An equine athlete needs more than just enough feed in the bucket. The quality and availability of forage, the balance of the feed ration, the workload and the ability to eat and drink consistently all play a role. Competition adds further demands: travel, unfamiliar surroundings, changes in routine, reduced access to familiar feed and forage, stress and substantial sweat losses. Nutritional requirements also change with life stage, reproductive status and health.
Sports nutrition begins by comparing what the horse consumes with the demands placed on his body, and a supplement becomes useful when it addresses an identified nutritional gap or has a clearly defined purpose within that plan.
Macronutrients include carbohydrates, fats and proteins, which horses require in relatively larger amounts. They provide energy and the building materials needed for maintenance, growth and repair. Vitamins and trace minerals are required in smaller quantities but remain essential for normal bodily function. Minerals are further classified into macro-minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, and trace minerals, such as copper, zinc and selenium.
A nutraceutical is generally understood as a feed ingredient or preparation used to support health or function beyond supplying basic nutrients. Examples include certain joint ingredients and yeast fermentation products. The term itself does not establish effectiveness; rather, relevant research needs to be consulted, and the formulation and daily amount chosen accordingly.
When a horse is fed less than the recommended daily rate on the feed label (for example, a feed recommended at 4 to 6kg a day), the vitamin and mineral premix in it will no longer meet the horse’s needs. A balancer or a vitamin and mineral supplement may then be needed. One also needs to keep in consideration the body condition score as well as the behaviour of the horse when choosing the correct feed ration.
Workload creates further demands. The National Research Council (NRC, 2007) estimates that a 500kg mature horse requires approximately 16.5 Mcal of digestible energy daily at average maintenance, rising to approximately 23 Mcal with moderate exercise. Similarly, estimated vitamin E requirements increase from 500 to 900 IU daily under these conditions. These figures refer to the total daily diet, rather than amounts to add on top of existing feed.
Increased work therefore calls for a review of energy, protein quality, vitamin E and electrolyte supply. Selenium, for example, is essential for antioxidant function, but additional supplementation should follow an assessment of total intake because an excess can be harmful. A ration calculator such as FeedXL can help you make informed decisions but if one wants to be accurate, a forage analysis is needed to identify which nutrients are lacking, repeated with each new forage batch and seasonal change in grazing.
Regular work places repeated demands on joints and connective tissues. Ingredients commonly found in oral joint supplements include glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, MSM and collagen peptides. Selected equine studies have reported benefits, with results depending on the formulation, daily amount and horses studied.
Much and colleagues (2020) found greater hock range of motion at the walk in horses receiving a multi-ingredient joint supplement for 28 days. Dobenecker and colleagues (2018) reported promising improvements in symptoms in horses with mild to moderate osteoarthritis receiving specific bioactive collagen peptides over 12 weeks. These findings relate to the preparations tested and cannot automatically be applied to every supplement containing similar ingredients.
Additional research supports interest in other formulations. Leatherwood and colleagues (2016) found that oral glucosamine hydrochloride influenced measures of joint inflammation and cartilage turnover in young horses following an experimental inflammatory challenge. Cayzer and colleagues (2012) reported reduced lameness severity and joint pain in a blinded, placebo-controlled trial of a specific, green-lipped mussel extract in horses with fetlock osteoarthritis, which will relate to the Omega-3 ratio found in it.
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, may also support the management of inflammation. In a 90-day study involving 16 horses with existing arthritis, Manhart and colleagues (2009) found greater reductions in joint fluid white blood cell counts and blood prostaglandin E2 in supplemented horses compared with controls. These findings provide evidence that EPA and DHA supplementation can reduce selected inflammatory markers in arthritic horses.
Christmann and colleagues (2021) further demonstrated that dietary EPA and DHA increased omega-3-containing lipids in equine joint fluid, with maximum incorporation observed after approximately 60 days. This supports their availability within the joint environment and their potential contribution to processes that help resolve inflammation. These omega-3 studies support effects on the joint environment; they do not establish cartilage repair or improved lameness.
