Caring for Horse Joints
The best joint supplement for horses helps lessen the signs of arthritis and other joint-related issues, but they cannot treat the condition. However, not all equine supplements are equal; some waste money and contain ineffective chemicals.
Arthritis and other joint pains can develop in horses due to overuse, aging, or genetics. You can treat equine arthritis and other joint pains using joint supplements.
What are Joint Supplements for Horses?
Your horse may take joint supplements to relieve arthritis-related joint pain. When utilizing a joint supplement, seek advice from your veterinarian. Aiming to give cartilage and synovial fluid the building blocks they need, joint supplements.
They also help to lessen cartilage degeneration and inflammation. Different ingredients in joint supplements have various purposes. In different doses, the majority of oral joint supplements include the following;
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a component of joint fluid and cartilage. It can reduce inflammation and promote the synthesis of cartilage. You can effectively treat equine degenerative joint disease with glucosamine. Additionally, it offers an alternative to expensive injectable treatments. Read our article and find out Glucosamine Supplements For Equines.
Chondroitin Sulfate
CS inhibits tissue deterioration and inflammation. Studies demonstrating its value for horses are lacking. Humans, dogs, and rats absorb less than 15% of CS.
Methylsulfonylmethane
MSM is a useful sulfur source and has anti-inflammatory properties. These consequences have not yet been clarified.
Minerals
Minerals are essential for the synthesis of cartilage.
- Sulur aids the creation of glucosamine and collagen.
- Manganese is essential for the creation of CS.
- Collagen synthesis involves the use of copper.
Minerals are frequently used in combined nutriceuticals (non-regulated products) to guard against dietary deficiency. However, after consumption, their availability and purity are occasionally uncertain.
Why Do Equines Need Joint Supplements?
Horse joint supplements improve your horse’s ability to age, facilitate movement, and lessen the effects of joint stress. Joint supplements are essential to keeping your horse moving easily and feeling healthy, regardless of age or the type of job it undertakes.
Although horses are for movement, we ask them to perform tasks that are outside the scope of what their bodies are to achieve. Furthermore, ignoring what’s happening inside our horses’ bodies is simple because we perceive them as powerful.
Frequently, your horse has been uncomfortable for a considerable time before seeing physical symptoms of health problems or other joint difficulties. Because of this, prevention is the best course of action for horse joints.
What is the Best Joint Supplement for Horses – Our Favorite
Our favorite joint supplement for horses is Vita Flex Pro MSM Joint Supplement. It is the best as it helps reduce inflammation and boost your horse’s circulation.
Can You Use Human Supplements for Horses?
You could have wondered what harm it would do if I gave my horse some of your multivitamins. A vitamin should be effective for humans and horses if it is good enough for humans.
It can be risky to give your horse-human vitamins.
Horses require a variety of vitamins and minerals, but you must supply them in the right amounts. It’s critical to get the correct dosage for your horse’s weight. It is laborious to crush numerous human vitamins for a 1,102 pounds (500 kilograms) horse, and doing so won’t ensure you give the recommended quantity.
The safest way to supplement your horse’s diet is to use a correctly balanced commercial formula from a reputable manufacturer that you add to a balanced diet of fiber, carbohydrates, fat, and protein. While the precise amounts are important, so is the formula’s balance.
Humans and horses have different nutritional needs from one another.
It is not a “one size fits all” problem. Let’s examine the vitamins horses require for a healthy existence and the drawbacks of using human vitamins.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Administer Human Vitamins to Your Horse
Human vitamins are not made for equestrian usage because horses are not human. It’s for people. The anatomy of a human body differs from that of a horse.
- The metabolism of a horse operates differently from the metabolism of a human.
- Veterinarians must administer FDA-approved horse medicine. They are a requirement by law to abide by that regulation. The FDA does not permit the use of human medications on horses.
- When compared to the dosage needed for humans, horses have quite different needs.
