Vitamins for Horses

Vitamin A - Important for the maintenance of good vision, particularly at night. Also necessary for proper bone and muscle growth in young horses, in reproduction, immunity, and for healthy skin. Horses that are exercising, breeding, being fed old hay, or who have limited access to pasture often benefit from supplementation of vitamin A. Horse vitamins that contain vitamins A and E are the only vitamins that horses must source from their diets.

Vitamin D - Increases the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine, and controls the movement of stored calcium into and out of bone which plays an indirect role in bone growth. Horses may need Horse vitamin supplements containing vitamin D when they are kept indoors for long periods, or fed poor quality hay.

Vitamin E - Is an antioxidant that works with selenium and vitamin C to counteract the potentially harmful effects of oxygen by-products (free radicals) that are a result of normal cellular metabolism (heightened by stresses like exercise and illness). Vitamin E also affects immune function, cellular respiration, DNA synthesis, and absorption and storage of vitamin A. Horses must source vitamin E from their diet and horses without access to good pasture year-round should receive supplementation of horse vitamins.

Vitamin K (Menadione) - Necessary for blood clotting and the utilization of proteins throughout the body. Vitamin K benefits bone metabolism and vascular health. Horses generally receive enough vitamin K from pasture or hay in combination with the vitamin K produced by bacteria in the large intestine. Deficiencies occur only when the gut cannot synthesize vitamin K or liver damage prevents the body from absorbing it. Horses with anticoagulants in their system as part of medical therapy may also be deficient, hence, they need these horse vitamins in their daily diet.


Water-Soluble Vitamins


Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - Important to carbohydrate metabolism and to extracting energy from the diet. Produced by microorganisms in the intestine but in an insufficient amount to meet a horse's needs. Horses that are exercising or do not have access to fortified grains or pasture may require supplementation of horse vitamins.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) - Necessary to the conversion of feed into energy. Found in hay and grain, and is also synthesized by bacteria in the small intestine. Heavily exercised horses, or stabled horses with minimal access to pasture may require supplementation of horse vitamins.

Niacin (B3) - Important to energy metabolism, especially the processing of carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats. Found in forage and synthesized in the intestinal tract. This is a very important ingredient in horse vitamin supplements.

Pantothenic Acid (B5) - Involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Found in forage and grain, and is also produced by gastrointestinal bacteria.

Pyroxidine (Vitamin B6) - Used by enzymes to metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and a very significant aspect of any horse vitamins. Also contributes to red blood cell formation, glycogen utilization, and in the synthesis of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine.

Biotin (B) - Complex vitamin whose primary role is as a co-enzyme that helps to synthesize fats, proteins, and glucose within a horse's body. Well known for promoting the growth and health of hooves due to its role in collagen formation. Biotin is a much needed vitamin in horse vitamin supplements because it also contributes to a healthy coat and skin.

Cobalamin (B12) - Essential for the production of red blood cells. Also required for the production of propionate which is an energy source derived from the fermentation of carbohydrates. Gastrointestinal bacteria produce a high enough level for most horses. Supplementation of horse vitamins is used to enhance performance in performance horses, to treat or prevent anemia, and to stimulate the appetite.

Folicin (B9, Folic Acid) - Important to the formation of red blood cells, and to cellular metabolism. Found in green forage and also created by gastrointestinal bacteria.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - An antioxidant that is also important to the production of connective tissue. Stresses like disease, travel, exercise, competition, and old age have been shown to decrease Vitamin C levels. Horse vitamin supplements need to have Vitamin C because it enhances the effectivness of Glucosamine in joints, and is important to healthy hoof growth, strong bones, and the immune system.


Minerals


Calcium - Well known for its role in bone structure and teeth. Calcium makes up about 35% of a horse's bone structure. Calcium also plays an important role in muscle contraction, cell membranes, glandular secretion, temperature regulation, and blood clotting. Calcium absorption from the small intestine is regulated by Vitamin D but can be reduced if there is too much Phosphorus in the diet. In their regular horse vitamins supplementation, horses should receive slightly more Calcium than Phosphorus. Ideal ratios are between 1.6:1 to 1.2:1, but ratios between 2:1 to 1:1 are considered safe.

Chloride – Important electrolyte that works with Sodium and is responsible for regulation of all the horse’s body fluids, and is an essential component of any horse vitamins to help in intestinal secretions (stomach acids) that are necessary for digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Magnesium - Serves as an electrolyte and is an important activator of many enzymes. Pregnant and lactating mares, young growing horses, and horses in moderate to heavy work have requirements for Magnesium in their supplementation of horse vitamins that exceed what is provided by a normal diet.

Phosphorus - Essential to the healthy growth and maintenance of bones and teeth, and is also required for energy metabolism and cellular functions. There should be slightly less Phosphorus than Calcium in a horses diet and horse vitamins intake to avoid health problems.

Potassium - Important electrolyte that is involved in muscle contraction and helps to maintain the body's acid/base balance. Most horses receive enough Potassium from their diet, but horses in hot weather or in heavy work may need more horse vitamins supplementation.

Sodium - Crucial to a horse's diet and along with Chloride is the most important of the horse vitamins and minerals known as electrolytes. Commonly known as “salt” when combined with Chloride. Sodium is necessary for the regulation of the horse's body fluids, as well as nerve and muscle function. There is little sodium in most feeds, forages, and grains so it must be supplied separately.

Sulfur - Essential constituent of the amino acids methionine, cystine, and cysteine, as well as the B vitamins biotin and thiamin, and a number of other important molecules found in horse vitamins such as insulin, taurine, and chondroitin sulfate. It is a component of proteins like keratin which is important to hoof and hair quality. Sulfur is also involved in carbohydrate metabolism, blood clotting, and joint health.


Microminerals (or Trace Minerals)


Cobalt - A component of vitamin B12. Neither a deficiency or excess has been described in horses yet.

Copper - Component of several enzymes involved in the synthesis of connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone. Also involved in the mobilization of iron, and in producing skin and coat pigments. Copper deficiencies can play a role in developmental orthopedic diseases of young horses hence, the importance of this ingredient in horse vitamins.

Iodine - Essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones which help regulate metabolism. Like Selenium it is toxic at a relatively low threshold (around 40 mg/day).

Iron - Very significant component of horse vitamins because it plays an important role in hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that enables them to transport oxygen throughout the cells of the body. Iron is also found in myoglobin and various enzymes.

Manganese - Important to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and essential for the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate which is important to healthy bones and joints. Horses are tolerant of high quantities and there have been no reports of ill effects.

Selenium - A natural part of a horse's diet and is necessary for proper functioning of the immune system and to protect the integrity of cell membranes. Due to the condition of the soil in some parts of the country, it is often necessary to supplement a horse's diet with horse vitamins that have additional selenium to avoid health risks. Selenium deficiency can affect the muscles in a horse's heart, back, and limbs. The degenerative condition of the muscles known as rhabdomyolysis, which results in severe muscle cramps leading to sweating, stiffness, and increased pulse, can also be caused by selenium deficiency. Horses with a selenium deficiency are also more susceptible to infections because of a decrease in the efficiency of the immune system. Selenium is toxic at high levels and daily horse vitamin supplements intake should not exceed much over 2mg/day.

Zinc - Involved in many enzyme systems including the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, the formation of connective tissue, and immune system function. Plays a role in healthy hooves, coat, and joints. Horses are tolerant of high levels of zinc and a horse's normal diet may not meet daily requirements. Hence, the importance of horse vitamin supplements intake.