Over-Supplementing Your Horse – Part 2
Funnily enough I just got off the phone with a trainer crying the blues about her feed room and how crazy her clients are about feeding multiple supplements. So along with numerous other conversations with trainers it is readily apparent that this problem, if anything, is getting worse. Again, as I finished in the last blog, this is not supposed to scare you but to make you more aware of potential pitfalls of feeding multiple horse supplements, none of which were necessarily designed to be fed together and on that note we will get into the minerals.
Calcium/Phosphorous: The relationship between calcium and phosphorus is crucial for a horse's overall health. The ideal Calcium/Phosphorous ratio for a mature horse is 2:1, with a minimum of 1:1 and a maximum of 6:1. Maintaining this balance is essential for proper bone structure and function. Excessive calcium in the diet can be problematic if not paired with adequate phosphorus. While an excess of calcium (above 2% of the total diet) may not cause issues on its own, it can lead to bone and cartilage inflammation and hinder the absorption of other vital minerals.
On the other hand, a deficiency in calcium or excess phosphorus can lead to bone demineralization. This condition may result in lameness, weight loss, and facial bone enlargement. As the situation worsens, it can cause nasal passage blockage, loose teeth, and increased susceptibility to fractures. To prevent such issues, incorporating Grand Meadows horse supplements into your horse’s diet can help maintain a healthy balance of calcium and phosphorus. Additionally, if your horse experiences stress or discomfort due to imbalance, horse calming supplements may support overall wellbeing during recovery.
Cobalt: Currently, there is no confirmed evidence of a toxic level of cobalt in horses, and research on the daily requirement is still limited. Some studies suggest a prudent maximum of around 10mg per day. It's important to note that Iodine, Cobalt, and Selenium should be fed in similar amounts to maintain balance in the diet. For optimal health, consider including Grand Meadows horse supplements to ensure your horse’s mineral intake is appropriately managed.
Copper: While more research is needed to understand the full effects of excessive copper in horses, a safe upper level is generally considered to be around 4000mg per day. In one case of long-term overfeeding (2800mg per kg of total diet), horses experienced severe hepatic and renal failure, ultimately leading to multiple fatalities within six months. To avoid toxicity, ensure that copper intake is less than half the amounts of iron, manganese, and zinc in the diet. For improved balance, horse calming supplements that include trace minerals might help in maintaining healthy levels and promoting overall well-being.
Iodine: An upper safe level of Iodine is 5mg daily per kg of diet. Be particularly aware of horse supplements containing marine compounds such as kelp, as these ingredients can contain high levels of Iodine. Feeding Iodine over the safe upper level can cause hair loss, lethargy, cold intolerance and hypothermia. It is particularly important to pay attention to Iodine levels with nursing foals.
Iron: Horses have no means of excreting excess Iron so it is very important to watch absorption levels. foals and weanlings are most susceptible to iron toxicity. A safe upper level is 500mg per kg of total diet for mature horses. Double that figure would start to be a toxic level of Iron. Potential problems associated with Iron toxicity are loss of appetite and weight, decreased growth and damage to the liver.
Magnesium: Currently there is no confirmed evidence of a toxic level of Magnesium in horses but in other species the maximum tolerated is around 4000mg per kg of total diet.
Manganese: Manganese is similar to Magnesium where an upper safe level has not been proven. One should still avoid feeding amounts over 1000mf per day of total diet.
Potassium: Excessive Potassium intake seldom results in toxicity since any excess is excreted into the urine as long as adequate water is available; if excessive levels are fed without adequate water the horse could develop HYPP (hyperkalemic periodic paralysis) which can cause cardiac arrest. If your horse has been diagnosed with HYPP low levels of Potassium are critical. The daily requirement for non-HYOPP horses is around 50mg per kg of body weight.
Zinc: Horses are generally quite resistant to the intake of high levels zinc. A safe upper level for zinc is 500mg per kg of total diet. A safe upper level for zinc is 500mg per kg of total diet. Amounts greater than 700mg per kg of diet can affect copper absorption, particularly in young horses which can result in Developmental Orthopedic Disease (DOD). Other examples of Zinc toxicity are lameness and stiffness.
Selenium: Selenium Toxicity is much more prevalent than selenium deficiency. One of the challenges with Selenium is the significant variations in levels in the soil and it is critical to know what the selenium levels are in your area before choosing to feed additional Selenium in a horse supplement. The maximum tolerable level is 2mg per kg of total diet. Problems associated with Selenium toxicity have been recorded when only 5 mg per kg of total diet has been fed. Selenium toxicity results in enlarged liver, kidneys and heart. Additional symptoms are excessive sweating, abdominal pain, colic, diarrhea, blind swaggers and lethargy. Toxic levels will also result in hair loss around the mane and tail, cracked hooves and ultimately blindness and paralysis. What does this add up to BE CAREFUL when feeding multiple horse supplements particularly if you are living in a Selenium rich soil area.
Sodium Chloride: Toxicity from excessive salt levels is rare, as long as the horse has access to fresh water. Horses generally regulate their salt intake, so providing a mineral salt block is safe and beneficial. However, if salt toxicity does occur, symptoms may include colic, diarrhea, frequent urination, paralysis of the hind limbs, and, in extreme cases, death. To support healthy electrolyte balance, consider high-quality Grand Meadows horse supplements that promote overall wellness and hydration.
Sulfur: Excess sulfur is typically excreted through manure and urine. In a reported case, horses were accidentally fed between 200g-400g of 99% pure sulfur, leading to lethargy, labored breathing, yellow discharge from the nostrils, and, sadly, the death of 2 out of 12 horses. To avoid such issues, consult with products that are National Animal Supplement Council approved, ensuring safe and effective supplementation for your horse’s health. For better relaxation and recovery, consider horse calming supplements that support peaceful behavior and optimal health.
Amino Acids: There have been no scientific studies conducted on toxic levels of amino acids in horse supplements being fed. We have discussed this issue with 5 different animal science professors, each of whom specialize in equine studies at various veterinary colleges throughout the US and received no further illumination on toxic levels of amino acids in horses. We did hear of studies conducted with swine, cattle and rats and in those cases the levels required to induce a toxic reaction were far above any cumulative levels we could imagine in a normal feeding program.
Once again I reiterate that my purpose is writing about these scenarios associated with toxicity is not aimed at creating fear but to alert you to the possible ramifications of unrestrained feeding of multiple horse supplements on top of nutrients contained in grain and forage. Just stop, count and think before adding another shiny bucket to your collection.
