Best Horse Joint Supplement: Reviews, Buying Guide, FAQ

There are numerous horse supplements on the market that claim to improve your horse’s performance and appearance. The problem is that we don’t know whether any of these supplements help – or if they’re just another expensive item we can feed to our horses.

Fortunately, some scientific studies back up the claim for joint supplements, and the good news is that they do work. Specific vitamins will be more beneficial to your horse than others. This post will explain why and what to look for in the best horse joint supplement.

Quick Comparison

Image Product
Nutramax Cosequin Equine Optimized with MSM Best Overall: Nutramax Cosequin Equine Optimized with MSM
Editor's Rating: 9.8 Brand: Nutramax Check Price
Nutramax Cosequin ASU Equine Powder Best in Wafers: Nutramax Cosequin ASU Equine Powder
Editor's Rating: 9.6 Brand: Nutramax Laboratories Check Price
Horse Health Joint Combo Hoof & Coat Best Tasty Flavor: Horse Health Joint Combo Hoof & Coat
Editor's Rating: 9.4 Brand: Horse Health Check Price
RICHDEL Legacy Pellets for Senior Horses Joint Support Best for old horses: RICHDEL Legacy Pellets for Senior Horses Joint Support
Editor's Rating: 9.2 Brand: RICHDEL Check Price
Equithrive Joint supplement Formula Best product for one time: Equithrive Joint supplement Formula
Editor's Rating: 9 Brand: Equithrive Check Price
Ramard Total Joint Care Performance Formula Best Easy to Feed: Ramard Total Joint Care Performance Formula
Editor's Rating: 8.7 Brand: Ramard Check Price
GLC 5500 Horse Powder Best Powder Supplement: GLC 5500 Horse Powder
Editor's Rating: 8.5 Brand: GLC Check Price

Contents

What Age Should I Start Feeding a Joint Supplement?

While every horse can benefit from a joint supplement, there are three critical phases in your horse’s life.

Early growing and training years – Your horse grows and develops during the weanling, yearling, and even two-year-old stages. During this critical period of growth, kids might benefit significantly from the assistance of a joint supplement. Good joint health at this age will help them resist the impacts of training and put them up for their peak performance years.

Performance years – For some horses, this occurs early in life, while for others, it may not occur until they are adults. Many Quarter Horses, for example, are started early for futurities, but many jumping horses do not start performing until they are six, seven, or a bit older. They will be happier in their senior years if they have good joint health throughout their performing years.

Senior years – Depending on how complex a horse’s performance life has been, it will be determined whether or not they require joint help in their aged and retirement years. Some horses may still perform in their older years and could benefit from the supplement, while others may have been retired to pasture and may not require one unless they have mobility difficulties.

Factors to Consider Before Selecting Nutraceuticals

Joints are robust and durable skeletal components that are essential for bodily mobility. A joint is made up of two bone ends that are generally coated with cartilage and synovial fluid. The fluid acts as a cushion and lubricant during shifts.

Cartilage, which is composed of solid collagen connective tissues, acts as a shock absorber. It is essential for a healthy joint since once injured, it does not recover rapidly. Inflammation causes more deterioration, and the cycle continues.

As a result, horse owners should take early measures to maintain their health to avoid permanent joint deterioration. A variety of variables contribute to the horse’s common pollution. As a result, horse joint supplements should include nutrients that are appropriate for their needs.

Horse’s Activity Level

Horses differ in their exercise level and workload. Some horses are trained for racing, jumping, polo, dressage, and team chasing. For nutrition and fitness levels, these gaming horses demand a different strategy.

Because of their increased activity, their joints tend to age quicker than those of other horses with lower activity levels.

The cartilage surrounding horse joints becomes inflamed and degenerates as a result of repeated strain on joints. As a result, highly active horses require joint supplements that are anti-inflammatory as well as cartilage-strengthening.

Signs of Infection or Disease

Horses are living beings that become unwell due to infection, viral illness, and changing environmental patterns. Infections and diseases consequently have an impact on the horse’s body and joints. As a result, their joints lose power and fitness, lowering their performance.

Chronic infection is a significant indicator of joint weakness. Horse owners should treat the infection first, followed by the prescribed nutraceuticals to strengthen the horse’s joints. The veterinarian understands how to feed the horse joint, which weakens as a result of illness.

