If you have a horse, you should know the vitamin requirement for your equine companion.
Just like humans, horses also require certain vitamins and minerals for their overall growth, health, and development. If you are wondering which vitamins are important for your horses or whether you should give vitamin E supplements for horses, this article is for you.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is required for the overall health of the horse. It helps keep their eyesight in check, their skin healthy and their coat shiny. Moreover, it also helps in the proper uptake of other vitamins and minerals.
Without adequate vitamin A, your horse can suffer from multiple vision problems and poor coat condition.
- Carrots are the finest source of horse vitamins, especially vitamin A. Not only are these tasty but also contain the recommended daily amount of vitamin A for an average-sized horse.
- Sweet potatoes are also a great choice for vitamin A.
- Kale and spinach are also good sources and act as an alternative to carrots and sweet potatoes.
Although vitamin A is crucial, yet make sure that you do not give them too much of this vitamin as an excess amount can lead to toxicity. Hence, always consult your vet before introducing any new supplement to your equine diet.
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B Complex is essential for a horse’s health and overall well-being. It is required to transform food into energy and maintain healthy skin, coat, vision, bones, and hooves. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause poor performance and even death.
- Oats are a rich source of vitamin B complex for horses. These not only aid in digestion but also help with muscle growth which can be beneficial during training sessions or competitions.
- Barley is another excellent source which facilitates energy conversion and well-being of nerve cells.
- Molasses can also be a good source as it contains vitamins B6, B7 and B2. These help in maintaining hormonal balance and support the nervous system for great performance.
It is important to note that horses require a daily dose of Vitamin B Complex to stay healthy and perform at their peak. A deficiency of this vitamin can be detrimental to their health. Hence, make sure that you include this vitamin in your daily diet to ensure optimal performance.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and helps in protecting cells from free radicals caused by inflammation and other illnesses. Horses produce vitamin C in their body but may also require additional supplementation if they are under stress.
- Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are an excellent source of Vitamin C which you can give them in the form of treats. You can also give them strawberries, broccoli, or dark leafy vegetables for a change.
- Vitamin C supplements are another way if your horse is not getting adequate Vitamin C from its regular diet. Supplements are available in various forms including powders or tablets that can directly be added to their feed or given via a syringe. In addition to this, you can also add vitamin E supplements for horses for better performance. Make sure, however, to consult your vet before giving this supplement.
Although horses produce vitamin D, they may need additional supplementation due to stress or dietary deficiencies. Hence, make sure that you are maintaining an optimal amount of Vitamin C in your body.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is another essential vitamin for horses which helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, both of which are required for strong teeth and bones. Your horses can get a good dose of vitamin D naturally from exposure to sunlight or supplemented through fortified feed products.
You should, however, pay close attention to your horse’s diet before adding vitamin D supplements. Since too much supplement can lead to health issues including even organ failure, make sure to consult your vet before making any decision.
To Sum It Up
A nutritious diet rich in vitamins is not only important for us but also horses. Understanding which vitamins are important to keep your horse healthy and happy is important. If you want to keep your horse healthy with the required dose of vitamins, reach out to us at Med Vet Pharmaceuticals.
