subject: Horse Supplements- What are you feeding your horse? Part 2 [print this page] Horse Supplements- What are you feeding your horse? Part 2
If your recall, from the earlier Part 1 submission, we went over the actual levels of major and trace minerals found in horse supplements, along with the widely varying ranges of these minerals, including which we needed and which were lacking.
In this part, we are going to focus on joint supplementation, and the role each of the ingredients perform, as well as ideal levels for the maximum efficacy.
Chondroitin is found in numerous joint supplements. Chondroitin assists the body in maintain the integrity and resilience of cartilage, by inhibiting the actions that break down cartilage. It is also used by the body to make new bone, cartilage and tendons, as well as repairing existing damage. It is really a two-fold supplement, being that it inhibits breakdown and is used in repair. Although I have researched many different companies, I do not care to point fingers at any one particular, instead I have chosen to represent them collectively. The ideal dose for Chondroitin in a horse joint supplement is 3000-5000mg for a 1000 pound horse. The average dose of over 40 different supplements is 500- 1000mg. The reason that many manufacturers do not put more in each dose is that it is an expensive product.
According to research, Chondroitin is more effective when combined with Glucosamine, than either one is alone. You'll notice if you look in the vitamin aisle at the drug store, many of the human grade tablets are a combination of Chondroitin and Glucosamine.
Glucosamine helps repair and treat damaged arthritic joints, reduces pain and replenishes synovial fluid. Since it is effective at minimizing the pain associated with joint dysfunction and is well tolerated, it significantly can significantly improve joint mobility by reducing the tenderness and symptoms associated with arthritic joints.
Here is something that may surprise you: Animal-grade Glucosamine (which is used in all horse supplements, unless otherwise noted) is derived from animal bone marrow. Considering horses are herbivores and do not eat meat, animal-grade Glucosamine certainly seems counterintuitive. Of course, there is a Human-grade alternative, which is derived from either shellfish or the cellulose walls of specific plants. However, due to the much higher cost, most (if not all) of the large companies manufacturing horse supplements, choose to use animal-grade Glucosamine, and hope you don't know where it comes from
The ideal dose of Glucosamine for a 1000pound horse is between 1500 2000mg. The average dose of over 40 supplements researched is 3,000. Please take note that that almost 100% of manufacturing companies use more Glucosamine than Chondroitin. This is simply due to cost. The manufacturers want you, as a consumer, to see a large number, and simply believe that it must be good. Keep in mind that this number reflects the animal-grade Glucosamine, which is less potent than human-grade. In reality, Chondroitin levels should be higher than Glucosamine for the greatest effect on your horse's arthritic or dysfunctioning joints.
Yucca is a natural, herbal remedy prescribed as a joint supplement. It is actually an herbal anti-inflammatory. Interestingly enough, there are no formal studies that have studied its effectiveness in any species. As a side note, Yucca has been shown to be counterproductive in horses with Insulin Resistance or Equine Metabolic Syndrome. It can actually increase their insulin levels, and worsen symptoms. It should be avoided in horses with IR or EMS.
Devils Claw and Boswellia are two other herbal remedies often found in joint supplements. Devils Claw works similarly to Bute (or aspirin in humans), with considerably less negative drawbacks on the stomach and liver. In order to work as a pain killer, it needs to be administered based on the strength of the particular formulation. It is not a one-size-fits-all dose. Boswellia is a natural anti-inflammatory, often found and used in conjunction with Devils Claw. They are both very cheap supplements to buy yourself and dose yourself if you care to venture. Consult with your veterinarian or nutritionist for dosing instructions based on your horse's needs and level of pain.
Shark cartilage, ASU, and collagen are rarely included in animal joint supplements, primarily due to prohibitive cost of the amounts a horse would need to benefit.
Pampered Pooch and Pony prides itself on horse supplements created specifically based on recommendations published by the Nutrient Requirement Council (NRC), as well as years of research of determining what is lacking from what comprises the majority of a horse's diet: hay/forage. The company is dedicated to providing the best nutrition possible from the purest sources. Pampered Pooch and Pony only uses human-grade Chondroitin and Glucosamine in their dog and horse supplements. There are no fillers or by-products, only the purest forms of minerals, joint supplements and amino acids on the market. It is recommended that you compare supplements side-by-side, comparing both ingredients and amounts or supplementation per dose.