- Because a horse weighs more than a human, numerous tablets would be a requirement based on your horse’s body weight. Read our article and find out 6 Best Weight Gain Supplements for Horses.
- Using human medications on horses is risky; the possibility of negative side effects increases with dose.
- Using a human supplement is unnecessary because there are numerous legal equine supplements on the market nowadays.
Our Horse Joint Supplement Shopping Guide
Which joint health supplement do you need to include in your horse’s diet? When selecting a joint health supplement, essential considerations to take into account can include:
The Life Stage of Your Horse
Given that older and racing horses are more likely to experience connective tissue degradation, the life stage is an important factor to consider. To avoid workload injury, it may be advantageous for racehorses to get joint health supplements throughout their development.
Current Joint Health Status
Which supplement might be more beneficial depends on the state of your joints. All of the supplements above may help your horse maintain good joint function. Still, it’s crucial to check for potential drug interactions if your horse has specific requirements or is taking medication already.
In this situation, supplements might offer further assistance. Still, it is best to speak with your veterinarian about possible contraindications and harmful drug interactions.
Bioavailability of a Supplement
Many may disregard the bioavailability of supplements, but they should be considered. The amount of a nutrient absorbed in the animal’s digestive system and utilized by bodily cells is bioavailability.
No matter how much you administer a supplement, if it is not bioavailable, it will not be able to reach its therapeutic goal and so cannot be beneficial.
It’s crucial to consider the type of study from which the conclusions come when assessing the efficacy of supplements based on research findings. Instead of in vivo trials, many claimed effects of supplements in vitro (cell culture) evidence (performed in animals).
Although species differences may impact how effective supplements function in various animals, in vivo studies often offer superior quality information.
Conclusiveness and Quality of the Efficacy of a Supplement Backed by Research
Lastly, the caliber and depth of studies will determine which supplements are better than others.
While this could make shopping for joint-health supplements for horses easier, each horse is unique. If an accessory is practical for one horse, it might not be for another.
We suggest Mad Barn’s pure MSM powder and our combination of marine and plant sources of fatty acids, w-3 oil with DHA and vitamin E, for people seeking a supplement regimen to enhance joint health. Studies have supported these two items. They can aid in reducing inflammation and preserving the health of joints, cartilage, and connective tissue.
We have equine nutritionists on staff who can address any queries you may have regarding the food of your horses and various joint health support products. For a free analysis of your horse’s diet, you can submit it, and our nutritionists can provide you with tailored advice.
At a Glance Joint Supplements for Horses
- Vita Flex Pro MSM Joint Supplement: Best overall joint supplement for horses
- Farnam, Next Level Joint Fluid Supplement for Horses and Dogs: Best supplement for joint stiffness
- Manna Pro Rapid Flex | Fast Acting Joint Supplement for Horses: Best fast-acting supplement
- Hyalogic Hyaluronic Acid for Horses 30-Day Supply for Joint Health: Best easy-to-use supplement
- Manna Pro Simply Flax for Horses | Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Flaxseed: Best natural supplement
- Formula 707 Joint 6in1 Equine Supplement, Daily Fresh Packs: Best for ligament health
- Cox Veterinary Acti Flex Joint Compound: Best for relieving inflammation
- Bute-Less Comfort & Recovery Supplement Pellets: Best recovery supplement
- Majesty's Flex XT Wafers - Superior Horse / Equine Joint Support: Best for senior horses
- Lubrisyn Hyaluronic Acid + MSM Joints Supplement: Best for cartilage support, relief, and lubrication
- AniMed Aniflex Complete Connective Tissue Support: Best for hip and joint support
- Manna Pro Cetyl-M Joint Supplement for Horses | Powered by Omega 5 Fatty Acids: Best for large horse maintenance
Reviewing the Best Joint Supplements for Horses
Vita Flex Pro MSM Joint Supplement: Best Overall Joint Supplement for Horses
Brand: Vita Flex
The product uses: Joint care
Item form: Granule
Species recommendation: Horses, dogs, cats
Available item sizes: 1 pound (0.5 kilograms)
Number of doses: 2 doses per day
Age range: All ages
About This Item
Vita Flex Pro MSM supplement promotes healthy joints in horses, dogs, and cats. It is frequently employed to reduce inflammation and boost circulation. Though regarded largely as an arthritic supplement, it also has other effects. A naturally occurring source of bioavailable sulfur, ultra-pure methylsulfonylmethane is a component of Vita Flex Pro Horse MSM.
