There are many naturally occurring beneficial ingredients in nature for your horse that are easy to find to supplement with for your horse and cost effective as well. You just have to do your research, know what is lacking in your area, both in the soil and water, have your hay tested, test your water (well or city) then you will have a better idea as to what you may want to add naturally to supplement.

More animal guardians are becoming conscious of the artificial and chemical additives not only in our own diets but that of our animals some of which compromise their immune health and some make them toxic – from colorants and preservatives to synthetic vitamin complexes and highly processed oils. Our horses are becoming toxic from the artificial feed additives that I cannot even pronounce, as well as the Round Up ready hay crops, drying agents and the GMO seeds.  Many owner’s I am finding are seeking a more natural way in supplementing to provide their horses with vitamins, minerals along with needed essential fatty acids.

You can do the same. Start by educating yourself on the nutritional needs of your horse, individualized to the region and area you live in, the type of hay you feed, then provide natural sources. Here are just a few of nature’s gifts:

• Rose hips are one of the richest sources of vitamin C and also contain vitamin A in beta carotene form. They offer thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin K as well. Rose hips help horses fight off infections. They also encourage hoof growth, thanks to their biotin content coupled with flavonoids. For yearlings, use either the powder at the rate of one to two tablespoons per day, or cut and sifted rose hips at two tablespoons per day. For mature horses, give two to four tablespoons of rose hip powder or a handful of cut and sifted, I don’t give the  whole rose hips unless soaked and softened.

• Dandelions come to life in the early spring and are a great kidney and liver cleanser, as well as a tonic herb. This medicinal plant has been used through history for human conditions such as liver or kidney disorders, including jaundice. It is rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, choline, iron, silica, sulfur, and vitamins A, B, C and D. Dandelions actually contain more vitamin A than carrots! I get organic Dandelion greens at my local grocery store all year long so don’t have to wait for Spring. When using the dried herb form, provide about two heaping teaspoons per day for a week or two at a time. Use no more than a rounded tablespoonful, and for no longer than fourteen consecutive days. You can also feed your horse small handfuls of fresh dandelions while they’re in season.  I like to also follow up the Dandelion with two weeks of  Milk Thistle Seed Powder for its liver detoxifying properties, and I feed 2 tablespoons per day to my Arabian and 1 tablespoon per day to my mini’s for two weeks, twice per year.

• Flax seed contains essential fatty acids, which are vital for hormone production and the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. EFAs are also components of very important regulatory substances called prostaglandins, which are responsible for transporting oxygen to the tissues, controlling inflammation, synthesizing hormones and maintaining cellular tissues. They have been found to help produce anti-inflammatory substances in the body that are necessary for proper immune function, collagen formation, and the prevention of some arthritic conditions. Some studies have shown EFAs will enhance the integrity of joint and connective tissues as well as bone density. flax seeds’ insoluble fiber content. Research has found that the insoluble fiber in flax slows down the release of sugar into the blood and reduces blood sugar levels.

• Chia is also an excellent source of omega fatty acids and I always feed along with Flax, I recommend 2 parts flax to one part chia.  Chia contains Omega 3 fatty acids which help to reduce inflammation, even slow arthritis; it also has been shown to help convert carbohydrates into simple sugars and may help control insulin resistance in some cases.

• Kelp is the original source of iodine, and comes from the “brown algae” family of plants. It has been used for the natural treatment of under-active thyroid in both horses and humans. A tablespoon four or five times a week is sufficient. Supplementing with kelp also provides micro nutrients that horses do not get elsewhere and is excellent for hoof and coat. 

• Apple cider vinegar is a natural source of potassium and also contains other minerals. Feed at the rate of ¼ to ½ cup per day. Be sure to read the label as some of the apple cider vinegar being sold is “flavored” only,and is not the real thing. It doesn’t work the same!

• Bentonite clay, also referred to as montmorillonite clay, is known as one of the most powerful healing clays for treating both internal and external disorders in humans and animals. Studies show that this “volcanic ash clay” was used centuries ago by some of the early Indians of the Andes Mountains, tribes in Central Africa, and the Australian Aborigines. Bentonite clay’s unique structure helps it attract and soak up poisons and toxins on its exterior wall. It then slowly draws them into the interior of the clay where they are held until safely passed through the intestinal track. Along with its cleansing properties and its ability to remove toxins from the horse’s gut, bentonite also contains calcium and many naturally occurring micro and trace minerals. Feed one tablespoon mixed in the supplements with water a couple times per week.

• Zeolite Clay is something that can be used to detox your horse a few times per year, especially in Spring and Fall. 

• Celtic Sea or natural salt, sodium chloride, is essential for the nutritional and physiological processes of all animals, including horses. It plays a big part in helping the horse’s body digest foods as well as transmitting nerve impulses that contract the muscles. Sodium is as essential to life as the air we breathe and the water we drink. In order for the cells of the body to function normally, a salt/water balance must be maintained, especially during hot & or cold weather.  It does not need to be added daily all year long.

You can purchase naturally dehydrated sea salt with no additives from health food stores. Offer it free-choice and feed at the rate of at least one tablespoon per day in supplement feed, especially in hot weather when horses drink more water.

There are many natural supplements and beneficial ingredients for your horse. You just have to do your research, know what is lacking in your area both in the soil and water, or have your hay tested so you know what to supplement. Adding herbs, free fed trace mineral salts, or some of the above ingredients will help meet your horse’s daily nutritional needs. It all comes down to balance, and a less is more approach!

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