When it comes to feeding our horses, does mineral quality really matter or is it just a common myth?

I have said it a million times and I will say it again, mineral quality matters most when it comes to feeding our horses. It is one of the first topics I address in consults because without quality minerals, the body cannot receive the adequate levels of nutrients to not only survive, but also truly thrive.

Vitamins and Minerals are needed in order for the body to function; without vitamins and minerals, the body would eventually shut down. Each and every mineral ties into one another to strengthen the blood, organs, muscle fibers, joints, bones, fascia, and more – they work together to hold the body together. So when the body isn’t receiving quality minerals that the body can actually absorb and utilize, the same scenario can happen where the body slowly starts fading and eventually will either develop many weakness and conditions later on or shut down completely.

There are two different categories of minerals – Inorganic and Organic – and I am sure you can assume which one is better right? Yep, the Organic minerals are MUCH higher quality than the Inorganic, BUT the ironic thing is that they are the ones that are used less when formulating equine feeds and supplements. Companies choose to use the inorganic minerals because they are easier to get and cheaper to use, therefore allowing them to stock in crazy high rates to sell more and more, especially since you have to feed a LOT more of an inorganic mineral to make up for the poor absorption rates. So it all just piles up as more money in their pocket as you buy a high price for a low quality pocket and buy large quantities of it every year.

But why are Inorganic Minerals so bad?

Inorganic minerals are what we call elemental minerals, meaning that your horse’s body cannot break down and utilize the mineral due to the large particle size. They are so large and foreign that they cannot be absorbed into the blood stream, and therefore get stuck in the body. This leads to mineral buildup and toxicity as a very small portion of the mineral is being absorbed and the rest floats through the body putting strain on the organs and joints.

Poor quality minerals, like inorganics, not only cause deficiencies in the body, but they also damage the systems and organ function from the free radical damage caused by the elemental minerals. Because they are inorganic, they are not able to fully absorb into the blood, so by the time they hit the liver, they are barely broken down and the elemental minerals start pilling to create an overloaded liver that is full of damaging minerals. Once the liver gets too full and can’t filter anymore minerals, they stay in the blood stream and exit the body through the hair and hooves, which is when we see poor quality body conditions and weaknesses, whether that be internally via the joints or externally via the coat.

Signs of an overloaded liver and mineral deficiencies are…

• Brittle and cracked hooves
• Dull and rough coat
• Bleached coat, especially in the summer months
• Sweet itch and rain rot
• Red tipped manes and tails
• Enhanced or silent heat cycles in mares
• Lethargy and poor performance
• Joint pain and soft tissue injuries
• Metabolic sensitivities, including laminitis
• Sensitive digestion
• Chronic stress and nervousness
• Behavioral issues

What is the other option?

Organic Minerals, on the other hand, actually benefit and strengthen the body as the mineral is bound to a protein, usually an amino acid, that activates the mineral for optimal absorption and decreases the particle size. This allows the blood and organs to absorb the compound and actually receive benefits from the minerals. Compared to Inorganic minerals that are only 1-10% absorbable, Organic minerals are 90-100% absorbable within the body, meaning that your horse actually benefits from the mineral with little to no toxic buildup and free radial damage, which strengthens the hooves, coat, liver, joints, and MUCH more.

Organic minerals provide the body with the foundation nutrient levels your horse needs to truly thrive. Rather than causing harm on the body, they actually strengthen the body while providing adequate levels of nutrients through optimal absorption rates. This allows your horse’s body to function the way it was meant to – to provide a space for self healing and regulation to strengthen joint health, stimulate liver function, balance digestion, and regulate a healthy emotional response to create a horse that is not only surviving but is truly thriving! Because at the end of the day, the goal shouldn’t be to just keep them alive, the goal should be to help them feel their best through achieving optimal health.

So with all of that information, how can you ensure that you are providing your horse with high quality minerals?

Simple! Look at the ingredients and do some investigating. If you see things like “Copper Sulfate” or “Zinc Oxide” and “Calcium Carbonate” run the other way. These are straight up inorganic minerals and cause weaknesses and deficiencies in the body. These minerals also drain your bank account a LOT faster because you have to feed more of the mineral in order to reach the required intake due to the low rate of absorption.

On the other hand, if you see things like “Copper Amino Acid Chelate” or “Zinc Proteinate” these are in the safe zone. Chelated minerals, are the most bioavailable source of a mineral and always my first pick, but proteinates are the next best.

I also want to note that you should expect to see a mix of Inorganic and Organic minerals in the blends – just like anything, there needs to be a balance and the body needs exposure to both in order to filter out and thrive. Just take caution in noting that the majority of the minerals should NOT be the sulfates and oxides, but rather the majority and first on the list should be the chelates and amino acid complexes.

So, does mineral quality REALLY matter?

ABSOLUTELY. The topic of mineral quality is one that should never be overlooked. It is THE foundation of a healthy horse and something that I am very passionate about bringing awareness to because no matter what people tell you, mineral quality does matter when it comes to feeding your horse. I have learned the hard way and it is something I always address deeper in consults when I am working with clients because it is truly the foundation of a heathy horse and such a simple and life changing aspect to equine health!

Additional Links…

You can check out my favorite and most trusted company to produce high quality minerals here! Dynamite Specialty Products is my favorite company as they are a smaller family owned company that has never replaced quantity over quality, which is a strong value in my heart and work, and they provide excellent sources of chelated minerals and quality ingredients. The rewild the body through integrative nutrition backed by science, which is exactly what I stand by.

I also have some posts on Instagram about this very topic, so don’t forget to check those out below as well…

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cgm_68IA2of/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CapbqNNL0-l/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXoUfsurqmh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

And as always, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below if you have any questions!

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