What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a vital micronutrient for all animals and humans. It plays a central role in immune system function – acting as an antioxidant to protect against the damage caused by free radicals.
Horses generate their own vitamin C from glucose in the liver. That said, there are many reasons why additional supplementation may be required – for example if your horse is stressed, feeling unwell or exercises heavily.
Benefits of vitamin C for horses
The benefits of vitamin C for horses are numerous:
- Immune system support – vitamin C boosts the immune system, which can help to ward off illness and infection in your horse.
- Source of antioxidants – acting as an antioxidant, Vitamin C protects horses against the harmful effects of free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress on cells.
- Collagen formation – vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage in horses.
- Iron absorption – vitamin C promotes the absorption of iron, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the transportation of oxygen.
- Reduced inflammation – vitamin C may help reduce inflammation and encourage healing in horses with respiratory conditions such as asthma or heaves.
- Recovery support – vitamin C can help to reduce the risk of exercise-induced oxidative stress and muscle damage, which leads to faster recovery from exertion.
- Joint care – by promoting the production of synovial fluid, Vitamin C may help to support healthy joints in horses.
- Skin, coat & hoof health – vitamin C also helps to improve the overall health and appearance of your horse’s skin and coat, resulting in a glossy, healthy-looking coat.
Does my horse need vitamin C?
If your horse has a diet high in healthy, green grass and does not suffer from periods of stress, over-exertion or illness, then vitamin C supplementation is most likely not required.
However, if your horse’s diet is largely hay or grain-based, then supplemental vitamin C would be a smart choice. Additionally, if your horse partakes in strenuous exercise, is prone to stress, or is going through a period of acute illness, then adding vitamin C to their diet would also be recommended.
Just as with humans – as horses age – their immune systems become less effective and their ability to synthesise vitamin C decreases. So in old age, vitamin C can be beneficial in this regard.
Why use vitamin C powder for horses?
If your horse is not consuming enough vitamin C from its diet, or needs additional vitamin C because of stress, illness or exertion, then supplementing with this 100% pure vitamin C powder for horses is a cost-effective solution.
Is vitamin C safe for horses?
Vitamin C is safe and effective for use in horses, when used in accordance with our feeding guide. If you are supplementing your horse with vitamin C, we would not recommend immediate withdrawal at any point, but to taper the dosage down slowly by around 5g per week.
Feeding guide
PONIES (approximately 250kg)
1 scoop daily (10g)
HORSES (approximately 500kg)
2 scoops daily (20g)
Mix powder with feed using the scoop provided. Suggested daily dosage can be given all at once or divided throughout the day.
To assess tolerance, you may wish to increase the dosage gradually in 5g increments.
Do not discontinue use at once but instead reduce the dosage by 5g per week.
Ingredients
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Each scoop provides (approximately): Vitamin C 10g.
COMPOSITION
100% Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).
ALLERGEN ADVICE
None.
ANALYTICAL CONSTITUENTS
Protein 0%, Fat Content 0%, Crude Fibre 0%, Crude Ash 0.1%.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place and replace lid after use.