MSM, or Methylsulfonylmethane, is a compound that offers many benefits to human health. MSM is also an ideal choice for owners and breeders wanting to incorporate an holistic approach to optimizing horse health.

What Is MSM?

MSM is a compound containing organic sulfur and can be found in certain foods and in animal urine. MSM represents an important ingredient in amino acids for building joints and bones, and the immune system uses MSM to increase levels of glutathione and reduce inflammation.

How MSM Affects the Equine Body

Sulfur is necessary for many processes in a horse’s body, including the formation of joints and ligaments, the productions of enzymes and protein formation. Sulfur also contains powerful antioxidants, which repair damaged cells.

What Conditions Can MSM Treat?

Because MSM is involved in so many functions in a horse’s body, supplementing with this compound can treat a number of conditions they may be experiencing.

Arthritis

Because of their size and physical demands often placed on them, horses with arthritis may experience its pain more intensely than humans. This joint supplement reduces the inflammation that causes arthritis pain by suppressing an inflammatory hormone.

This compound can also be used in the prevention of arthritis, as it supports the health of their joints, ultimately reducing joint degeneration.

Hoof, Hair, and Skin Health

The sulfur in MSM is necessary for the formation of keratin, the building block for hooves, hair, and skin. MSM encourages the formation of keratin, which improves the strength of hooves and hair and keeps skin irritation-free.

Recovery

Regular exercise, such as racing, causes oxidative stress in a horse that typically results in damaged tissues. MSM supplementation prevents this damage, making it possible for the horse to recover quickly following exercise.

Performance

Your horse’s feet must not only support its own weight but the weight of humans during activities like competition and pleasure riding. Problems like arthritis can cause major discomfort and even change the way they move.

MSM’s anti-inflammatory compounds allow them to enjoy full range of motion without pain or discomfort, which ultimately improves performance.

Additional Benefits

Most horses tolerate MSM very well, perhaps because it is odorless and tasteless. As well, MSM is readily absorbed by a horse’s body, and there are no known side effects, even when administered at the maximum dose.

MSM is also known to improve circulation, and it has been successfully used to treat gastrointestinal problems. Its anti-inflammatory properties work for respiratory problems, and MSM also prevents scar tissue formation and promotes muscle relaxation.

Cautions

Although there are no known side effects of MSM on horses, there are certain precautions that should be taken. MSM shouldn’t be given to breeding horses or pregnant mares. Close veterinary supervision should be sought when giving MSM to horses with clotting problems or who are taking medications to help with clotting.

MSM should also not be given to horses with hyperglycemia or those with known shellfish or shellfish component allergies. It also shouldn’t be given to horses with a known history of urinary tract infections.

Dosing

In addition to the many MSM for horses benefits, it should be administered with caution. Calcium depletion has been observed with long-term use. Some horses may be sensitive to sulphur compounds, which can manifest in the form of skin problems, immune issues, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

It’s strongly recommended you consult a veterinarian about the best dosage amount for your horse. Then, only administer MSM for as long as you observe obvious benefits.

All-Natural Supplements for Optimal Horse Health

Equi-Herbs is passionate about horses; that’s why we source only the best natural ingredients for our supplements. Look through our website to learn more about MSM and our series of supplements for equine health.