The health of connective tissue depends on sulfur. Keratin is a protein in the skin, hair, and hooves that requires sulfur. It supports healthy membranes and antioxidant properties.
Since 1988, equestrian and pet owners have trusted Vita Flex Pro MSM’s quality and affordability to give the advantages of this unique ingredient.
Features
- It is the top-rated joint supplement for horses, dogs, and cats in America, offering purity, quality, and value.
- It Is a natural source of sulfur because it contains the primary metabolite of DMSO.
- It has white, crystalline granules with no odor that are simple to administer.
How the Product is Administered to the Horse
Horses For the first seven days, administer one scoop twice daily. After that, give one scoop daily for maintenance, or as your veterinarian instructs.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- Lower levels of the pro-inflammatory substances tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) can help reduce joint swelling.
- It functions as an antioxidant by combating free radicals that harm cells.
- MSM can aid in reducing joint pain and muscle spasms by suppressing the enzyme cholinesterase.
- To discover more about MSM for horses, check out our current article, which lists its top nine advantages.
Bioavailability and Safety
MSM is generally bioavailable and safe for intake in various animal models. It may need more research on horses. Fresh forage and grains contain tiny amounts of MSM naturally. You must add it in higher doses to support positive benefits.
Efficacy
Although additional research is still needed, preliminary studies indicate that MSM may benefit horses’ joints. Studies done in vitro on isolated cells in culture have revealed some defenses against inflammation and cartilage deterioration. There is currently little data on MSM and joint health in horses.
Pros
- It is worth the cost.
- Effective for joint discomfort.
Cons
- The taste is unpleasant.
The Final Verdict
This product has appropriate proof of effectiveness in performance on horses.
Farnam, Next Level Joint Fluid Supplement for Horses and Dogs Best Supplement for Joint Stiffness
Amazon’s Choice for “Farnam Next Level Joint Fluid.”
Brand: Farnam
Product uses: To ease joint stiffness
Item form: Liquid
Species recommendation: Horse
Available item sizes: 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms)
Number of doses: 2 doses per day
Age range: All ages
About This Item
Give your horse’s joints extra support so they can work harder. Although horses are excellent athletes, exercise can injure and strain their high-motion joints in weight-bearing areas. Free radicals, which can cause tiredness and degenerative changes throughout the body, are another byproduct of exercise.
You can preserve a joint’s structural integrity and mobility by giving your horse the correct joint supplement. By preserving a healthy range of motion in the horse’s hip and joints, Next Level joint fluid supports joints that work hard.
Features
- It is fast acting.
- It is clinically proven.
How the Product is Administered to the Horse
For horses: give 2 ounces (56.7 grams) per day for the first ten days, then 1 ounce (28.3 grams) per day after that. Shake well before using. Store in a cool, dry place.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- Slows the degeneration of cartilage by supplying sulfur, which strengthens cartilage.
- Boosts the amount of sulfur in synovial fluid, which enhances the fluid’s overall composition.
- Reduces pro-inflammatory indicators, including IL-6 and TNF-a, to have anti-inflammatory effects.
- It promotes the formation of proteoglycans and stops their deterioration. This can enhance joint performance and prevent cartilage deterioration.
Bioavailability and Safety
Supplemental glucosamine in horses has no association with any negative consequences. To have a therapeutic impact, you must administer glucosamine in high dosages because its bioavailability in horses is poor (0 to 5.9 percent).