Age of horse

A youthful, active horse does not exhibit signs of stiffness and pain. While an elderly horse shows lameness and discomfort, he requires a senior-specific supplement to be healthy.

Nutritional level

The best horse joint supplements balance the horse’s health by working in tandem with food consumption. However, the horse owner’s responsibility is to maintain track of a horse’s feeding habits and associated nutrition.

If a horse is already eating an improved nutritious diet, a joint supplement is unnecessary. If you are unable to investigate your horse’s nutritional consumption, check with a veterinarian. After then, you may only buy joint supplements to ensure that they are effective.

Horse Breed

Its breed and environmental circumstances heavily influence the nutritional value of an equine. The metabolism of each breed can handle nutrition in various amounts.

Because you will have a plump Morgan and a skinny Thoroughbred, Thoroughbred and Morgan do not require the same degree of nourishment.

  • More nourishment is required for Arabs and Thoroughbreds.
  • Warm-blooded or Draft personalities require less nourishment.
  • Miniature, Ponies, and Morgens are more likely to have equine metabolic syndrome.

As a result, before choosing the best horse joint supplement, it is critical to examine the horse’s history thoroughly.

Horse Injury

Horses can get injuries when doing strenuous labor or participating in sporting training. It takes a long time for injured joints to recover fully. The horse’s requirement for nutrients increases during joint damage therapy.

Consult an animal specialist for suggested vitamins to help your horse’s joints recover and strengthen quickly.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Horse Joint Supplement

When looking for the most incredible horse joint supplement, look at the ingredients. Some supplements are more effective for some horses than others. Finding the correct components that work for your horse is sometimes a trial and error procedure. The most fantastic joint supplement for barrel horses may not be the best joint supplement for elderly horses.

Glucosamine

The most researched component is glucosamine. There are two types of glucosamine which are glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. Both are effective forms. Glucosamine is essential in the basic building blocks of the horse’s connective tissues, including cartilage. It is a critical component in young horses. It is also excellent in relieving pain, making it ideal for hard-working or older horses with arthritis. This component has a loading phase, so feed a more significant dose for a week or two and then reduce the amount once it is in the horse’s system.

Chondroitin

Because glucosamine and chondroitin function better together, most products that include glucosamine also contain chondroitin. Another essential component of cartilage, bone and connective tissues is chondroitin sulfate. It has been stated that this substance improves horse mobility and makes them look more fluid.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is necessary for joint fluid. It is especially effective at reducing heat and swelling, as well as discomfort. A veterinarian can inject it in specific locations, but it can also be incorporated as a powder in feed additives. In most horses, a tiny quantity of this substance goes a long way.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 

MSM is well-known in the horse business. It is an efficient anti-inflammatory, but its long-term consequences are unknown. One scientific research in horses with hock arthritis found that a dosage of at least 20,000 mg per day was necessary to be helpful, although that is a very high amount that is not commonly found in joint supplements. It is frequently seen in lesser concentrations in joint supplements. Pure MSM supplements can also be purchased to see whether they will impact a particular horse.

Collagen

Collagen is hydrolyzed before being incorporated into a joint supplement. Collagen is a protein that is found in all connective tissues, cartilage, and bone. It is cleaned and broken down to absorb it by the horse’s body as a supplement. There have been no horse trials on this substance, although it may help with joint function and discomfort.

Herbs  

A wide variety of herbs are commonly included in joint supplements. These herbs are frequently anti-inflammatory, but there is no assurance that enough of them are present to effect. These herbs are widely included because they relieve pain. Devil’s Claw, Yucca, and Boswellia are all popular herbs.

Minerals

Manganese, copper, and zinc are minerals that are commonly found in supplements. Most horses get more manganese than they need, but they frequently lack copper and zinc. Copper is essential for developing connective tissue. Thus young horses must not be deficient. Copper and zinc are also critical components of the horse’s antioxidant enzyme system.

Avocado and Soy Unsaponifiables  

These components are isolated and purified using a unique method that inhibits digestion and absorption by the body. They have been found to prevent cartilage degradation. Thus they are more helpful in supporting horses rather than assisting with a current requirement. They are also slow-acting, so don’t expect to see effects right away.

