Equine Joint Supplements for Horses

Jumping - a strain on jointsEquine joint care using feed supplements for horses is an important part of equestrian management.

Most horses will at some time suffer from joint problems and lameness caused by injuries, hard exercise, old age, or as a result of damp and cold conditions. Feeding a supplement can also be used to treat lameness in a horse or pony.

It has been shown in studies that feeding equine joint care supplements will help your horse to maintain good joint health and mobility, prevent lameness and increase the longevity of his career - whether he is a top competition horse or a family pony.

GLUCOSAMINE AND CHONDROITIN SULPHATE

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate are the joint supplements best known to have beneficial effects on a horse's joint function. There is debate as to which is the more effective. However research has shown that they are complementary and when combined have better effects on joint function than one product on its own.

The Omega 3 Fatty Acids - found in corn oil, flaxseed oil, linseed oil, sunflower oil, soya bean oil, cod liver oil and other marine oils etc - are also a tried and tested feed supplement for horses with joint problems.

Corn oil can be bought in bulk cheaply from the supermarket. A cupful of this can be fed a day - but take care if your horse puts on weight easily!

Horse feed supplements for equine joints are designed to be utilised by the joint tissues for the repair of mild damage to cartilage before it deteriorates into arthritis.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY JOINT SUPPLEMENTS FOR HORSES

Another type of supplement - Devils Claw- is a natural anti-imflammatory which gives pain relief to horses with arthritic joints or bone spavins and allow them to become more mobile. 

Devil's claw won't prevent further degeneration, but will make your horse's life more comfortable, and may be enough to keep him working and active for a few more years.

Popular Horse Joint Supplements 

Joint Nutraceuticals

Feed supplements for joints are classified as "nutraceuticals". Nutraceutical combines the word nutrient (a nourishing food component) and the word pharmaceutical (a medical drug).

The term nutraceutical was conceived to describe the products developed for the treatment or prevention of disease and enhancing a horse's performance being sold as dietary supplements and present in commercial horse feed.

 cortaflex - a popular joint supplement for horses

Common Active Ingredients in Equine Joint Supplements

  • Chondroitin Sulphate
  • Glucosamine
  • Hyaluronic Acid 
  • MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
  • Vitamin C
  • Manganese Sulphate
  • L-Glutamine
  • L-Proline
  • Glucuronic Acid

Article: Advice about giving and feeding equine joint supplements to a horse or pony

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