Maintaining your horse’s peak health requires more than good hay and consistent exercise. Horses, like people, rely on a well-rounded diet filled with essential vitamins and minerals to fuel their energy levels, strengthen the immune system, build muscle, and support overall wellness. Many diets don’t naturally provide the right balance, especially for horses in intense training, those grazing on sparse pasture, or horses living in areas where the soil lacks key minerals.
So, how can you know whether your horse is truly getting what they need? And when should you consider adding a supplement to their routine? In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of equine nutrition and show you how to select the best products, such as EquiNutritive's horse supplement, to ensure your horse gets the nutrients required to thrive.
Why Vitamins and Minerals Matter for Horses
Vitamins and minerals are small but mighty nutrients that play vital roles in your horse’s body. They contribute to:
- Energy metabolism – helping your horse convert feed into usable energy.
- Muscle function and development – especially important for performance horses.
- Bone strength and growth – calcium and phosphorus are key here.
- Immune system health – vitamins A, E, and selenium help protect cells from damage.
- Skin, coat, and hoof quality – zinc, copper, and biotin are crucial for strong, healthy growth.
A deficiency or imbalance in any of these nutrients can lead to fatigue, poor coat condition, weak hooves, low immunity, or reduced performance.
Common Causes of Nutrient Deficiencies
Even when you provide good-quality feed and pasture, your horse might still be missing essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s why:
- Soil Quality: Australia’s soils are often naturally low in certain minerals, such as selenium, copper, and zinc. Horses grazing on these pastures may not get enough of these essential nutrients through forage alone.
- Workload and Activity Level: Horses in regular training or competition use up more nutrients for energy and muscle recovery. Without supplementation, they may struggle to maintain peak performance.
- Feed Type: A diet heavy in grain or processed feeds can lack important vitamins or have imbalances that affect absorption.
- Age and Health Conditions: Older horses, pregnant mares, and those with metabolic conditions may need tailored vitamin and mineral support.
Signs Your Horse Might Need a Supplement
If you notice any of these symptoms, it could be a sign that your horse isn’t getting the nutrients they need:
- Dull coat or brittle hooves
- Muscle soreness or stiffness
- Low energy or poor stamina
- Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition
- Reduced appetite
- Behavioural changes, such as irritability or lethargy
However, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist before making changes to your horse’s diet.
Choosing the Right Supplement
When it comes to horse supplements, quality and balance are key. Look for products that:
- Are formulated for Australian conditions, considering local pasture and soil deficiencies.
- Provide chelated minerals, which are easier for horses to absorb.
- Include balanced ratios of key nutrients like calcium to phosphorus (ideally around 2:1).
- Contain essential trace minerals such as zinc, copper, selenium, and magnesium.
- Offer vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex, supporting overall metabolism and vitality.
Avoid over-supplementing, as too much of certain minerals (like selenium or iron) can be harmful. Always measure carefully and follow product guidelines.
Types of Horse Supplements
Depending on your horse’s needs, you might choose from:
- General vitamin and mineral balancers – great for horses on forage-based diets.
- Performance supplements – for horses in training or competition, offering extra antioxidants and electrolytes.
- Hoof and coat formulas – often containing biotin, zinc, and copper.
- Senior horse blends – supporting joint health, digestion, and immunity in ageing horses.
Adding the right supplement can make a noticeable difference in your horse’s condition, behaviour, and performance.
Final Thoughts
Your horse’s health starts with a balanced diet — and that includes the right mix of vitamins and minerals. Since every horse is different, it’s worth having your feed and pasture analysed or seeking advice from an equine nutrition expert. By choosing a high-quality supplement suited to your horse’s workload and environment, you’ll help them stay happy, healthy, and performing at their best.
