As you already know, the world of equine supplements extends far beyond salt blocks and is every bit as complex as the world of human supplements. Just as we humans can benefit from calming preparations, digestive aids, hair and nail strengtheners, electrolyte balancers, bone builders, and more, so can our horses. How do you make the right decisions when faced with so many possibilities? Here are six tips for helping to make equine supplement choices that are right for your horse and for you.
1 ? Confirm that Your Horse?s Basic Nutrition Needs Are Being Met
As we?ve all heard before, ?You are what you eat.? This goes for horses, too. Considering your horse?s age, weight, activity, and stage in the reproductive cycle, is your horse on the right feed in the right amount and taking in an adequate amount of water? If you have any doubt, check with your veterinarian or trainer to correct basic nutrition before deciding on supplements.
2 ? Know the Types of Supplements Available
Having this information under your belt can help you think through what you are observing about your horse in order to make a right supplement choice. These are common supplement categories which you can research on the Internet or discuss with your vet or trainer.
? Joint pain relief
? Nutrition and digestion
? Hoof and coat
? Behavior modification
? Water consumption (That?s right, some horses can be finicky about water, and there are supplements to encourage water uptake.)
3 ? Organic and Herbal Supplements, or Synthetic?
This is a decision you make based on your knowledge and your commitment to your horse?s well-being. As with human supplements, there are choices to be made about horse supplements. Synthetic supplements are easier to come by, while herbal supplements are still in their infancy in terms of proof of their efficacy. Keep an open mind and discuss options with your vet and trainer.
4 ? Which Supplement Formulation Will Work Best for Your Horse?
Most supplements come in powder, pellet, and liquid form. Each formulation has its advantages and disadvantages. Powders and pellets have relatively long shelf lives and come in appealing flavors. Liquids can be appetizing, too, but have shorter shelf lives. Powders and liquids can be added to feed, as can pellets, but pellets can also be offered up as treats. A big advantage to liquid supplements is that they can be syringe-fed if your horse chooses not to eat the powder or pellet formulations.
5 ? Packaging: Waste Not, Want Not
When you decide on an appropriate supplement for your horse, you need to think about how to buy the supplement so that it doesn?t go to waste. Some supplement providers offer a subscription service where they deliver the quantity you need for your horse, on a schedule. So, instead of buying supplements in bulk, where they may not be consumed before they expire, you receive fresh supplies in small amounts, each month.
6 ? Trust the Source
The numbers of equine supplement providers competing for attention in today?s market is overwhelming, and it?s easy to fall for some of the attending hype. Remember that you are the one who knows your horse best and that you have your vet and trainer to help you decide what supplements your horse should or should not be taking. Scour the news pages and Internet for how others rate a the animal feed suppliers and seek out your local community?s recommendations
Source: http://pets.myblogzone.info/2011/08/supplements-for-horses-and-when-to-apply-them/
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