Efficacy
Glucosamine has been under research for its ability to improve joint health in various species. Glucosamine treatment helped horse joint cartilage obtained for cell culture research. It seems to positively reduce cartilage deterioration and postpone the onset of osteoarthritis symptoms.
Pros
- It is effective in its use.
- It stops cartilage deterioration.
Cons
- It is pricey.
The Final Verdict
Poor effectiveness in horses due to insufficient evidence.
Manna Pro Rapid Flex | Fast Acting Joint Supplement for Horses: Best Fast Acting Supplement
Brand: Manna Pro
Product uses: Complete joint supplement
Item form: Liquid
Species recommendation: Horse
Available item sizes: 3.96 pounds (1.8 kilograms)
Number of doses: 1 dose per day
Age range: All ages
About This Item
Even though Manna Pro’s Rapid Flex fast-acting joint supplement comes in a 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) bucket, it costs almost twice as much as comparable supplements of similar size. Even so, it’s a quick-acting vitamin that eases painful and swollen joints. It is a natural mixture composed of nine distinctive herbs and tested substances.
Chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine HCL are some of the tried-and-true components in virtually every joint-health supplement. This supplement, like all others, is useless if your horse won’t take it. Although Manna Pro asserts that this supplement is tasty, most horses disagree.
Even if horses aren’t as fond of the anise flavor as Manna Pro would want you to believe, it’s still simple enough to sprinkle into your horse’s grain.
Features
- Natural blend of 9 herbs.
- Fast acting.
- Clinically proven formula.
- Complete joint supplement.
How the Product is Administered to the Horse
For the first three weeks, give two scoops to average horses, three scoops to horses over 1,200 pounds (544.3 kilograms), and one scoop to average horses for maintenance. Give horses over 1,200 pounds (544.3 kilograms) 1 to 1/2 scoops daily.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- You may control prostaglandins and nitric oxide levels to have an anti-inflammatory impact.
- This substance may stop the breakdown of cartilage by blocking the enzymes that break down glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and encouraging chondrocytes to produce more cartilage.
- Increasing hyaluronic acid levels may help maintain the joint’s synovial fluid and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Bioavailability and Safety
In horses, chondroitin sulfate has a variable bioavailability that ranges from 0 to 32 percent.
Efficacy
Like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfates have shown promise in trials employing isolated cells to reduce inflammation. However, chondroitin sulfate in vivo animal studies is inconsistent.
Notably, the advantages seen in experiments using cell culture called for extremely high doses that would be challenging to supplement in horses.
Due to their low bioavailability, these supplements may not be as helpful as expected based on earlier studies.
Pros
- Natural fusion.
- Quick-acting remedy.
- Clinically tested remedy.
- Utilizes a special blend of glucosamine HCI, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid as joint building blocks.
Cons
- More expensive than some substitutes.
- Horses do not appear to enjoy it.
The Final Verdict
Inadequate proof. Some find it Ineffective in horses.
Hyalogic Hyaluronic Acid for Horses 30-Day Supply for Joint Health: Best Easy to Use Supplement
Brand: Sigma Aldrich
Product uses: Cartilage support
Item form: Liquid
Species recommendation: Horse
Available item sizes: 3 ounces (85 grams)
Number of doses: 1 dose per day
Age range: All ages
About This Item
Exercise, footing, and anatomical flaws can all exacerbate your horse’s joints’ compression and concussion. The cartilage and joints in horses may recover with an oral hyaluronic acid joint supplement!
An equine joint supplement for horses can extend the life of the joint and the cartilage cushion as age, anatomy, and activity wear down the cartilage and joint lubrication. This HA supplement hyaluronic syringe delivers 30mg (0.001g) of pure hyaluronic acid for horses fast and conveniently.
