Horse Supplements and Mineral Feed: When to Use Them, Why They Matter, and How to Choose the Right One
Learn how supplements and mineral feed can improve your horse's health, vitality, and overall performance – from pasture to arena.
Table of Contents
Horse Nutrition Basics
Proper nutrition is key to your horse’s health, performance, and overall well-being. A balanced base diet consisting of high-quality forage (hay and pasture), fresh water, and sufficient turnout time forms the nutritional foundation. In addition, minerals, trace elements, and vitamins play a critical role in preventing deficiencies and supporting special needs. Whether your horse is used for leisure, sport, or breeding – its feeding plan should always be tailored to its individual requirements to avoid digestive disorders, metabolic issues, and reduced performance.
📖 Recommended Read: Horse Feeding 101 – Everything You Need to Know
From roughage and concentrates to nutritional supplements – learn which types of feed exist, what to watch out for, and how to provide your horse with optimal nutrition.
What Are Feed Supplements and Mineral Balancers?
A horse’s diet includes more than just hay, grass, and water. Many horses require additional nutrients to stay healthy, particularly when dealing with training stress, health challenges, or during seasonal coat changes. That’s where supplements and mineral feeds come in
What Is a Feed Supplement (Supplementary Feed)?
Feed supplements are used to target specific nutritional needs and are not part of the horse’s basic dietary requirements. They provide functional support in various situations – whether for performance enhancement, recovery, or wellness.
Common uses for equine feed supplements:
- Muscle development support (e.g., amino acids like lysine or methionine)
- Hoof, coat, and skin health (e.g., biotin, brewer’s yeast, omega-3 fatty acids)
- Joint and digestive support (e.g., for horses with arthritis or gastric ulcers)
- Calming effects for nervous horses (e.g., magnesium, tryptophan, or herbs)
What Is Mineral Feed (Mineral Balancer)?
Mineral feed ensures a horse receives the essential minerals and trace elements often lacking in forage-based diets. It forms the nutritional baseline to maintain health, vitality, and metabolic balance over the long term.
Typical ingredients in equine mineral feeds:
- Macrominerals: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium
- Trace minerals: Zinc, copper, selenium, iron
- Vitamins (as needed): D3, E – especially for horses with limited turnout or increased demand
➡️ Video Tip: Horse Supplements – Smart Support or Marketing Hype?Muscle gain, joint protection, better focus – supplements make big promises. But which active ingredients truly work? Find out which equine supplements actually support your horse, what to look for on labels, and when it makes sense to feed them.
Ingredients and Their Functions in Horse Feed Supplements
The ingredients in feed supplements and mineral feeds provide essential nutrients that are often lacking or insufficient in basic forage like hay or pasture grass.
Macrominerals – The Foundation of Equine Health
- Calcium: Crucial for bone and tooth strength, as well as muscle contraction.
- Phosphorus: Supports energy metabolism and skeletal development.
- Magnesium: Calms the nervous system and promotes muscle relaxation – ideal for tense or anxious horses.
- Sodium & Potassium: Key electrolytes that regulate hydration and fluid balance, especially important for performance horses.
Trace Elements – Small Amounts, Big Impact
- Zinc: Promotes healthy skin and coat, supports the immune system, and aids in wound healing.
- Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting muscles from oxidative stress.
- Copper: Vital for connective tissue formation and coat pigmentation.
- Iron: Essential for oxygen transport in the blood – particularly important during periods of high physical demand or recovery.
Vitamins – Targeted Nutritional Support
- Vitamin D3: Enhances calcium absorption and supports strong bone density.
- Vitamin E: Antioxidant properties that protect muscles and support recovery after exercise.
- B-Vitamins (e.g., B1, B2, B6, B12, Biotin): Crucial for metabolism, especially during coat shedding or stress phases.
➡️ Video Tip: Amino Acids – The Building Blocks of Life for Your Horse!
Amino acids are essential for muscle development, hoof and hair growth, nervous system support, and many cellular processes. Equine nutrition expert Dr. Felicitas Drebes explains which amino acids are most important and how to ensure your horse is getting what it needs through targeted feeding. Watch now!
Targeted Supplements for Specific Equine Needs
Supplemental feed additives are specially formulated to address specific challenges in horse health and performance.
Common Functional Additives:
- Amino acids (e.g. Lysine): Support muscle development, recovery, and protein synthesis.
- Biotin: Promotes healthy hoof growth and a shiny coat.
- Brewer’s yeast: Supports a healthy digestive system and enhances metabolic function, especially during coat changes.