Silica

This component is most often found in sand, although it can also be found in plants. It is a trace mineral that provides structure to plants. This component is involved in the development of articular cartilage and connective tissue in the horse’s body.

According to research, this is a vital supplement for young, developing horses.

Vitamin C

Because horses produce their own vitamin C, it is critical not to oversupply. Too much vitamin C has the opposite effect and might result in insufficiency.

Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is an amino acid that aids in the preservation of enzymes that inhibit chronic pain. It is most often seen in supplements for pain and arthritis in elderly or performance horses.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These fatty acids can be found in plant and marine oils. The most frequent way to acquire them in a supplement is through flaxseed or linseed oil.

Copper and Zinc

Many supplement manufacturers overlook the relevance of copper and zinc in horse diets. These are necessary components for tissue development as well as anti-oxidants. Both are beneficial to hoof growth and may be found in a variety of hoof supplements. When 50 mg of copper and 150 mg of zinc are supplemented in the diet, they will help with joint health.

Don’t wait for your horse to exhibit lameness or acute deficiency signs. It is critical to take vitamins regularly to avoid joint swelling, inflammation, and degeneration. Previcox For Horses with Joint Issues is likewise becoming more popular. 

When looking for the best joint supplements for horses, always go with reputable companies. Look for items that equestrian researchers endorse.

Top 7 best horse joint supplement

Cosequin has long been used as a joint supplement in the horse business. MSM is also included in this version of Cosequin. MSM, as previously stated, is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

It is a low-cost way to give a well-known joint supplement with the extra benefits of MSM. Vets widely suggest Cosequin as a joint supplement. It enhances horse joint mobility and function. Furthermore, it promotes a healthy cartilage matrix to combat the stress generated by daily training and riding.

Cosequin suppresses the enzymes that cause cartilage degradation. According to published studies, this brand is effective, safe, and bioavailable.

It includes 1800 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride obtained from shellfish. It also contains 600 mg of sodium chondroitin sulfate produced from bovine cartilage and 16 mg of manganese. Use this supplement for around 2 to 4 weeks at first.

What we like
  • Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate are used
  • One scoop contains 5,000 mg MSM
  • Veterinary advice recommended
What we dislike
  • They were initially intended for aged horses.
Nutramax Cosequin ASU Equine Powder

Best in Wafers: Nutramax Cosequin ASU Equine Powder

Editor's Rating: 9.6 Brand: Nutramax Laboratories Check Price ❯
The Nutramax Cosequin ASU version is veterinarian strength and is suitable for a wide range of horses. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin and avocado, and soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) for long-tergetsm joint protection.

This product contains twice as much MSM as the Cosequin Equine Optimized with MSM supplement. Cosequin ASU is a dual synergistic formula: its particular glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate have been shown to stimulate cartilage matrix synthesis synergistically.

This medication is intended to treat elderly horses with arthritic changes and assist developing horses with the extra advantages of the ASU.

What we like
  • The Nutramax Cosequin ASU version is veterinarian strength and is suitable for a wide range of horses. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin and avocado, and soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) for long-tergetsm joint protection.
  • This product contains twice as much MSM as the Cosequin Equine Optimized with MSM supplement. Cosequin ASU is a dual synergistic formula: its particular glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate have been shown to stimulate cartilage matrix synthesis synergistically.
  • This medication is intended to treat elderly horses with arthritic changes and assist developing horses with the extra advantages of the ASU.
What we dislike
  • Wafers or pellets are famous among some individuals because they are simple to feed.
  • While it has double the essential nutrients, you must provide two scoops to obtain that amount.
The Horse Health Products Joint Combo is an excellent choice for budget-conscious horse owners looking to get the most bang for their dollars. This product contains substances that help to strengthen the joints, feet, and coat.

This supplement contains glucosamine HCL, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM. It also contains biotin for the hooves as well as omega fatty acids for healthy skin and hair.

This product does need an initial loading dosage of three scoops each day for three to four weeks. It is then fed twice a day for maintenance at a rate of two scoops each day. All of these are responsible for optimum collagen production as well as good joint function and mobility. It is a three-in-one supplement that focuses on the hoof, coat, and coordinated care.