The oral injector is simple to use and only releases the required dosage. Hyalogic’s oral hyaluronic acid for horses has a high molecular weight and is of premium quality. This product collection, which includes HyaFlex for joint care in horse performance supplements, will help keep your pet young, healthy, and content inside and outside.
Features
- Easy to administer.
- Premium quality oral HA.
How the Product is Administered to the Horse
You should administer one full trigger squeeze of Hyalun Pro into the mouth daily. The supply lengths for Hyalun Pro are 30 and 90 days.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- Increases the hyaluronic acid in the joint’s synovial fluid, which can thicken the fluid and promote lubrication between the joint’s bones.
- Hyaluronic acid can help connective tissue be more elastic and maintain its structural integrity.
Efficacy
Hyaluronic acid enhances joint health and lessens lameness when injected directly into a horse’s osteoarthritic joint. Hyaluronic acid used orally may improve joint health in horses just as well.
Pros
- It has an easy oral tip dispenser.
- Liquid HA for Equine Joints & Cartilage Support Supplement.
Cons
- It is pricey.
The Final Verdict
There is proof of horses’ great efficacy. More study is necessary.
Manna Pro Simply Flax for Horses | Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Flaxseed: Best Natural Supplement
Brand: Manna Pro
Product uses: Heart
Item form: Solid
Species recommendation: Horse
Available item sizes: 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms)
Number of doses:1 dose per day
Age range: All life stages
About This Item
Manna Pro Simply Flax is from 100% pure ground flaxseed, which is all-natural. Omega-3 fatty acids and ground flaxseed promote healthy, lustrous skin and coat conditions. It keeps the immune system in good shape. Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Features
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids.
- Improves the immune system.
How Product is Administered to the Horse
Depending on the desired outcomes, You can give horses between 2 and 16 ounces (57 and 454 grams) of flaxseed daily. Providing a moderate serving size of 1/2 to 1 cup of flaxseed daily is fairly typical.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- It reduces the synthesis of inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines, and arachidonic acid has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Reduces the presence of reactive oxidative species to serve as an antioxidant.
Bioavailability and Safety
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements for horses, whether derived from plants or animals, are currently safe and appear to have good bioavailability.
Efficacy
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the prevention and treatment of arthritis has strong support in human studies. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for reducing osteoarthritis using equine-derived cells in cell culture.
Pros
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids.
- It serves as an antioxidant.
Cons
- It is pretty expensive.
The Final Verdict
Extraordinary evidence. Effectiveness in horses with arthritis is good.
Formula 707 Joint 6in1 Equine Supplement, Daily Fresh Packs: Best for Ligament Health
Brand: Formula 707
Product uses: Joint and ligament health and wellness support
Item form: Pellet
Species recommendation: Horses
Available item sizes: 7.92 pounds (3.6 kilograms)
Number of doses: 1 pack daily
Age range: Adult
About This Item
With complete support for your horse’s cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and joints, you can maintain healthy joints in your performance horses and keep elderly horses sound for longer.
Green-lipped mussel, bromelain, and MSM help to reduce inflammation and support soft tissues. Glucosamine, collagen, MSM, and chondroitin may help to improve joint lubrication.
Features
- It offers support for joint integrity and inflammatory response in horses.
- It contains green-lipped mussel, MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen.
How Product is Administered to the Horse
You should give your horse an average of 1,100 pounds (499 kilograms). Adult horse one pack daily.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- Green-lipped mussel extract’s bioavailability is unknown and may vary depending on your administered form.
- Supplements containing green-lipped mussels seem safe for horses to consume.
Efficacy
Since the 1970s, there has been continuous research into the efficacy of using green-lipped mussel extract as a supplement.
Bioavailability and Safety
This product is safe for use on horses.
Pros
- It is effective in its use.
- It is easy to administer.
Cons
- It is quite expensive.
The Final Verdict
A single study found some efficacy. More study is necessary.
