Why is it worth supplementing horses with vitamins?
Proper horse nutrition is key to their health, good condition, and performance. Although the diet is primarily based on roughage such as hay and grass, these often do not provide all the essential nutrients. This is why vitamin supplementation plays a crucial role in maintaining a horse's good condition. Which vitamins are necessary, and when is the best time to administer them? We answer below.
The Most Important Vitamins for Horses
1. Vitamin A – essential for vision, skin, and the immune system. Found in fresh grass, but horses may need additional sources during the winter months. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to eye problems, skin problems and weakened immunity. Forages rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots and green vegetables, can provide adequate amounts of this vitamin, but in some cases supplementation may be necessary.
2. B Vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12) – necessary for energy metabolism, proper muscle function, and the nervous system. They are partially produced by gut flora, but in times of intense work or stress, supplementation is beneficial. Supplementation with B vitamins is particularly important for older horses, horses in intensive training and those with appetite problems. A particular substance included in this chemical group is biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H. Biotin is a vitamin desired by horses because of its effect on the condition of hooves, coat and mane, but not only. Due to its range of positive properties, this nutrient has important functions in many metabolic processes.
3. Vitamin C – supports immunity and tissue regeneration. Young and older horses may require additional amounts, especially during the cold season.
4. Vitamin D – responsible for calcium-phosphorus balance, crucial for strong bones. Horses synthesize it when exposed to sunlight, but supplementation may be necessary during autumn and winter.
5. Vitamin E – a powerful antioxidant that supports muscle and nervous system function. Particularly important for sport horses. It also supports the immune system and muscle health. Feeds rich in vegetable fats are a good source of this vitamin, but in the case of intense training or oxidative stress, vitamin E supplementation may be indispensable.
6. Vitamin K – is important for proper blood clotting and bone health. Its proper levels in the body are therefore very important in case of any injuries. Although horses can synthesise vitamin K in the intestines, they sometimes need additional supplementation, especially after an antibiotic treatment that can disrupt the intestinal flora.
When to Supplement Vitamins?
✅Autumn and winter – limited access to fresh grass means horses may need additional vitamin A, D, and E supplementation.
✅Periods of intense work – sport, racing, or heavily worked horses often require extra B vitamins and vitamin E.
✅Coat change periods (spring and autumn) – this is a time of increased demand for vitamins supporting skin and regeneration, such as vitamin A, biotin, and B vitamins.
✅Older and young horses – may require higher doses of vitamins supporting immunity and regeneration, such as vitamin C and E.
✅Periods of stress and recovery – horses recovering from illnesses, procedures, or injuries may need comprehensive vitamin supplements.
Summary
Every horse has individual nutritional needs, so vitamin supplementation should be adjusted to its age, activity level, and environmental conditions. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to select the optimal vitamin set to support the animal's health and condition. Remember that a well-balanced diet is the foundation, and supplements should only address potential deficiencies.
Check out our vitamin offer:
❤️ Vitamin Granules Grassland Everyday Care – Comprehensive Support for Horses
Grassland Everyday Care is a high-quality vitamin and mineral granulated supplement for horses and ponies without diagnosed deficiencies. It ensures optimal nutrient absorption, especially for horses fed mainly on hay and oats and without access to pasture.
The supplement supports immunity, metabolism, and proper body development. Thanks to its high flaxseed content, it provides plant-based omega-3 fatty acids that support muscle protein synthesis. The addition of yeast improves digestion, while the mycoabsorbent neutralizes mold and fungi.
A high dose of biotin strengthens the hoof horn and improves coat quality, while vitamin B12 and magnesium enhance concentration and reduce stress. The content of vitamin E and selenium has a positive effect on muscles and accelerates their recovery.
Trace elements in organic form ensure better absorption and safe excretion of excess. Additional electrolytes help maintain hydration during intense exercise.
The fine pellets, free from artificial binders, have an attractive taste, and the beet content strengthens circulation and helps prevent anemia. They can be given with concentrate feed or as a treat.
Key Benefits:
✅ Essential vitamins and minerals
✅ Easy-to-feed form
✅ Highly absorbable nutrients
✅ Biotin, vitamin B12, and magnesium for healthy hooves and nerves
✅ Yeast and mycoabsorbent for better digestion
✅ Added electrolytes
Grassland Everyday Care – daily support for your horse’s health and well-being!
The highest quality vitamins and minerals in an easily digestible form.
V itaComplex is recommended as a supplement to the diet of horses of all ages and at all levels of use. It provides vitamins and minerals necessary for the proper functioning of the horse's body, good immunity, condition and shortening the recovery time after exercise. VitaComplex has also a beneficial effect on the quality of skin, coat and hooves.
VitaComplex is especially recommended for:
✅horses with limited access to fresh pasture grass (especially on fall, winter and early spring)
✅horses which diet consists mainly of oats and hay
✅horses in need of more time to regenerate after exercise
✅apathetic horses and struggling with frequent infections and colds
✅sport and breeding horses
VitaMin + BCAA provides vitamins, minerals and amino acids in an easily assimilable form, in high concentrations and provides a supply of ingredients that increase energy levels. It helps maintain top form and condition- dedicated primarily to sport horses and those whose bodies require special support. VitaMin + BCAA increases the ability of the horse's body to perform long-term physical effort, supports muscle regeneration after exercise.
VitaMin + BCAA is recommended as a dietary supplement of:
✅sport horses subjected to intense physical effort
✅horses having an increased need for vitamins and minerals
✅horses during the recovery period and suffering from body weakness
VitaMin + Probiotic contains large amounts of easily assimilable vitamins and trace elements, as well as yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and linseed seeds. It effectively supplements with ingredients necessary for the proper functioning of the horse’s body and enriches their diet with beneficial omega 3 acids. VitaMin + Probiotic improves condition and immunity, increases efficiency, supports the body during physical effort and shortens the regeneration time.
VitaMin + Probiotic is recommended as a supplement to the diet of:
✅sport horses during intensive training
✅horses having an increased demand for vitamins and minerals
✅breeding mares and stallions
✅horses during the recovery
✅horses fed poor quality hay or just oats
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Vitamin C a powerful antioxidant, is highly recommended as a dietary supplement during periods of increased physical exertion and exposure to stressful situations (such as competitions, transport, or changes in stable). It is also essential when immunity is reduced, such as during recovery or for horses with allergies. Additionally, vitamin C plays a key role in the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, and it enhances the absorption of MSM. Vitamin C supports various important physiological processes in the horse's body, boosts immunity, and helps protect the respiratory system from harmful microorganisms.
Vitamin C is a recommended nutritional supplement for horses:
✅Of all ages and at every level of activity
✅With limited access to pasture grass
✅With reduced immunity (e.g., after illness, during treatment, or for those with allergies or recurrent infections)
✅Exposed to stressful situations (such as transport or competitions)
GARLIC with vitamin C positively affects the immune system of horses, giving an antiseptic effect, has a positive influence on the intestinal microflora, supports the urinary tract and regulates blood pressure. Substances naturally contained in garlic have an exceptionally beneficial effect on horses with respiratory problems - they improve expectoration and support the production of mucus, which reduces inflammation. Vitamin C increases immunity and, as a strong antioxidant, it is the perfect complement to the garlic.
GARLIC with vitamin C is recommended primarily for horses:
✅seniors
✅allergic or in the treatment of respiratory diseases
✅after antibiotic therapy and during the recovery period
✅in intense training