What we like
  • It helps to support the joints, hooves, and coats.
  • MSM and collagen are included for horses of all ages.
What we dislike
  • When compared to Cosequin's products, it has lesser MSM doses per ounce.
Although horses of any age can have joint issues, elderly horses are more vulnerable. Feeding these RICHDEL Legacy Pellets to your horse will assist in ensuring his joints are adequately supported, resulting in more excellent cushioning and less pain.

Because there is no additional flavor to this pellet, it mixes very nicely with the horse's diet. Simply sprinkle it on top of your horse's hay or feed.

Although it may be given to any age, it is a tailored vitamin joint supplement for elderly horses. If you feed your horse two scoops each day, this five-pound bucket will last about a month.

It has glucosamine HCL, yucca, vitamin E, vitamin C, ester C, chondroitin sulfate, and yeast. These RICHDEL pellets are designed to supplement a horse's natural joint cushioning by stimulating cartilage formation and protecting the cartilage pads between the joints.

If your horse has developed hoof drag due to sore joints, adding this pellet to his feed can make a huge impact. Within a short period, you will see beneficial improvements in your horse's gait.

Although designed for older horses, it is suitable for horses of all ages since it preserves the joints. It contains a robust antioxidant combination and glucosamine, which has been shown to assist with joint cushioning. For most horses, a five-pound bucket will last a month.

What we like
  • It smells like delicious feed, and horses love it.
  • It promotes cartilage formation, which helps to cushion the joints.
  • It alleviates discomfort in the elderly who have developed arthritic problems.
What we dislike
  • It is only available in a single size.
Because it was the first supplement to incorporate resveratrol, this joint recipe was the first of its kind. Resveratrol is an element that has been researched for its potential to benefit humans by reducing inflammation in joints and preserving cartilage.

Horses are predisposed to joint problems, with some breeds faring worse than others. Because of its mild flavor, this powder may simply be sprinkled on top of your horse's meal.

Each dosage of this joint horse solution contains 500 mg of resveratrol and 50 mg of hyaluronic acid. Horses in training should be fed this formula twice a day, while horses in need of a maintenance dosage can be given it once a day.

This joint solution helps to relieve discomfort. Horses with hock arthritis can benefit from considerably better pain alleviation than even steroid injections can give. Regardless of the horse's age, this mixture will eliminate stiffness and gait hesitancy quickly.

What we like
  • It has a vitamin mix that includes resveratrol and hyaluronic acid.
  • It offers exceptional joint support for horses of all ages.
  • It encourages the formation of new cartilage.
  • The powder mixes well with all types of feed and hay.
  • It produces favorable outcomes in a short period.
  • Even the pickiest horses will eat it.
What we dislike
  • There is just one size available.
Because they are frequently subjected to stress, performance, and labor, horses require an extra boost for their joints. With this mixture, your horse's performance will improve since he will no longer be in pain due to his joints rubbing together instead of adequately cushioned.

This balanced combination of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients works synergistically to reduce inflammation, which can cause joint discomfort and cartilage loss.

This formula preserves all components, including tendons, ligaments, synovial fluid, and other soft tissue structures, unlike specific joint recipes. Each 1.2-pound jar will offer mutual support for one horse for up to a month. 6000 mg of glucosamine, 200 mg of hyaluronic acid, and 3000 mg of MSM are included in each dosage. Simply give your horse one 17-gram scoop of powder every day. It may be added straight to the stream to make administration easier.

What we like
  • It contains an ideal nutritional mix for improved joint support.
  • Powder mixes with feed are simple to administer.
  • Multi-packs are available.
  • It provides one horse with a thirty-day supply.
  • It promotes cartilage formation and maintains joint stability.
  • It improves performance without causing discomfort by addressing the entire joint and all of its components.
What we dislike
  • Only available in one size; however, multi-packs are available.
If your horse appears to require injections in its joints regularly, this might be the solution. This unique joint solution comprises a combination of four different kinds of glucosamine, ascorbate, chondroitin, and manganese. It is a common supplement that covers the entire range of joint care.

This supplement is one of the few on the market that is composed entirely of verified pure components. It includes just natural chondroitin sulfate and no herbal or animal alternatives.

This joint formula has been shown to inhibit the enzymes that cause joint degeneration, therefore protecting horses of all ages' joints. This joint horse supplement is suitable for high-performance horses or elderly pals who have grown more like family. It promotes healing and improves your horse's stride and performance, regardless of age.