- Herbal blends: Can be used to address respiratory issues (e.g. cough), arthritis, or gastric discomfort.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Promote healthy skin and coat, and have anti-inflammatory effects—especially useful for joint support.
When Should You Feed Supplements to Your Horse?
Feed supplements are ideal for addressing specific health conditions or performance goals. Depending on your horse’s situation, different types of supplements may be appropriate.
For Joint Health & Arthritis:
- Supplements with anti-inflammatory herbs such as devil’s claw are often beneficial.
- Products containing glucosamine, chondroitin, or collagen support joint cartilage regeneration and mobility.
For Muscle Building & Recovery:
- Amino acids like lysine or methionine stimulate muscle metabolism and promote lean muscle mass.
- Amino acids are essential for:
- Muscle repair
- Hoof and hair growth
- Connective tissue strength
- Nervous system function
- And many other physiological processes in the equine body.
- Supplements with Vitamin E and Magnesium also support healthy muscle function.
➡️ Video Tip: Amino Acids – The Foundation of Equine Health & Performance
Muscle development, hoof growth, immune resilience – none of this works without the right amino acids. Equine nutrition expert Dr. Felicitas Drebes explains which amino acids are most critical, why they're non-negotiable for the horse’s entire system, and how you can ensure optimal amino acid intake through feeding. Watch now!
➡️ Video Tip: Building Muscle in Horses – How to Support Proper Muscle Growth!
To build muscle, your horse needs more than just training – proper nutrition is essential. Dr. Patricia Sitzenstock explains which nutrients are vital and how you can effectively support your horse’s muscle development. Watch now!
Stomach Ulcers and Gastric Sensitivity
Horses with a sensitive stomach can benefit from mash, linseed (flaxseed), or soothing herbs such as chamomile and licorice root.
Be sure to choose grain-free, gut-friendly supplements designed to support gastric health.
➡️ Video Tip: Gastric Sensitivity – Why Proper Feeding Is Essential!
This video focuses on the correct feeding strategies for horses with sensitive stomachs or gastric ulcers. Incorrect nutrition can quickly lead to problems. Agricultural scientist and equine nutrition expert Dr. Patricia Sitzenstock explains what really matters when feeding ulcer-prone horses.
Coat Change & Skin Health
Supplemental feeds containing brewer’s yeast, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc support healthy coat growth and promote skin regeneration during the seasonal coat change.
Hoof Health
Biotin, zinc, and silica (horsetail) are essential for strong, resilient hooves and improved horn quality. These nutrients help prevent brittle or cracked hooves and support overall hoof structure.
Nervousness & Stress
Magnesium, B-vitamins, and calming herbal blends can help soothe nervous horses and enhance their stress resilience—ideal for anxious or tense horses in training or competition.
➡️ Video Tip: Relaxing Nervous Horses – The Right Feeding Makes All the Difference!
Feeding has a significant impact on your horse’s mental balance. Learn how forage management, magnesium, consistent feeding times, and proper exercise routines can reduce stress and improve relaxation. Watch now!
The Right Dosage
How Much Mineral Supplement Does Your Horse Need?
Mineral supplements are an essential part of your horse’s daily ration, ensuring that key minerals and trace elements are adequately supplied—especially when forage alone doesn’t meet the full nutritional requirements.
Basic Requirements
An average leisure horse requires approximately 30–50 g of mineral feed per 100 kg of body weight per day.
For a 500 kg horse, this equates to about 150–250 g daily.
Increased Needs for Special Categories
- Young horses: Require elevated levels of calcium and phosphorus to support bone development.
- Sport horses: Need electrolytes like sodium and potassium replenished after heavy sweating and intense training.
- Sensitive horses (e.g., those with PSSM, gastric ulcers): Benefit from targeted mineral blends tailored to their specific metabolic needs.
Avoiding Overdosage
Over-supplementation can be harmful. For instance:
- Excessive selenium may lead to toxicity.
- Imbalances in the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio can negatively affect bone and organ health.
📌 Always follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations and adjust based on the horse’s workload, age, and health condition.
Supplement Dosage by Purpose:
Tips for Choosing the Right Mineral Supplement for Your Horse
1. Know Your Horse’s Nutritional Needs
- Pleasure Horses: Often need only a basic mineral supplement to cover the essentials.
- Performance Horses: Require higher levels of electrolytes, magnesium, and sometimes additional antioxidants.
- Senior Horses: Benefit from added joint and bone support, such as calcium and vitamin D.
- Sensitive Horses: Look for grain-free, molasses-free, or organic mineral supplements to reduce the risk of digestive upset or metabolic issues.
