Horse Vitamins & Minerals

Choose based on your horse's age, workload, forage quality and any veterinary diagnoses; compare nutrient guarantees (vitamins A, D, E, selenium, zinc, copper) to required intake and select a formulation (complete balancer, vitamin/mineral concentrate, or targeted supplement) that fills gaps without duplicating nutrients from grain or pasture

Use a full balancer when forage alone doesn’t meet daily micronutrient needs (typical for low-quality hay or hay-only diets); use targeted supplements when specific deficiencies are identified by a vet or nutritionist, such as low selenium or vitamin E

Read guaranteed analysis for amounts of vitamins and minerals per serving, check feeding directions for serving size, and compare those amounts to NRC or your vet’s recommended intakes; also check ingredient order, forms of minerals (chelated vs oxide), and any added vitamins, amino acids or preservatives

Avoid exceeding tolerable upper limits for minerals like selenium and copper; watch for interactions such as high iron or zinc impairing copper absorption, and consult a veterinarian before combining multiple supplements to prevent overdosing

Prices vary by type and brand: budget options and single-nutrient supplements can be under $50, while complete balancers and premium formulations commonly fall in higher ranges; average market price for products in this category is around $80

Many improvements (coat, hoof condition, energy) may take 4–12 weeks; follow product feeding directions and mix consistent daily doses into feed or use recommended top-dress methods, and re-evaluate with your vet if no improvement after a few months

Not always—horses on balanced commercial feeds often receive sufficient micronutrients, but those on forage-only diets, senior horses, hard-working athletes or horses on restricted rations may need supplements to meet specific vitamin and mineral requirements