Common Horse Supplements, What They Do and Where to Get Them

(Illustrative Only)

Owning a horse requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. If you spend several days each week grooming, riding, and training your horse, it makes sense to ensure that your horse is also receiving proper nutrition to support its overall health and performance. The thought of horse supplements arose...

With that in mind, we explored research on equine supplements, particularly those commonly used for performance horses. The article discussed below examines what current research says about various supplements and whether they provide measurable benefits. Before purchasing any supplement, it is important to carefully review the available evidence and ensure that your horse's basic nutritional needs are already being met through proper feeding, management, and veterinary care.

For those interested in learning more, we have included a summary of the research article along with several supplements available on Amazon that have received positive customer reviews and align with some of the supplement categories supported by research. Not every supplement discussed in the research was included, as some appear to offer limited or inconsistent benefits despite being commonly marketed to horse owners.

Ultimately, supplement decisions should be based on your horse's individual needs, your veterinarian's recommendations, and your own review of the available evidence. The information below is intended to provide a starting point for further research and informed decision-making.

• Equine Hemp Solutions Solutions Horse Nugget
• Omega Plus Oil Supplement for Horses
• Vita E & Selenium Crumbles Vitamin Supplement

What Research Is Saying About Supplements for Horses

• CBD (cannabidiol) supplements have shown potential anti-inflammatory effects, but research results remain inconsistent, and some products may contain THC levels that could create concerns for competition horses.
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements containing EPA and DHA have demonstrated some of the strongest research support, with studies showing reduced inflammation and potential benefits for horses with joint and respiratory conditions.
• Gastrointestinal supplements containing ingredients such as pectin, lecithin, zinc oxide, and chestnut extract may help support the prevention and healing of gastric ulcers when combined with proper management practices.
• Probiotic supplements have produced mixed results in research studies, with multispecies formulations appearing more effective than single-species products for supporting digestive health.
• Vitamin E and other antioxidant supplements may help reduce exercise-related oxidative stress, although research findings on their overall effectiveness remain limited.

Oke, S. (2025, May 13). What research is saying about supplements for horses. The Horse. https://thehorse.com/1118630/what-research-is-saying-about-supplements-for-horses/