2. Pay Attention to Key Ingredients
- Macrominerals: Balanced ratios of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are essential for skeletal health, muscle function, and nerve balance.
- Trace Elements: Nutrients like zinc, copper, and selenium are vital for immunity, coat health, and metabolic regulation.
- Organic Mineral Forms (e.g., chelates): These are more bioavailable and better absorbed in the horse’s digestive tract compared to inorganic sources.
3. Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-supplementation: More is not always better. Too much selenium or magnesium can cause toxicity or imbalances.
- Non-specific feeding: Supplements should be selected according to individual needs, not fed "just in case."
- Poor combinations: Some nutrients can antagonize each other (e.g., excess calcium can hinder magnesium or zinc absorption).
- Irregular feeding: For optimal effectiveness, supplements should be fed consistently, ideally daily.
Final Thoughts – Supplements & Mineral Feeds for Horses
Supplemental feeds and mineral blends can play a vital role in supporting your horse’s overall health, performance, and condition – but only if they’re chosen and used correctly.
- Muscle Development: Products rich in amino acids like lysine and methionine are great for promoting muscle growth and recovery.
- Joint Support: Glucosamine, MSM, or collagen help maintain joint mobility and are beneficial in cases of arthritis or stiffness.
- Hoof & Coat Health: Nutrients like biotin, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and brewer’s yeast support healthy hooves, skin, and a shiny coat.
- Stress & Sensitivity: Magnesium, B-complex vitamins, or calming herbs like chamomile can help nervous or spooky horses stay focused and relaxed.
Mineral Supplements for Horses
Choose high-quality mineral feeds, adapted to your horse’s needs:
- Grain-free for metabolic horses (EMS, IR, Cushing's)
- Senior blends with joint and digestive support
- Organic trace minerals for improved absorption
Always ensure a balanced base ration (forage, hay, water), and supplement only to fill proven gaps – not to overload.
Want to Learn More About Equine Nutrition?
Check out our online Horse Feeding Academy for in-depth guides, expert videos, and personalized feeding strategies!
👉 Discover More Equine Nutrition Tips
Equine Feed Supplements FAQ: The Most Important Questions & Answers
What is mineral feed for horses?
Mineral feed provides your horse with essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as trace elements such as zinc and selenium. These nutrients are often lacking in hay and pasture, making mineral feed an important part of a balanced diet.
When should you feed mineral supplements?
Mineral supplements should be fed daily, ideally after your horse’s main meal. This timing helps improve nutrient absorption and ensures your horse receives a consistent supply of essential minerals and trace elements.
How much feed supplement does my horse need?
The amount varies depending on the product. Most powdered or pelleted supplements are fed in quantities of 10–50 grams per day, depending on your horse’s weight, workload, and individual needs.
How much mineral feed does a horse require?
On average, a leisure horse needs about 30–50 grams of mineral feed per 100 kg of body weight daily. For example, a 500 kg horse would require between 150–250 grams per day. Horses in training or with health issues may need more.
What is the best supplement for arthritis in horses?
For horses with joint problems or arthritis, supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, or collagen are beneficial. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory herbs like devil’s claw can help reduce inflammation and support joint health.
Which supplement is best for muscle building in horses?
For muscle development, look for supplements with essential amino acids such as lysine and methionine. These support protein synthesis and muscle recovery. Vitamin E and selenium are also crucial for healthy muscle function. Alfalfa is a great natural source of digestible protein.
What does my horse need during coat change?
During the coat shedding season, supplements like brewer’s yeast, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids promote a shiny coat, support skin health, and aid the metabolism during this demanding time.
Which mineral feed is right for my horse?
That depends on age, workload, and health status:
- Young horses need more calcium and phosphorus for bone development.
- Senior horses benefit from joint and metabolic support.
- Sport horses require extra electrolytes and magnesium.
- Sensitive horses often do best with grain-free or organic mineral feeds.
What mineral feed works for horses with PSSM or ulcers?
- For PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy), choose a mineral feed with high zinc content and organically bound trace elements.
- For gastric ulcers, use grain-free, low-starch products that are gentle on the stomach and promote digestive health.
Can I combine mineral feed and supplements?
Yes – but with caution. It’s essential to avoid overdosing nutrients, especially selenium or zinc, which can be toxic in excess. Always check the product labels and coordinate combinations carefully. Mineral feed should cover the basic nutritional needs, while targeted supplements address specific challenges like joint support, muscle building, or skin health.
👉 Pro Tip: Always consult your equine nutritionist or vet before adding new supplements to your horse’s ration – especially if your horse has metabolic or digestive sensitivities.