Older horses will often feel life’s challenges, such as decreased grazing quality and restricted movement, the most so it’s important to make sure they’re getting everything they need. While you can get supplements to support specific areas of your horse’s wellbeing, such as gut balancers or joint supplements for older horses, many companies also make supplements for older horses that are formulated to support their all-round health.
These veteran supplements often contain ingredients that are known to support the joints and digestive system, to help keep them working as efficiently and comfortably as possible. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is particularly important as it will help your horse be able to absorb and make the most of any other feed or supplements he’s getting. Some supplements for older horses also include ingredients that aim to help maintain the hormonal balance. There are such a wide range of veteran-specific supplements that it’s important to consider what you’re looking to gain from one before you make a purchasing decision.
If you compete with your older horse then it is important you make sure any supplements you use do not contain any prohibited substances.
Supplements for older horses: what are your options?
Here is a selection of the best supplements for older horses that are currently available, including the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…
NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available tub. Some products require you to feed more in certain situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.
NAF In The Pink Senior
Form: Powder
Sizes: 900g, 1.8kg, 3.6kg
RRP: £26.99 for 900g
Daily measure: 30g
Cost per day: £0.90
This supplement provides the older horse with the support he needs to stay active and feeling young. It helps balance the diet and the digestive system, which enables the horse to maximise the value of his feed intake. It also supplies antioxidant ingredients to flush excess free radicals and provides nutrients to support joint health.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
Science Supplements WellHorse Veteran
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1.6kg
RRP: £44.99
Daily measure: 54g
Cost per day: £1.35
This supplement contains every important nutrient your veteran horse requires and meets the NRC (National Research Council) and BASF (Animal Nutrition) recommendations for vitamins, microminerals and macrominerals to keep your older horse as active as ever. It also supports joint, respiratory and digestive health, muscle function, the immune system and coat and skin condition.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Blue Chip Super Concentrated Senior Balancer
Form: Pellets
Sizes: 3kg
RRP: £28.90 for 3kg
Daily measure: 100g
Cost per day: £0.96
This feed balancer includes CushinCombo, which is a combination of chaste tree berry, antioxidants and omega oils, as well as a complete joint supplement, containing glucosamine and rosa canina.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Global Herbs Veteran Plus
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1kg
RRP: £32
Daily measure: 10g
Cost per day: £0.32
This supplement is designed to help support older horses when they lose the spark of youth. The key herbs, such as winter cherry, help to support digestion and immune function. It helps to maintain peak body condition, mobility and energy levels.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or oakfield-direct.co.uk
Dodson & Horrell Mobility
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1kg, 2.5kg
RRP: £19.19 for 1kg
Daily measure: 51g
Cost per day: £0.98
This dried blend of herbs will support your horses muscles and joints. It includes comfrey leaf, dandelion and nettle, which work to help support normal cell renewal and general joint and bone health. Celery seed, burdock root and devil’s claw root are also added for ease of movement.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
EquiNutritive Golden Oldies
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1kg, 2kg, 6kg
RRP: £41.99 for 1kg
Daily measure: 30g
Cost per day: £1.26
This natural herbal supplement for older horses provides extra support to maintain healthy mobility, liver function, dental strength, a shiny coat and healthy skin.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Equine America Everyday Vitamin & Mineral Supplement
Sizes: 1.5kg, 5kg
RRP: £29.50
Daily feeding rate: 50g
Cost per day: £0.98
Providing more than 25 key vitamins, minerals and trace elements, together with probiotics and prebiotics, this is a great option for horses on forage-based diets or low intakes of concentrate feed.
In the UK? View now at equine-america.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
Hilton Herbs Senior Horse
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1kg
RRP: £28.41 for 1kg
Daily measure: 34g
Cost per day: £0.97
This herbal supplement helps to support all aspects of ageing. It includes ingredients such as milk thistle, burdock, meadowsweet and hawthorn to maintain liver and kidney health, the circulatory system, joints and muscles and good digestive health.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Horse First KeepMeSound
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1.5kg, 5kg
RRP: £31.70 for 1.5kg
Daily measure: 60g
Cost per day: £1.27
This all-in-one supplement compliments a well-balanced diet by providing an adequate intake of essential nutrients. It nurtures and cares for joints, hooves, coat, skin and assists the digestive system, giving all round help and support.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
You might also like:
Feeds formulated for the older horse to keep them feeling young
6 joint supplements formulated for your veteran horse
Keeping a veteran active for longer
Exercise or joint supplements — which is better for older horses?
Do supplements help equine OAPs or is movement a better medicine? Peter Green MRCVS finds out
Helping to support your horse’s gut – a guide to digestive supplements
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