Cox Veterinary Acti Flex Joint Compound Best for Relieving Inflammation
Brand: Cox Veterinary
Product uses: Bone and joint health supplementation
Item form: Solid
Species recommendation: Horse
Available item sizes: 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms)
Number of doses: 1 dose per day
Age range: All ages
About This Item
The Acti Flex joint supplement raises the amount of synovial fluid in your horse’s joints, enabling the joints to mend areas that experience significant stress during running.
A combination of essential joint-supporting substances, including significant contributors like hyaluronic acid, MSM, chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine sulfate, is in use to accomplish this.
This product does an excellent job of relieving pain and inflammation because of all these fantastic elements. But given that so many horses appear to detest it, it must have a harsh flavor. You’ll need to succeed in getting horses to consume this supplement to experience any effects. This supplement is helpful if you can persuade your horse to take it.
Features
- It contains COX05, MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin, and perna canaliculus
- Green-lipped mussel and hyaluronic acid blend in the special formulation to support joint health.
- It contains the essential components that cooperate to promote the horse’s natural capacity to manufacture joint lubricating synovial fluid, gallon cox veterinary.
How the Product is Administered to the Horse
Use 2 ounces (57 grams) daily for the first 5 to 14 days. Maintenance: Use 1 ounce (28 grams) per day.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- Anti-inflammatory actions via lowering the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation
- Green-lipped mussels have anti-inflammatory properties that may help with pain management.
Bioavailability and safety
This product is safe for your horse.
Efficacy
It is challenging to establish how beneficial dietary supplementation receives the variety of green-lipped mussel extracts available.
Pros
- It has hyaluronic acid in it.
- It has vitamins for joint health.
- Decreases inflammation and soothes pain.
- Exceptionally potent formulation.
Cons
- The flavor puts off some horses.
The Final Verdict
It is efficient from a single study. More study is necessary.
Bute-Less Comfort & Recovery Supplement Pellets: Best Recovery Supplements
Amazon’s Choice in Horse Probiotics & Digestive Supplements by Absorbine
Brand: Bute-less
The product uses: Recovery
Item form: Pellet
Species recommendation: Horse
Available item sizes: 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms)
Number of doses: 1 dose per day
Age range: All ages
About This Item
Absorbine Bute-Less comfort and recovery horse arthritis Supplement can give your industrious horse a daily relief boost. These pellets contain all-natural components like yucca, vitamin B-12, and devil’s claw.
They are soft on your horse’s digestive system. It will value its increased mobility, and you will enjoy knowing that you are assisting it in recovering from demanding workouts, practice, or competition days. The supplies are available in 32-day, 80-day, and 160-day quantities, so you can offer your best friend enduring assistance.
How the Product is Administered to the Horse
Give one scoop daily to a horse weighing 1,100 lbs (500 kg). Depending on the exact weight of your horse, adjust the amount. For a one,100 pounds (45.4 kilograms) adult horse, give one scoop each day. Adapt the quantity based on the actual weight of your horse.
Features
- Contains all-natural components.
- It is soft to the digestive system of the horse.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- This supplement works to assist your horse in recovering from demanding workouts.
Bioavailability and safety
This product is safe to use on your horse.
Efficacy
Another name for the herb known as Devil’s Claw is Harpagophytum. Although there isn’t much research on its effectiveness, it has been used to ease the pain.
Pros
- Simple to feed.
- Rapid results.
- Kind to the horse’s stomach.
Cons
- Not for mares who are expecting and horses who have ulcers (because devil’s claw may make ulcers worse).
Final Verdict
This horse joint supplement is efficient.
Majesty's Flex XT Wafers - Superior Horse / Equine Joint Support: Best for Senior Horses
Brand Majesty’s
Product uses: Joint support
Item form: Wafer
Species recommendation: Horse
Available item sizes: 1.5 pounds (0.7 kilograms)
Number of doses: One dose per day
Age range: Senior horses
About This Item
This equine supplement for joints comes as wafer treats rather than a powder or liquid, making it simple to feed a horse. These wafers are, regrettably, more like globs.
