Equine Metabolic Supplements

What are Metabolic Supplements for Horses?

Equine metabolic supplements are daily formulas designed to support a healthy metabolism in horses, particularly those struggling with conditions such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or Cushing’s Disease), or insulin dysregulation (resistance or hyperinsulemia). Supplements should be part of a comprehensive management plan that includes appropriate exercise, a balanced, high-quality diet, and working with your veterinarian to monitor your horse's condition.

Goals of Equine Metabolic Supplements:

• Support proper insulin function
• Combat oxidative stress
• Support a normal inflammatory response
• Promote healthy blood sugar (glucose) levels
• (Along with diet and exercise) Help maintain a healthy weight

Key Ingredients in Supplements to Support Metabolic and Endocrine Health

• Minerals: magnesium, chromium, iodine, and zinc.
• Adaptogenic Herbs and Plant Extracts: cinnamon, banaba leaf extract, bitter melon extract, Siberian ginseng, quercetin, fenugreek, gymnema sylvestre extract, and grape seed extract.
• Antioxidants: vitamin E and C, resveratrol, alpha lipoic acid, super oxide dismutase, and bioflavonoids.
• Amino Acids: taurine, tyrosine, and carnitine.
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids: derived from fish oil, flax and chia seed as well as other high-quality sources.
• B Vitamins: biotin, thiamine, niacin, B5 and 6.

Horses with metabolic concerns are often predisposed to laminitis and could benefit from certain ingredients, such as hops, to support lamina health.

Also, since restricting calories and sugar is important when feeding a metabolic horse, it is recommended to choose supplements formulated without added sugar. All SmartSupplements and SmartCookies are formulated without any added sugar, like molasses.

Additional Resources for Owners of Metabolic Horses

• Better understand EMS, an endocrine condition that often involves obesity and/or fat deposits, insulin dysregulation, and the development of laminitis in horses.
• Understand the signs and symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in horses.
• Learn diet and management strategies for overweight horses.
• Tips for keeping weight off an easy keeper.