MSM for Horses
MSM horse supplement is a highly absorbable organic form of sulfur that helps the body maintain proper nutrient exchange in horses. Sulfur is necessary for the production of collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, all of which are building blocks of cartilage. Sulfur is necessary for the formation of all connective tissue in the horse's body, including cartilage in joints. It also works with thiamine, pantothenic acid, and biotin to promote metabolism and communication between nerve cells.
What Is MSM?
MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is a naturally occurring form of sulfur, a compound that serves as a nutrient for plants and animals. Sulfur is used to build proteins, amino acids, and chlorophyll. Enzymes and vitamins require sulfur to be made as well. An MSM horse supplement therefore has many benefits as it helps support so many metabolic functions. A sulfur deficiency can result in chronic inflammation, joint pain, and hoof problems as well as degenerative conditions.
Benefits of MSM for Horses
MSM is an extremely safe equine supplement. Derived from dimethyl sulfoxide, it carries no risk of toxicity and has numerous benefits for horses that are heavily exercised, aging, or that have a deficiency in sulfur. Here are some of the top benefits of our MSM powder for horses:
Supports horse joint health
MSM is often given as a joint supplement for horses that are suffering from arthritis, inflammation, and other joint issues. It may help slow down the progression of arthritis. The supplement also supplies sulfur for the amino acid cysteine that is involved in collagen and glucosamine production; these proteins are abundant in tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. This is important as an MSM horse vitamin helps maintain healthy cartilage, bones, and connective tissue as well as hooves.
Reduces horse inflammation
Inflammation is common after a rigorous workout. The anti-inflammatory properties of MSM help reduce discomfort and can speed post-workout recovery. By relieving sore muscles, it can also help improve performance as well as reduce oxidative damage by supporting the production of glutathione, an important intracellular antioxidant. MSM is therefore frequently provided to performance horses.
Reduces horse soreness
Organic sulfur inhibits the proliferation of scar tissue and slows neurotransmitters, triggering muscle relaxation. It has an analgesic effect even in heavily worked horses. Low levels of sulfur can lead to unstable collagen and glucosamine structures, which can cause pain in addition to weakened joints. A supplement of MSM can alleviate these issues in performance animals and even in aging horses.
Improves horse circulation
MSM can help increase blood flow, in turn speeding recovery, strengthening muscles, and reducing pain and swelling. Improved circulation can also boost hoof health and help improve your horse’s skin and coat. On this level, there are so many benefits because increased blood flow means that all body tissues receive more oxygen and nutrients.
Boosts horse immune system
The immune support provided by MSM helps horses recover from injuries and illnesses. It even helps a horse’s body deal with the effects of stress. As an antioxidant, it can help with detoxification from exposure to elements such as heavy metals. Also, MSM can help reduce allergies in horses that are allergic to pollen, mold, or dust, thereby supporting the respiratory system.
Supports healthier skin and coat
MSM provides the building blocks for keratin. By supporting the formation of this protein, it helps to improve the condition of hair, skin, and hooves, as keratin is a main structural component of these.
Sulfur is abundant in many feeds, but it’s quite unstable, breaking down during most forms of processing (such as drying hay), so MSM may be a handy way of delivering it in a stable, absorbable form.
Signs Your Horse Might Need MSM
There are a few signs that your horse may benefit by adding MSM to its diet. These include coughing and other breathing problems, respiratory allergies, or if it is under stress due to heavy training, competition, transport, and other factors. MSM for horses with arthritis can address symptoms such as swelling, warmth, and pain around joints. A shortened stride, prolonged warm-up times to overcome stiffness, and resistance to previously easy tasks are also signs to look for.
There are many other reasons to consider a supplement as well. A veterinarian or horse nutritionist can help determine whether MSM may be beneficial for your horse, and in what dosage.
Side Effects of MSM Supplement for Horses
The modern-day MSM horse supplement has no known side effects. However, a report in the early 1980s described horses accidentally fed high doses of flowers of sulfur experiencing numerous symptoms, including lethargy within 12 hours of ingestion, labored breathing, and a yellow, frothy discharge from the nares.1 However, this industrial form of sulfur is not the same as MSM; it should be fed to horses only in its dietary form.
MSM is not suited for every horse. Contraindications include horses with clotting disorders, those that are given medications that aid in clotting, are diabetic, have a history of urinary tract stones, are pregnant, or are allergic to shellfish.
Order the Best MSM Supplement for Horses Today
Equi-Herbs is a proud supplier of MSM for horses. We have premium quality products available now in 2-, 5-, and 10-pound containers. Numerous other supplements with performance, metabolic, and other benefits are available as well. Continue browsing to learn more about our MSM and other products, and use our Herbal Guide for additional information about the natural remedies we offer. To learn more about our horse supplements, loyalty rewards program, and domestic and international ordering, view our online resources or call 800-786-0708 today.
Source:
- Corke, MJ. An outbreak of sulphur poisoning in horses. Vet Rec. 1981.
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.