Small but Essential: The Vitamins and Minerals Your Horse Needs

When it comes to equine nutrition, much of the focus is on protein, fibre, and energy sources. However, the real game-changers are the smallest components of the diet: vitamins and minerals. These micronutrients play a crucial role in keeping horses strong, healthy, and performing at their best. While they only make up a tiny portion of what a horse consumes, their impact on muscle function, bone strength, digestion, immune health, and overall well-being is massive.

Are Horses Getting Enough Micronutrients?

Horses can naturally synthesize some vitamins and minerals within their hindguts, thanks to the beneficial bacteria residing in their large intestines. This microbial activity produces certain B vitamins, vitamin K, biotin, folate, and cobalt, which means healthy horses with proper forage intake may not need additional supplementation of these nutrients. However, factors such as stress, limited grazing, or high-performance workloads can disrupt this balance and create deficiencies.

On the other hand, essential micronutrients—those that must come from the diet—are required for proper body function. A high-quality forage diet combined with a balanced ration balancer or commercial feed typically provides the necessary vitamins and minerals. Yet, depending on a horse’s workload, age, and overall management, some may require additional supplementation.

Key Vitamins and Minerals in a Horse’s Diet

Here are some of the most vital micronutrients and why they matter:

Vitamins:

• Vitamin A – Supports vision, immune function, and reproductive health.
• Vitamin D – Helps regulate calcium absorption and bone strength.
• Vitamin E – A crucial antioxidant that aids muscle recovery and immune defense.
• B Vitamins – Essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function, especially important for hard-working horses.
• Vitamin C – Plays a role in immune health and tissue repair, though most horses synthesize enough on their own.

Minerals:

• Calcium & Phosphorus – Work together to maintain strong bones and teeth.
• Magnesium – Supports nerve function, muscle relaxation, and overall calmness.
• Zinc & Copper – Crucial for healthy hooves, coat condition, and joint support.
• Selenium – Works alongside vitamin E to prevent oxidative stress and muscle disorders.
• Sodium & Potassium – Electrolytes essential for hydration and muscle function.

Recommended Supplements:

• Calcium and Phosphorus - TRM Calphormin – A scientifically formulated supplement that supports optimal skeletal development and bone health.
• Vitamin E - Premier E – A high-quality Vitamin E supplement that aids in muscle recovery and antioxidant support.
• Other Essential Vitamins - TRM Speedxcell – A comprehensive multivitamin supplement designed to provide a balanced supply of essential vitamins, ensuring overall equine health.

By ensuring your horse receives the right vitamins and minerals, you can optimize their health, performance, and longevity. Always consult with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian to determine the best supplementation plan for your horse’s specific needs.

When Should You Supplement?

Even with the best forage and feed programs, some horses may require targeted supplementation. Signs that a horse may need additional micronutrients include dull coat, poor hoof quality, muscle stiffness, decreased performance, or a weakened immune system. High-performance horses, senior horses, broodmares, and those with restricted grazing often benefit from tailored vitamin and mineral support.

Key Scenarios Where Supplementation is Necessary:

• High Workload – Performance horses burn through micronutrients quickly and may need extra support.
• Limited Forage – Horses on hay-only diets or restricted grazing might lack essential vitamins and minerals.
• Older Horses – Aging can reduce nutrient absorption, making supplementation important.
• Recovery & Stress – Horses under stress or in recovery from illness or injury may need immune-boosting nutrients.

A Balanced Approach

Ensuring a horse’s diet meets all nutritional requirements is key to long-term health and performance. A well-balanced approach includes high-quality forage, a properly formulated feed, and when needed, strategic supplementation. Working with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian can help identify potential deficiencies and fine-tune a diet that keeps horses thriving.

By paying attention to the small but essential components of nutrition, horse owners can make a big difference in their horse’s well-being. Whether through natural diet adjustments or targeted supplements, providing the right vitamins and minerals is a powerful step toward maintaining a strong, healthy, and happy horse.