Horse Supplements for Arthritis and How to Choose

adminFebruary 11, 2022

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Horse Supplements for Arthritis and How to Choose

How can horse supplements help with arthritis? What are they, exactly? And how do you know if your horse needs them? This guide answers all your questions about the benefits of horse supplements for arthritis. And the best ones to look for when shopping around.

Glucosamine for Horse Joints (Horse Supplements for Arthritis)

A Guide to Horse Supplements for Arthritis–Glucosamine is a supplement that helps build healthy joint cartilage. It works in conjunction with chondroitin sulfate. Another joint-building supplement, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, are also known to help maintain joint health.

Horses can take glucosamine either orally or by injection. The dosage of oral supplements varies widely, but it is generally safe for your horse’s daily nutritional needs; injectable glucosamine should only be used under a veterinarian’s supervision. You should also know that pain relief is not guaranteed when using glucosamine; if you do see an improvement in your horse’s symptoms. It usually takes two weeks or more of use before you notice any changes.

Chondroitin Sulfate

One of many popular horse supplements on store shelves, chondroitin sulfate is an anti-inflammatory supplement. It helps maintain healthy joint function, provides essential nutrients like collagen, hyaluronic acid, as well as Vitamin C. A good chondroitin supplement can help keep your horse’s joints flexible and working well.

Look for a formula that includes glucosamine, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), Vitamin C, collagen, and hyaluronic acid along with chondroitin sulfate. These ingredients will support optimal joint health while keeping inflammation low in your horse’s body.

MSM – Organic Sulfur

MSM is a form of organic sulfur that has been shown to relieve joint pain. And increase joint flexibility in both humans and horses. It may also be effective at helping treat or prevent osteoarthritis in humans. And in dogs, cats, cattle, birds, guinea pigs, and other animals. For example, studies have found that MSM can reduce cartilage degradation by reducing oxidative stress on articular chondrocytes (cartilage cells).

One study of 90 human patients with osteoarthritis showed those treated with glucosamine sulfate (1 gram daily) plus MSM (1 gram twice daily). It had significantly higher functional improvement scores after treatment than those treated with glucosamine sulfate alone.

Flaxseed Oil – Omega-3 Fatty Acids

One of these fatty acids is known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA can be converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are both omega-3s. The human body isn’t able to convert ALA into EPA or DHA on its own. But flaxseed oil supplements contain a form of ALA. That is easily digested by our bodies. Other foods that contain ALA include chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, and kale. We need both EPA and DHA to produce healthy cells.

Vitamins & Minerals – Essential Nutrients

These are essential nutrients, meaning they’re important for proper bodily function but our bodies can’t produce them on their own. Vitamins and minerals act as cofactors or catalysts in a variety of chemical reactions throughout your body.

They also serve other roles, such as helping your body absorb other nutrients or assisting with immune function. The best way to ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals. It is by eating a balanced diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins. Others are whole grains, nuts/seeds/legumes (beans), and healthy fats. But what happens if you need help from horse supplements?

Calcium Supplementation in Horses

While a large part of calcium supplements is intended for growing, pregnant, or lactating mares. An increasing number of horse owners. Owners are discovering how useful these supplements can be in maintaining overall health in mature horses.

The prevalence of osteoarthritis in older horses has led to many horses. Owners to seek out calcium supplementation as a way to improve their horse’s mobility. Calcium supplementation is especially helpful when used in conjunction with other common treatments for arthritis such as glucosamine hydrochloride. An effective way of getting these nutrients into your horse is through a daily dose. And powdered supplements mixed with food or water.

Muscle Energizers – Creatine & L-Carnitine

Creatine is an amino acid naturally produced by your liver, pancreas, and kidneys (and stored in your muscles). It helps feed muscle cells with energy. It’s a good supplement choice for those looking to boost their athletic performance or power through muscle fatigue.

L-Carnitine is another amino acid that plays a key role in your body’s ability to generate energy. For example, it helps transport fat into the skeletal muscle where it can be used as fuel. It may help promote weight loss or prevent weight gain when you exercise regularly.

Wrap Up

It’s easy to look at natural horse supplements with ingredients like glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, or omega-3 fatty acids and get excited about their potential health benefits. But is there any evidence that these supplements work in your horse? Most experts are skeptical, saying it’s too early to tell. One thing is certain: If you choose a supplement without first consulting your veterinarian. You could be putting your horse at risk of illness or even death.