What to Expect When Using Multi-Purpose Senior Horse Supplements
What are multi-purpose senior supplements?Multi-purpose senior supplements are daily formulas that provide support for several key areas of senior health care all-in-one. They can include a combination of ingredients to support the hooves, joints, hindgut digestion, and/or skin and coat.
Why multi-purpose senior supplements are a smart choice
Senior horses are more likely to experience stiffness and joint discomfort, a less efficient digestive system, and other changes associated with aging. Because he’s given you his best for years, you want to keep your golden oldie healthy and comfortable, and a multi-purpose supplement designed just for seniors is a smart way to do that.
What to expect with multi-purpose senior supplements
Depending on the combination you choose for your horse, you should expect to notice some of the following after you start him on a senior multi-purpose supplement. If the formula you choose provides joint support, you can rest assured knowing that he’s getting a steady supply of the ingredients senior horses need to help manage the stiffness and discomfort associated with aging. In the weeks after you’ve started him on the supplement, looks for signs that he’s starting to feel comfortable such as coming out of the stall in the morning, getting around his paddock, or during your rides if he’s still in work. Many of these formulas provide targeted hoof ingredients, but because hooves grow from the hairline down at an average rate of ¼” per month, there may not be much visible change right away and that’s ok! Keep in mind it generally takes 6-9 months for a horse to grow out an entirely new hoof (longer in winter!), so be sure to observe your horse’s feet in the weeks and months after you’ve started him on the supplement. If your formula includes support for a healthy hindgut function, you can look for signs your horse is producing normal manure after he’s been on the supplement for a few weeks. And if it provides ingredients to support your horse’s skin and coat, good health should be shining through in no time. Literally!
How to support success
Keeping this comprehensive support in your senior’s SmartPaks is like providing a daily dose of love, helping keep him happy and healthy in his golden years. For more tips on how to keep your senior going strong as he ages, check out what SmartPak’s Staff Veterinarian, Dr. Lydia Gray, has to say in this Horse Health Library article. To learn more about why supporting your horse’s joints inside and out is a smart choice, head to this article in our Horse Health Library. If you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to support healthy hooves, check out this blog to read up on managing for the four key areas that affect hoof health. Last but not least, being familiar with the proven colic risk factors can help you make smart choices for your senior horse’s hindgut health.
Top picks for multi-purpose senior supplements
Perfect for older horses who are retired or in light work
SmartCombo Senior Pellets
Designed for older horses in moderate work
SmartCombo Senior Ultra Pellets
SmartPak strongly encourages you to consult your veterinarian regarding specific questions about your horse's health. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, and is purely educational.