When choosing a joint supplement, look for named ingredient forms, quantities per daily serving and equine research relevant to the formulation. For omega-3 products, check the stated amounts of EPA and DHA rather than relying on general guidelines about total oil quantity.
Travel to shows can disrupt the gut microbiome, which is sensitive to changes in environment and feed. Some horses develop loose droppings, increased flatulence or abdominal bloating and cramping during these periods. These signs are not specific to gastric ulcers and may reflect disturbances elsewhere in the digestive tract. Colic indicates abdominal pain and requires prompt veterinary assessment.
Horses produce gastric acid continuously. Reduced forage intake means less chewing and saliva production, which can leave the upper stomach more exposed to gastric contents. Padalino and colleagues (2020) found increased gastric squamous ulcer scores after transport, particularly among mares fasted before departure. Gastric fluid pH increased during transport in that study, illustrating that transport-related ulceration cannot simply be attributed to increased acidity.
An appropriate digestive supplement may complement regular forage intake, adequate water and consistent management. Its purpose should be clearly defined: buffering stomach contents, supporting the gastric lining or helping maintain the hindgut microbial community. Reducing acidity means raising pH, not lowering it; stomach buffering and hindgut microbiome support are distinct functions.
Calcareous marine algae is one ingredient to consider for gastric buffering. In a study involving nine horses, Jacobs and colleagues (2020) found that a specified seaweed-derived calcium preparation increased gastric pH two hours after feeding compared with a control meal. It was shown that supplementing 40g of high-calcium marine algae for 30 days resulted in macroscopic healing of gastric ulcers in 70% of equine test subjects (Woodward & Crandell, 2021).
Prebiotics and probiotics act differently. Prebiotics provide substrates used by intestinal microorganisms, whereas probiotics supply live microorganisms; certain live yeast strains fall within this latter category. Respondek and colleagues (2008) found that short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides reduced disruption of hindgut microbial populations and limited D-lactate accumulation.
Live yeast also has relevant transport research. In a small crossover study, Faubladier and colleagues (2013) found that faecal bacterial profiles before and after transport were more similar in horses receiving Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 than in controls. Ganda and colleagues (2023) reported support for aspects of microbiome stability during a transport-related stress challenge using a specific S. cerevisiae fermentation product.
When choosing a product, look for a clearly identified buffering ingredient, named prebiotics, and the organism, strain and viable daily amount of any probiotic or live yeast. Match the formulation and feeding amount to relevant equine research.
After exercise, a horse needs sufficient energy and protein, including essential amino acids, to maintain and repair muscle. Lysine is particularly important when assessing equine protein quality. Leucine participates in regulating muscle protein synthesis, while threonine and the other essential amino acids must also be available in the overall ration.
Equine research supports attention to protein supply during recovery. Graham-Thiers and Bowen (2024) reported increased amino acid availability during early recovery when protein was supplied soon after exercise. In a small experimental study of Thoroughbreds, Matsui and colleagues (2006) found that amino acid administration after exercise increased muscle protein synthesis in the hindlimb, with a greater effect when combined with glucose.
For practical feeding, compare the grams of key amino acids supplied per daily serving with the quality and amount of protein already present in forage and concentrate. Adding one amino acid cannot correct a ration that lacks several others, and it is important to take that into consideration.
Vitamin E and selenium can assist in sustained muscle energy production and prevent fatigue, as well as improve ion homeostasis during strenuous exercise, delaying the onset of muscle soreness and tying up (Owen et al., 2022; Refi et al., 2018).
Daily requirement based on a 500kg horse, total feed and supplementation ration should be taken into consideration. (National Research Council [NRC], 2007), (Pagan & Nash, 2005), (Fagan et al., 2020)
Equine sweat carries away water and substantial amounts of sodium and chloride, as well as potassium and smaller quantities of calcium and magnesium. These minerals contribute to fluid balance and normal nerve and muscle function.
