Understanding the Role of Collagen in Horse Supplements
Updated August 19, 2024
If you’ve checked out the label of our joint supplement, SmartStride™ Ultra Pellets, you may have noticed a large serving of hydrolyzed collagen (15,000 mg) at the top of the Active Ingredients list. This is because collagen is a cornerstone ingredient of this innovative joint formula.
Collagen is the primary structural protein that makes up connective tissue throughout your horse’s body, including cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones, and skin. Hydrolyzed collagen, or gelatin, has been broken down into smaller pieces that are more readily available for absorption.
We have formulated SmartSupplements™ with collagen since 2006. In the past, our primary reason for including this ingredient was to support soft tissues like tendons and ligaments in performance horses doing strenuous work. However, now that the understanding of collagen has progressed, and research has started to show how beneficial it may also be to joint health, we’ve doubled down on this ingredient.
We still love our original joint supplements, the SmartFlex family, which have higher levels of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and MSM, together with modest levels of collagen. However, we took a different approach when we developed SmartStride Ultra Pellets. This formula changes things up, with high levels of collagen partnered with turmeric, resveratrol, and boron, plus modest levels of the well-loved standby ingredients listed above.
In addition to aiding joints, tendons, ligaments, and bones, collagen is great for supporting the health of muscles, the gastrointestinal tract, hooves, hair coat, and even the mane and tail!
Whether your horse is in peak condition and performing at high levels of sport, or currently in recovery, consider adding collagen to their supplement program as a tactic for supporting healthy, resilient tissues throughout their body.
Need help selecting the right collagen-containing supplement for your horse? Our amazing Customer Care Team (they’re real horse people!) would love to talk to you.