As a result, your horse may struggle to maintain the wafer in its mouth and may even drop the treat while attempting to eat it. Of fact, given their texture and apparent lack of enthusiasm in trying any longer, it appears that some of them dropped the wafers on purpose.
However, the wonderful components in these wafers help reduce inflammation and increase the range of motion. These three supplements—glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin—cover the most crucial joint nutrients. However, they might benefit from being present in higher concentrations.
Features
- Easy to administer.
- Contains three critical components.
How the Product is Administered to the Horse
Use 1 or 2 wafers daily or as your veterinarian directs. You should not assume that this is a treat but a nutritional supplement. Store in a dry, cold environment. Maintain a tight seal.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) levels decrease, which can aid in reducing joint swelling.
- It serves as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals that harm cells.
Efficacy
Although there is a need for further research, preliminary studies indicate that MSM effectively maintains joint health in horses.
Bioavailability and Safety
This supplement is safe to administer on the horse.
Pros
- Offering wafers is simple.
- It is brimming with nutrients that improve joint health.
- It enhances the range of motion while reducing inflammation.
Cons
- Horses find it challenging to consume.
- The texture doesn’t appear to appeal to horses.
- For a 1,200 pounds (544.3 kilograms) animal, dosages are quite low.
The Final Verdict
Adequate proof of effectiveness in performance in horses.
Lubrisyn Hyaluronic Acid + MSM Joints Supplement: Best for Cartilage Support, Relief, and Lubrication
Brand: Lubrisyn
Product uses: Joint and cartilage support
Item form: Liquid
Species recommendation: Horse
Available item sizes: 16 ounces (453.6 grams)
Number of doses: 2 doses per day
Age range: All ages
About This Item
Hyaluronan, which is in use in the production of this supplement, has anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatoid arthritis properties and provides tissue protection. This means that it will keep your horse’s joint pain-free and working at a far higher level.
You’ll see changes quickly when your horse’s mobility improves due to less pain. One issue we’ve seen with most comparable joint supplements is that they can be challenging to use.
How Product is Administered to the Horse
You can administer two doses of this supplement on your horse per day or as your veterinarian recommends.
Features
- It offers relief from joint pain.
- 100 % natural.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- MSM is moderately bioavailable and safe for intake in various animal models. However, it may need further testing in horses.
- While you can find MSM in new forage and grains in modest amounts, you must give it at higher doses to maintain positive benefits.
Efficacy
Although additional research is still needed, preliminary studies indicate that MSM may benefit horses’ joints.
Pros
- Large quantities up to a gallon are available.
- It is lucid and flavorless.
- It decreases pain.
- It enhances mobility.
Cons
- It is quite expensive.
The Final Verdict
Adequate proof of effectiveness in performance in horses.
AniMed Aniflex Complete Connective Tissue Support: Best for Hip and Joint Support
Brand: AniMed
Product uses: Hip and joint Support, muscle care
Item form: Powder
Species recommendation: Horse
Available item sizes: 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilograms)
Number of doses: 1 dose per day
Age range: All ages
About This Item
A naturally manufactured supplement called AniMed Natural Aniflex comprises glucosamine HCL, chondroitin, HA, and MSM to support the health of the connective tissues and joints.
To help your horse maintain his strength as he ages, this horse joint support powder also preserves healthy bone, joint, and connective tissue structure. A unique combination of glutamate, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, MSM, antioxidants, and chondroitin sulfate
Features
- It is complete.
- It contains glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, MSM, antioxidants, and chondroitin sulfate.
How the Product is Administered to the Horse
All kinds of supply horses 14 days of 2 tbsp per day, followed by 1 tbsp per day of maintenance. The included scoop’s large end weighs 1 tbsp.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- May lessen pain brought on by joint degeneration.
- Hyaluronic acid has been used orally and intravenously for decades to treat osteoarthritis in horses without causing any known side effects.
