A Practical Guide to Choosing and Administering a Horse Vitamin Supplement

Horse owners who are concerned about their animals’ nutrient intake have a lot to think about. First, they should assess their horse’s physical condition and activity level. Next, they must determine an appropriate feeding regimen that consists of appropriate, quality food. Third, it is up to owners to understand how much food horses need to consume in order to ingest the nutrients their bodies require.

The Trusted Source for Horse Nutrition Information

Horse nutrition is not overly complex, but it does require some technical information. Perhaps the best source is the National Research Council Subcommittee’s book on horse nutrition, Nutrient Requirements of Horses. This manual contains the latest information compiled by professional horse nutritionists in a non-profit setting. It is widely available online and can be ordered through bookstores in most locations, as well. Before investing in the newest horse vitamin supplement, owners would do well to purchase and read the valuable information contained in the National Research Council’s publication.

If you are already familiar with horse nutritional requirements, selecting a horse vitamin supplement will be a much simpler matter. In the majority of cases, careful analysis of an appropriate feeding program based on quality feeds reveals no need for the addition of any horse vitamin supplement at all. When feed quality is compromised or in conditions of high stress, it may make sense to add a small quantity of vitamins to a horse’s diet. Keep in mind that most commercial feeds already contain added vitamins and it is important to avoid vitamin toxicity due to overdose.

Appropriate Administration of a Horse Vitamin Supplement

Pre-mixed vitamin formulations can be added to mixed feed in the ration of five lbs. of vitamin mix per ton of feed. This is an appropriate dosage for supplements containing vitamins A, D, E and K. For B vitamin supplementation, the National Security Council recommends adding five lbs. of dried brewer’s yeast per ton of mixed feed. B vitamin supplementation is particularly important for horses that are under a great deal of physical stress due to rigorous working conditions or consistent exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Additional horse vitamin supplements are likely to be of little value to your horse, despite the claims of horse vitamin advertisements and marketing campaigns. If you believe your horse is in need of further supplementation, discuss the situation with your veterinarian. He or she can help assess your horse’s health and nutritional needs in greater detail and make recommendations accordingly. Just as it is costly and unwise to over-supplement our own bodies with vitamin and mineral formulations, administering mega-doses of vitamin supplements to our horses can do more harm than good.