Plain salt supplies sodium and chloride, but it does not supply potassium, calcium or magnesium. Whether additional electrolytes are needed depends on sweat losses and the contribution of the existing ration. A horse sweating heavily during training, transport or a multi-day competition may need a more comprehensive replacement plan.
Waller and Lindinger (2021) found that a balanced oral electrolyte solution given before exercise helped maintain fluid and ion balance during prolonged sweat losses. In a separate study, Waller and colleagues (2009) found that fluid and electrolyte supplementation after prolonged exercise enhanced muscle glycogen replenishment during recovery. These results highlight the importance of replacing both water and electrolytes under demanding exercise conditions.
Look for stated amounts of sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium per daily serving, clear administration instructions and a plan matched to the horse’s workload.
By workload for a healthy mature 500 kg horse
Values are total daily dietary requirements from forage, concentrates, salt and supplements combined. They are not amounts to add on top of the existing diet.
All values in grams per day
Application note. These baseline estimates reflect average workload. Substantial sweating, heat and humidity can increase requirements. For a different body weight, multiply each value by body weight in kg ÷ 500. Account for the existing diet before calculating supplementary amounts, and provide unrestricted fresh water.
References
• National Research Council. 2007. Nutrient Requirements of Horses. Sixth Revised Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Table 16-3, pp. 298–299. https://doi.org/10.17226/11653
Hoof quality reflects several influences, including genetics, environment, farriery and nutrition. Where forage quality or the overall ration is inadequate, reviewing protein quality and the supply of nutrients such as zinc, copper and a combination of other nutrients will play a role in the development of better hoof horn quality.
Biotin has positive evidence in horses for improving poor hoof horn quality. Josseck and colleagues (1995) found that horses receiving 20 mg of biotin daily showed significantly improved hoof condition after nine months compared with their starting condition and a placebo group. This was a study-specific feeding amount, rather than evidence that every horse requires additional biotin. Ponies supplemented with biotin had a 15% increase in hoof horn growth over a five-month period compared to control groups (Reilly et al., 1998).
Hoof support requires patience: nutrition contributes to new horn formation, and improved growth takes time to move down the hoof wall, which should be reviewed at 3 to 6 months. Progress should be assessed alongside regular farriery and a review of the complete ration.
Before adding anything to the feed, establish what the horse needs or where his diet falls short. Consider the horse’s life stage, body condition, workload, forage quality, actual feed intake and management routine. Does he receive his fortified feed at the recommended rate? Does he have predictable sweat losses? Is travel disrupting forage intake? Is there a specific concern that needs veterinary assessment?
Next, calculate the contribution of all feeds, forage, grazing and supplements. Mineral balance belongs to the complete diet.
A calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of approximately 2:1 is commonly used.
Read quantities per daily serving and distinguish the amount of the active ingredient from the total scoop weight. Compare those quantities with relevant equine research, while recognising that a studied dose is not automatically appropriate for every horse. Check for overlapping ingredients, particularly where several fortified products are used together.
Finally, define what improvement would look like and allow a realistic period for assessment. Changes in body condition, muscle development, hoof growth or comfort should be reviewed alongside workload and management. A healthy body condition score is useful, but it does not confirm that every nutrient requirement is met.
The best sports nutrition plan explains why each product is included, what it supplies, and how its usefulness will be assessed.
