The 3 Best Joint Supplements for Horses

A horse's ability to move is essential to their everyday life. One of the best ways we can help keep a horse moving freely and comfortably is by supporting their joints with a dietary supplement.

Joint supplements for horses don’t merely help prevent joint problems, such as inflammation leading to arthritis. They also provide nutrients the body needs to repair and rebuild damage that occurs with normal use of the horse’s joint.

Does My Horse Need Joint Supplements?

Almost every adult horse can benefit from a joint supplement. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding a new supplement to your horse’s diet.

Today, joint supplements are often added to a horse's diet once the horse is already showing signs of stiffness, lameness, or other joint issues. However, if you provide a joint supplement  early in your horse's life—before there are any joint-related issues—you can proactively support healthy joints and potentially prevent joint changes.  

Horses with joint pain may have some of the following symptoms:

• Lameness/limping

• Pain during activity

• Inflammation/swelling

• Stiffness

• Reduced or poor performance

• Behavior changes while exercising, such as pinning ears or kicking out

Joint supplements for horses may help with:

• Maintaining joint health

• Arthritis

• Athletic maintenance

• Senior mobility

• Soft tissue joint health

• Following any type of joint surgery

• Following a septic/infected joint

Best Ingredients for Horse Joint Supplements

There are several ingredients that may be found in joint supplements for horses. These ingredients include:

• Glucosamine: This is one of the most common and well-known ingredients in joint supplements. It is considered the foundation for cartilage and joint fluid. Research suggests glucosamine can stimulate new cartilage production, inhibit cartilage breakdown, and stop inflammation in joints.

• Chondroitin sulfate: This chemical is made naturally by chondrocytes (cells inside cartilage). Chondroitin sulfate also plays a part in inhibiting breakdown of cartilage, which can occur during inflammation.

• Hyaluronic acid (HA): HA is used in horse joint supplements to help protect joints from normal stressors of exercise and daily life as a horse ages. It may also be used in cases of acute and chronic joint conditions by blocking inflammatory reactions and protecting the cells within the joint.

• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane): MSM is a source of organic sulfur that plays a role in the formation of connective tissues that make up the joint such as bones, tendons, and ligaments.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Research for humans as well as dogs and cats has shown that the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory effects and can be beneficial for joints. Recent research has found similar indications that Omega-3 would also benefit horses by reducing joint pain and inflammation.

Best Joint Supplements for Horses

1. Nutramax® Cosequin® and Nutramax® Cosequin® ASU

Cosequin® has a few options depending on the level of activity and support you want for your horse, including Nutramax® Cosequin® and Nutramax® Cosequin® ASU. They offer supplements in two different formulations—pellets, and powder. The Cosequin® brand uses high-quality ingredients with proven effectiveness shown in research studies.

2. LubriSyn® HA Plus MSM

LubriSyn® HA Plus MSM also offers several variations to fit your horses' joints support needs. This is another brand developed by veterinarians. LubriSyn® uses high-quality ingredients and is highly researched to show its effectiveness in horses.

3. Equithrive®

Equithrive® offers several variations to fit your horses' needs. It has been scientifically proven to support a healthy inflammatory response in horses and was developed with veterinarians.

How To Choose a Horse Joint Supplement

Research is ongoing to understand the effects, efficacy, and value of oral joint supplements in horses today. When looking to add any type of joint supplement to your horse's daily routine, always consult with your veterinarian. Your vet will likely be able to give you a recommendation on which brand they suggest. They will also know if you need to be aware of any potential reactions with the ingredients for your horse.

It is recommended to choose a well-known brand that has research/science behind its product.