Because our joint formula powder has no taste or odor, it may be applied to any hay or feed without difficulty. Even the pickiest horses will eat it with ease. Depending on the horse, a two-pound supply should last around ninety days.

Reputable horse doctors suggest GLC 5500 because it contains a complete range of nutrients that replace joint cartilage cushioning and protects the joints from injury. Changes are evident after a few weeks of usage.

What we like
  • It is simple to administrate.
  • The entire joint, including all components, gets nourished.
  • Improvement can be observed in as little as a couple of weeks.
What we dislike
  • There is only one size available. However, the whole recipe lasts 90 days per horse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Supplements for Horses

How do you treat arthritis in a horse’s knees?

If your veterinarian has diagnosed your horse with arthritis, the best treatment is intraarticular, intramuscular, or intravenous medicine. Adequan is the only disease-modifying medication available for a degenerative illness like arthritis. It comes in intra-articular and intramuscular forms and comprises polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, which encourage new cartilage formation while alleviating pain.

Legend intravenous or intra-articular injection of hyaluronate sodium helps with knee joint issues caused by arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Equioxx oral paste, Surpass topical cream, or phenylbutazone can also treat the symptoms.

Some joint horse supplements that might be useful as pre or post-arthritic supplements include glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, Hyaluronic acid, Devil’s claw, Yucca, Vitamin C, and superoxide dismutase.

Does glucosamine work for horse joints?

Many horse owners take glucosamine alone or in conjunction with chondroitin sulfate for stronger horse joints since it aids in cartilage and bone repair. Because some horses are sulfur sensitive, non-sulfur versions are also available to avoid an immunological reaction.

Glucosamine is a very efficient horse joint supplement that may relieve discomfort in as little as 10 to 14 days. It also promotes communal healing for long-term therapy.

Glucosamine also stimulates the synthesis of natural hyaluronic acid in joints, which helps to strengthen them. Look for glucosamine that is pure and powdered since this is the most bioavailable and efficient form.

How much joint supplement should I feed?

Your horse’s weight will determine the amount you feed. Most doses are standardized for the average 1100-pound horse, although not all horses weigh that much.

Do the horses enjoy it?

When it comes to vitamins, palatability is frequently a concern. The vast majority of consumers of all seven of these items have stated that their horses consume them. Powdered formulations may need to be lightly wetted with water to adhere to the feed rather than sink to the bottom of the feed container. Pelleted formulations tend to blend nicely with meals.

What is the purpose of the loading dose?

The loading dosage ensures that your horse has enough of the product in its system to begin working, and then you can lower the maintenance dose after the proper levels have been established. If you do not take a loading dosage, the product may take much longer to work. Feeding two scoops each day for two to four weeks is advised for Cosequin products. Providing three scoops each day for three to four weeks is recommended for the Horse Health Products Joint Combo. It is since Cosequin products contain more active chemicals per ounce.

How long can a single container last?

The first container will last around a month, maybe a little longer. Once the horse has been “loaded,” one container of the Cosequin product will last 84 days, and the Horse Health Products Joint Combo supplement will last 64 days.

What conditions does a joint supplement help?

A supplement can assist with several illnesses. First and foremost, it may prevent difficulties, making the horse less prone to develop joint problems. Suppose you have a horse with everyday issues. In that case, these products are commonly used for navicular disease, arthritis, stifle injuries, aging joints, old joint injuries, and general stiffness and mobility issues associated with aging.

How long will it take for me to notice a difference?

Although each horse is unique, many customers have noticed an improvement in their horses within two weeks of using all items.

What signs will I see that my horse is improving?

Improvement in mobility, better fluidity in gaits, capacity to run and play with other pasture mates, and general improvement in attitude and temperament owing to pain alleviation are common indicators that a joint supplement is working.

Conclusion

While most joint supplement products include the same components, it is vital to examine your budget, what you can buy, and the quantities of the active substance. At the same time, you should consider the horse’s age and demands. If your horse is young and shows no symptoms of joint problems, it may be worth it to avoid difficulties with a less expensive solution.

On the other hand, if your horse is older and showing indications of joint issues, it may be worth choosing a more expensive treatment with more significant levels of active components so that you can see benefits sooner.

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