How To Navigate Equine Joint Supplements
Choosing the Right Equine Joint Supplement
When considering an equine joint supplement, the options can seem overwhelming. How do you know which one to choose? Here is our comprehensive guide on how to navigate equine joint supplements.
Why Do You Need a Joint Supplement?
Before selecting a joint supplement, ask yourself why you need it:
Stiffness: Is your horse coming out of its stable stiff?
Ageing: Is your horse getting older, and you feel it’s time to support its mobility?
High-Performance: Is your horse in strenuous training or competing at a high level, requiring optimal joint protection?
General Joint Health: Do you simply believe that joint protection is the best choice for your horse?
Key Ingredients to Look For
Once you’ve identified the reason for needing a joint supplement, you can determine which ingredients to look for and at what levels. Research is crucial – consult reliable resources online or talk directly to supplement companies.
Suggested Baseline Ingredients:
Glucosamine: 10g per day
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): 10g per day
Chondroitin: 4g per day
Is the Company Accredited?
Another important factor is to verify if the supplement company is accredited by reliable organisations like:
These accreditations ensure that the company provides high-quality advice and products. Accredited companies are required to maintain rigorous quality management systems, offering full traceability from raw ingredients to the final product. They undergo annual audits and can face random checks, giving you added peace of mind.
Understanding the Label
Always examine the supplement’s label to ensure it complies with animal feed legislation. Here’s what you should look for:
Product Size: Indicates the size so you know what you are paying for.
Product Administration: Instructions on how much and how often to give the supplement.
Composition: Lists feed materials like glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, etc., in order of inclusion rate.
Additives: Includes items like vitamin C, boswellia, and curcumin listed per kilogram.
Analytical Constituents: Lab-tested levels of crude protein, fat, fibre, ash, moisture, sodium, calcium, etc.
Company and Manufacturing Information: Batch number, expiry date, manufacturer’s number, and contact information for full traceability.
Making the Final Decision
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Factors influencing your decision may include:
Ingredient Content: Does the product contain the necessary ingredients at the right levels?
Accreditation: Does the company have the appropriate certifications?
Customer Service: Did the supplement company provide trustworthy advice?
Recommendations: Are others in your community using this product successfully?
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of equine joint supplements requires careful consideration and research. Being informed and trusting the process will help you make the best choice for your horse’s health. For more information or impartial advice on equine supplements, feel free to contact us.