References
• National Research Council. (2007). Nutrient Requirements of Horses. Sixth revised edition. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. • Much ML, et al. (2020). Evaluation of an oral joint supplement on gait kinematics and biomarkers of cartilage metabolism and inflammation in mature riding horses. Translational Animal Science, 4(3)150. • Dobenecker B, et al. (2018). Specific bioactive collagen peptides as supplement for horses with osteoarthritis: A two-centred study. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 102(Suppl. 1):16-23. • Leatherwood JL, et al. (2016). Influence of oral glucosamine supplementation in young horses challenged with intra-articular lipopolysaccharide. Journal of Animal Science, 94:3294-3302. • Cayzer J, Hedderley D, Gray S. (2012). A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study on the efficacy of a unique extract of green-lipped mussel in horses with chronic fetlock lameness attributed to osteoarthritis. Equine Veterinary Journal, 44(4):393-398. • Manhart DR, et al. (2009). Markers of inflammation in arthritic horses fed omega-3 fatty acids. The Professional Animal Scientist, 25:155-160. • Christmann U, et al. (2021). Dynamics of DHA and EPA supplementation: incorporation into equine plasma, synovial fluid, and surfactant glycerophosphocholines. Metabolomics, 17:41. • Padalino B, Davis GL, Raidal SL. (2020). Effects of transportation on gastric pH and gastric ulceration in mares. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34:922-932. • Ganda E, et al. (2023). Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product improves robustness of equine gut microbiome upon stress. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10:1134092. • Jacobs RD, et al. (2020). The effect of a seaweed-derived calcium supplement on gastric juice pH in the horse. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 95:103265. • Venner M, Lauffs S, Deegen E. (1999). Treatment of gastric lesions in horses with pectin-lecithin complex. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement, 29:91-96. • Respondek F, Goachet AG, Julliand V. (2008). Effects of dietary short-chain fructooligosaccharides on the intestinal microflora of horses subjected to a sudden change in diet. Journal of Animal Science, 86(2):316-323. • Faubladier C, et al. (2013). Effect of transportation on fecal bacterial communities and fermentative activities in horses: impact of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 supplementation. Journal of Animal Science, 91(4):1736-1744. • Graham-Thiers P, Bowen K. (2024). Timing of feeding a protein supplement on nitrogen balance and plasma amino acids during exercise recovery in horses. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. doi:10.1111/jpn.14012. • Matsui A, et al. (2006). Effect of amino acid and glucose administration following exercise on the turnover of muscle protein in the hindlimb femoral region of Thoroughbreds. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement, 36:611-616. • Waller AP, Lindinger MI. (2021). Pre-loading large volume oral electrolytes: tracing fluid and ion fluxes in horses during rest, exercise and recovery. The Journal of Physiology, 599:3879-3896. • Waller AP, et al. (2009). Fluid and electrolyte supplementation after prolonged moderate-intensity exercise enhances muscle glycogen resynthesis in Standardbred horses. Journal of Applied Physiology, 106:91-100. • Josseck H, Zenker W, Geyer H. (1995). Hoof horn abnormalities in Lipizzaner horses and the effect of dietary biotin on macroscopic aspects of hoof horn quality. Equine Veterinary Journal, 27:175-182. • Fagan, M. M., Adams, A. A., Vineyard, K. R., & Lawrence, L. M. (2020). The effect of vitamin E supplementation on immune function and oxidative stress markers in exercising horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 93, 103210. • Pagan, J. D., Kane, E., & Nash, D. (2005). Form and source of vitamin E affect bioavailability in Thoroughbred horses. Advances in Equine Nutrition, 3, 275–282. • Hotz, C. S., Hall, J. O., & Pfister, J. A. (2014). Analysis in horsehair as a means of evaluating selenium toxicoses and long-term exposures. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 26(3), 446–451. • Reilly, J. D., Cottrell, D. F., Martin, R. J., & Cuddeford, D. J. (1998). Effect of supplementary dietary biotin on hoof growth and hoof growth rate in ponies. Equine Veterinary Journal, 30(S26), 51–54 • Owen, R. N., Semanchik, P. L., Latham, C. M., Brennan, K. M., & White-Springer, S. H. (2022). Elevated dietary selenium rescues mitochondrial capacity impairment induced by decreased vitamin E intake in young exercising horses. Journal of Animal Science, 100(9) • Refi, M., & El-Khashab, F. (2018). Effects of Vitamin E and Selenium on serum trace and major elements in horses. Journal of Equine Science, 29(4), 85-91 • Woodward, A. D., & Crandell, K. M. (2021). The influence of feeding a high calcium, algae supplement on gastric ulceration in horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 100, 103521.
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