Guidelines for Feeding Supplements

How long should I keep my horse on the recommended supplements?

This is the most frequently asked question directed to our office, and also the most difficult one to answer, especially at the beginning of a supplement program. Like humans, horses are all very unique with very individual problems: they can also experience very different responses to supplements and remedies. The duration of a health program also depends on the specific health condition, as well as on the actual supplements. Positive results and changes are often observed within 1-2 weeks, with chronic problems, such as metabolic syndrome, long-term laminitis, joint pain or skin tumours for example, usually taking longer.

It is not advisable to keep horses on the same supplements – herbs, vitamins, minerals, homeopathic remedies or nutraceuticals – forever, because the condition of the horse is always changing and because supplements can be a detriment if used long-term. Too many times horses have been fed a particular product for several years or more without the owners ever knowing if it is helping or not. Supplements should be used to resolve the problem and then discontinued. They can however, be used as needed. In other words, if the symptoms disappear every time you feed the product then continue to do so. Or, if the general well-being of the horse is at its best while on a supplement program then again, it is beneficial to continue. However, always give supplements a ‘break’ from time to time to determine the actual benefits.

General guidelines for Riva’s Remedies products:

Homeopathic remedies: These are usually prescribed for a specific period of time that the remedy or combination remedy should be taken. However, if necessary, use ‘as needed’ as described above.

Herbal blends: It is advisable to feed the dosage on the label (or as recommended by staff) for 30 days. If the health condition has completely improved by that time slowly discontinue the product. If the condition reappears, then resume feeding the product as before. If, after 30 days, the condition is still gradually improving but not yet resolved continue feeding the herbs. If there is no improvement after 30 days please contact the Riva’s Remedies staff.

Nutritional herbal blends such as the Riva’s Happy Horse and Happy Horse Senior can be used indefinitely because the ingredients are blended to provide vitamins and minerals from plant food sources. In this way they are considered as ‘foods’.

Riva’s Specialized Nutrients: Vitamins and minerals should be given at the recommended dosage for 4 to 6 weeks. After that time, if the condition has improved continue to feed a maintenance dose of twice weekly. Maintenance dosages prevent both nutrient deficiencies and excesses. If the original condition reappears on the maintenance dosage, then resume the full dosage as recommended.

**As with any supplement or feed, if adverse effects are suspected discontinue the product as soon as possible. That said, our customers rarely report problems or complications with any of our products if used as directed.

Further questions? Please call our Equine Health Hotline 1.800.405.6643 or Contact Us.

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