landmühle Nerves Premium. High doses of magnesium chelate and vitamins B12 and A, support the muscle metabolism and maintain the nerve fibres for a smooth transmission of stimuli.

Supplements for healthy skin and shiny coat

Dull, lacklustre coat, hair loss, scaly, cracked skin, mud fever, itching, sweet itch, delayed metabolism – these are externally visible signs on the horse’s skin and coat that have their origin in the metabolism. As the largest sensory organ, the skin performs many important tasks: It protects the horse from external influences, regulates the thermal and moisture balance, transmits stimuli or excretes metabolic products via the pores. If something is wrong, it becomes noticeable through the skin.

The care of the skin begins with feeding and supplying minerals and vitamins according to the horse’s needs. Especially in times of the coat change, the horse’s metabolism runs at full speed and the need for zinc, biotin, vitamin E and omega fatty acids skyrockets. During these 4 to 6 weeks, the horse needs to be supplied with more energy and elements.

The main component in skin and coat metabolism is the trace element zinc. It forms a robust hair root and is involved in the formation of keratin, which in turn is an elementary building block in the hair structure. With a zinc deficiency, the horse’s skin begins to shed and hair falls out more frequently. Wound healing is also disturbed. Since the absorption of zinc can be inhibited by an increased amount of calcium, as is the case with pure hay feeding, the supply of zinc is essential.

Another important player in skin metabolism is biotin, a B vitamin that is instrumental in activating metabolism and the formation of new hair roots. A biotin deficiency can also cause a dull, lacklustre coat, and the quality of the hoof horn can also be affected.

Essential fatty acids protect the horse from skin thickening, dull coat and cracked skin. Omega fatty acids are best supplied to the horse via cold-pressed oils that are well tolerated and digestible. Oils from linseed, milk thistle, hemp or black cumin are recommended for skin and coat. Part of the fatty acid requirement can be balanced by pasture grass. Since especially cobs and ponies should be fed cautiously with the fresh pasture grass, the supplementary feeding of oils is recommended for these breeds.

You can read about what you need to consider when feeding oils in our guide Horse Feeding – the basics.

Horses suffering from skin and coat problems have a disrupted intestinal resorption capacity. In order not to waste the supplied elements, look for organic compounds that the horse can absorb quickly and utilise easily.

Our tip: For a year-round, season-independent supply of minerals that supports the skin metabolism, we recommend the Original Landmühle Zinc Premium. It contains high doses of organically bound zinc chelate, biotin and vitamin E. With this supplement for horses, you not only address skin problems, but also ensure a strong immune system.

In times of coat change, we recommend the specific supplementation with zinc, copper and methionine, as contained in the Original Landmühle Coat Shine. The administration of linseed as whole seeds, linseed cubes or oil also comes in handy for the horse during this time. Linseeds are rich in mucilage, which promotes digestion, and contain large amounts of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which ensure a shiny coat.

Horse supplements for free airways

The horse’s respiratory system is connected to the cardiovascular system and is very sensitive. Poor stable climate, mouldy hay, pesticide residues and dusty indoor arena surfaces can irritate and damage the horse’s mucous membranes. Permanent irritation deprives the bronchial tubes of their full functionality, so that noxious gases and foreign bodies can no longer be intercepted. If the cause is not stopped, a chronic cough can develop with nasal discharge, fever, swollen lymph nodes and increased breathing frequency. The sooner the vet is called and appropriate treatment is started, the lower the risk of a chronic cough.

A healthy horse’s lung reaches an air volume of 5 litres at rest, and even up to 20 litres under physical exertion. If its capacity is limited by mucous membrane irritation and coughing, the horse’s performance will drop. A so-called heave line can develop, whereby the horse squeezes out the air under additional strain of the muscles between the ribcage and the abdominal muscles. In the worst case, the horse develops COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) with increasing shortness of breath.

Undisputedly, herbs and herbal juices are the means to support the horse’s respiratory system. As dried herbal mixtures, they can either be added dry to the feed or poured over with warm water before feeding. Herbs such as thyme, fennel, aniseed or ribwort plantain are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, have an antispasmodic effect and relieve coughing. Ribwort also stimulates the formation of thin secretions that protectively surround the bronchial tubes and soothe the airways.

Our tip: With valuable herbs such as fenugreek seeds, eucalyptus oil and tragacanth, the Original Landmühle Airway Premium has a soothing effect on coughing and helps to clear the airways. Fenugreek is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic and can prevent viral or bacterial infection, as well as relieve allergies. For respiratory problems, eucalyptus is not to be missed. It is secretagogue and antispasmodic. The 40 essential oils contained in eucalyptus support the congested airways and ensure clear breath. Tragacanth rounds off the herbal cubes as it strengthens the horse’s natural defenses.

Feed hooves healthily

There is a lot of truth in the saying „No Hoof, no Horse“. Many health problems, the general well-being of the horse, the performance and the health of the musculoskeletal system depend on the stability of the hoof horn and the position of the hooves.

The hooves of the horse act like four additional hearts in the blood circulation system, pumping blood, nutrients and lymph through the body and supporting the heart. When the hoof is set down on the ground, the blood vessels are dilated and filled with blood. When the hoof is lifted off the ground, the blood is forced into the coronet band and from there further into the venous system. This ensures blood circulation to the legs, something the heart cannot do given the size of the horse’s body. But not only blood, but also lymph is conducted through the pumping system of the hooves. This is why the horse’s legs fill when it is resting in a stall, because the hoof pumps are no longer working.

As a rule, a hoof grows on average up to 1 cm per month, but can wear out faster due to insufficient protection. To maintain the hooves, proper care and hygiene, regular, professional treatment of the hooves, as well as sufficient exercise and at the same time hoof protection are necessary.

But also the diet with its nutrient supply has an immense influence on the quality of the hooves and the horn growth. The biggest diet-related hoof problems are caused by excessive starch and sugar intake. If the horse eats too much grass and hard feed, this can disrupt the metabolism and have serious consequences for the health of the hoof. In the worst case, the dreaded laminitis develops. It often occurs in native breeds, cobs, ponies and fat horses. Other common hoof diseases are thrush, hoof abscesses and breaking off of the hoof wall.

An important factor in hoof health is the vitamin biotin. It influences the formation of keratin, which in turn is a component of skin, hair and horn. If the quality of the hoof horn suffers, there may be a biotin deficiency. Although biotin can be synthesised by the horse microbially in the large intestine, the absorption of the vitamin already takes place via the small intestine wall. Thus, the microbially produced biotin is simply excreted in large quantities via the faeces. Biotin must therefore be supplied to the horse via the feed.

So far, there are only non-representative studies on the connection between biotin supplements and hoof growth, as the study durations were generally too brief. But first results show that only a long-term supply of at least 7 months with a daily intake of 20mg biotin can help with brittle, slow-growing hooves. In young horses and mares in pregnancy, however, the requirement may exceed the recommended daily intake. As a rule, biotin cannot be overdosed, as it is excreted again via the large intestine.

Furthermore, the amino acids lysine and methionine, as well as the trace elements selenium, manganese and zinc are necessary for hoof health. These should be taken in through the feed and a complete vitamin and mineral supplement, such as the Original Landmühle Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Premium.

Our tip: Highly dosed and highly available biotin is contained in Original Landmühle Hoof Premium. The organic active ingredient complex of biotin and zinc chelate maintain hoof quality and growth. They are present in an organically safe form and are therefore very readily available for the horse. With the recommended daily intake of 20 grams of cubes, the biotin supply of 20 milligrams per day is covered.