Equine Glucosamine Supplements
At one point or another most horse owners have introduced a supplement into their horses diet. These supplements can range from a simple salt block to complex products. These complex products may be infused with ingredients that can be hard to interpret or know the purpose of. Sometimes even the most qualified horsemen might get overwhelmed and confused by endorsements, claims, and the plethora of products in the market. One of the most popular sectors in the marketplace are equine glucosamine supplements.
Equine supplements are mostly used in deficiencies of minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes. The best approach about the equine glucosamine supplements is to ensure you read the labels for assurance that the ingredients contained are effective and will work efficiently.
Studies show that 23% of horse owners choose supplements based on recommendations from the health care advisors. The same report indicates that approximately ¾ of U.S population fail to consult health caregivers before selecting a supplement.
Let’s have a look at some ingredients included in equine supplements and how they work.
Glucosamine
This is one of the most touted ingredients in joint supplements. Glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulfate is one of the most effective building blocks for tough connective tissues such as cartilage. Some studies have also indicated that glucosamine may slow the breakdown of cartilage and enhance healing. A daily dose of between 6,000 and 10,000mg is effective. The high dose of 10,000 mg/day is ideal for working horses.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is also a vital component of the joint fluid and cartilage. The ingredients have been obtainable as an oral supplement. Liquid or gel formulas are the most rapid acting. Hyaluronic acid is often found in equine glucosamine supplements in combination with chondroitin and glucosamine and can bring additional benefits to a horses range of motion and recovery time.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is an essential structural component of bone, cartilage, and vital connective tissues like whites of the eye. Some horse owners report that their horses move with more fluidity and ease under supplementation of chondroitin. One of the most significant benefits of chondroitin is to further breakdown of cartilage. If you want to experience positive results, the experts recommend a daily dose of about 1,250 to 5,000 mg.
Chondroitin and Glucosamine
The combination of chondroitin and glucosamine is termed to be strong and more highly effective than using either of the elements alone. You’ll find that most of equine glucosamine supplements are infused with both of these. When buying equine joint supplements, ensure you choose a product that has a full dose of glucosamine. The oral supplementation of glucosamine helps keep down day to day common in all horses as well as influencing cartilage growth and health. More so, these ingredients are the keystone of all joint supplement programs.
Vitamin C
One thing you should keep in mind is that overdose of vitamin C may cartilage. Vitamin C is responsible for healthy cartilage and other vital connective tissues but needs to be taken in controlled doses.
Wrap Up
You don’t have to wait until your horse is struggling or in to introduce joint supplements. Starting a horse early on glucosamine will support healthy cartilage and connective tissue growth and can also give your body the it needs to slow the breakdown of these elements. Ensure the product you’re buying has an NASC seal for added safety and quality and that you consult with a vet on dosages.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5789549/
https://ker.com/equinews/equine-joint-supplements-merits-glucosamine/
