Understanding Supplement Ingredients – Horse and Rider
When you’re trying to manage your horse’s comfort level, it’s important to know the ingredients in the supplements you give him. Whether you’re opting for a more natural approach that uses Devil’s Claw and Yucca to ease aches and pains, or looking for a supplement that provides bioavailability, do your homework on ingredients.
Understanding the ingredients helps ensure that the supplements are safe and suitable for your horse. Some ingredients may not be compatible with certain horses due to allergies or existing health conditions. Doing your research also allows you to assess the effectiveness of the supplement based on scientific evidence and research supporting those ingredients’ benefits for equine health. It’s also a good idea to be well-informed on what’s in your horse’s supplements, so you can stay in compliance with the rules and regulations of any show or competition you may attend.
A Natural Approach
A holistic approach to horsekeeping has become more mainstream and popular in recent times. Many people opt for supplements that include natural ingredients like herbs. Sometimes even in lieu of prescription medicine, when appropriate for their horse. You can find herbs in ingredient lists from medications that help manage discomfort, to weight gain remedies.
Devils Claw
This herb has a lengthy history as a property that supports comfort. For centuries, the indigenous people of the South African region have employed the desert-growing plant to help various ailments. Devils Claw is commonly seen in supplements that are designed to support comfortable movement in horses. A 2018 pharmacokinetic study found that Devils Claw is detectable in a horse’s blood as early as 30 minutes after administration.
A major compound found in Devils Claw is harpagoside which can be beneficial in managing a healthy inflammatory response. This herb is a forbidden substance with the USEF, so stop use at least 7 days before a competition. Consult with a veterinarian before introducing new supplements to your horse. However, manufacturers often formulate products containing Devils Claw for daily, long-term use in order to support equine comfort.
[Speaking of comfort…do these 5 things to keep your performance horse comfortable]Yucca
This ingredient is derived from Yucca schidigera, indigenous to the deserts of Southwestern America and Mexico. Native Americans used Yucca for its versatile properties. Yucca has found uses in health products, hygiene applications, and even beauty treatments. Many hold that yucca functions as a digestive aid and an antioxidant, gently contributing to the support of your horse’s immune system.
Yucca also possesses saponins, which are chemicals binding to fats and oils and have demonstrated cholesterol-reducing effects in humans. Proponents hold that this herb bolsters a healthy inflammatory response in horses, therefore, its presence is observed in a range of supplements.
The Importance of Bioavailability
When choosing a comfort supplement, consider the importance of bioavailability. Bioavailability is how efficiently your horse absorbs and uses a nutrient. An effective joint supplement will have high bioavailability and also means the supplement won’t require a high loading dose to start seeing results.
Look for a supplement that has gone through independent testing to ensure consistent and accurate ingredient levels. Read ingredient labels carefully, and understand how each ingredient works to provide your horse comfort. Another thing to keep in mind is consistency. A supplement that has guaranteed levels of all its ingredients will provide a more consistent dose each time, than one where the levels of ingredients can vary dose-to-dose. Find a supplement company that will stand behind every scoop.
3 Reasons to Understand Ingredients
Tailored Nutrition: Different horses have varying nutritional requirements based on factors like age, activity level, health status, and dietary restrictions. Knowing the supplement ingredients allows you to tailor your horse’s nutrition program to address any deficiencies, support specific health goals, or complement his existing diet effectively.
Regulatory Compliance: Understanding the ingredients in your horse’s supplements ensures compliance with regulatory standards and competition rules. Certain substances may be prohibited in competitive sports or regulated in equine industry guidelines, so knowing what you are feeding your horse helps you adhere to these standards and avoid any unintentional violations.
Safety and Efficacy: By knowing the ingredients in your horse’s supplements, you can ensure that they are safe, appropriate, and effective for your horse’s specific needs. Some ingredients may interact with medications or have adverse effects on certain health conditions, so understanding what your horse is consuming is vital for his safety and the efficacy of the supplement.