Efficacy
Hyaluronic acid enhances joint health and lessens lameness when injected directly into a horse’s osteoarthritic joint. Hyaluronic acid used orally may improve joint health in horses just as well.
Overall, hyaluronic acid supplementation through oral means seems to be as effective as given through injection. However, more analysis will be essential to establish the ideal dosage.
Pros
- It has the best ingredients.
- It is easy to administer.
Cons
- It is quite expensive.
The Final Verdict
There is proof of horses’ great efficacy. More study is necessary.
Manna Pro Cetyl-M Joint Supplement for Horses | Powered by Omega 5 Fatty Acids: Best for Large Horse Maintenance
Brand: Manna Pro
The product uses: Hip & Joint Support
Item form: Pellet
Species recommendation: Horse
Available item sizes: 5.1 pounds (2.3 kilograms)
Number of doses: 1 dose per day
Age range: All ages
About This Item
Manna Pro Cetyl-M Horse joint supplement can help your hoofed companion feel better. It supports and maintains your companion’s joint health and function. It is one of the best joint supplements for horses. This vitamin reduces pain and discomfort from rigorous exercise, training, and competition.
For the safety of your next-door neighbor, it also contains the Cetyl-M complex made entirely from plants and free of animal byproducts. Manna Pro Cetyl-M Joint Supplement, produced in the USA, has an excellent taste that your horse will enjoy thanks to its formulation with molasses and apple flavors.
How the Product is Administered to the Horse
Useful Instructions: Typical horse loading dose: every day, administer 1 to 2 scoops (38.5 to 77 grams). Maintenance Administer one scoop (38.5 to 77 grams) daily to an average horse.
Administration of 2 to 3 scoops (77 to 115.5 grams) twice daily is the loading dose for large horses. Large horse maintenance dose: give 1 1/2 scoops (77 to 115,5 grams) daily.
Features
- It contains omega-5 fatty acids.
- It is from the USA.
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
- Reduced synthesis of inflammatory eicosanoids, cytokines, and arachidonic acid has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Reduces the presence of reactive oxidative species to serve as an antioxidant.
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements for horses, whether derived from plants or animals, are currently safe and appear to have good bioavailability.
Efficacy
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for reducing osteoarthritis using equine-derived cells in cell culture.
Pros
- A special granular composition supports and maintains the function and health of joints in horses.
- Aids reduces aches and discomfort from strenuous exercise, competition, and training.
- Promotes joint and muscle ease and mobility.
Cons
- It is pricey.
The Final Verdict
Extraordinary evidence. Effectiveness in horses with arthritis is good.
FAQs on Equine Joint Supplements
How Often Should I Give My Horse a Joint Supplement?
You should give your horse supplements as often as your veterinarian recommends.
From Which Age Can Equines Have Joint Supplements?
Your horse’s growth will significantly slow down after age two. Even though they won’t be fully grown adults for a few more years, you can start them as soon as age two on a modest maintenance dose of a joint supplement. Wait till they start riding lessons if you can.
Do Equine Joint Supplements Work?
Although supplements can’t treat arthritis or other joint-related ailments (arthritis is an irreversible deterioration), studies and anecdotal data indicate that supplements boost a horse’s performance and mobility when they have joint problems.
What Ingredients Are in Joint Supplements for Horses?
Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid, the three primary components of joint supplements, aid in developing, maintaining, and defense of joint fluid and tissue.
A Closing Remark
Supplements for joints in horses aren’t all that different from those in dogs or people. Although horse supplements frequently employ these compounds in higher concentrations, they typically contain the same active components and offer comparable relief.
As you’ve seen in our reviews, there are numerous options, but there is one we trust the most. Overall, the Vita Flex Pro MSM Joint Supplement is our favorite. It is clear and flavorless, making administration simple. Also, it is available in large quantities. This supplement provides joints with immediate and long-lasting pain relief.
