The body of a horse requires vitamins for maintaining physiological functions. Horses get vitamins from feed, industrial products and the vitamin synthesis of their own bodies.
Vitamins can be divided into fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. The first group includes A, D, E and K vitamins and the latter includes B and C vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat or oil and potential excess amounts are stored in fatty tissues, liver and kidneys. Excessive water-soluble vitamins leave the body via the urine.
A: Resistance, sight, mucous membranes and skin, reproduction
D: Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium metabolism, bone development, bone durability E: An antioxidant, plasma membrane
K: Coagulation of blood, bone development
B: Energy metabolism, protein synthesis, muscles and the nervous system
C: An antioxidant, resistance, collagen development
H (biotin): Development of fatty acids and glucose, protein metabolism, reproduction, the nervous system and the hooves, skin and coat
“Every horse that doesn’t eat fresh grass every day requires vitamin E. Vitamin E is required for maintaining normal musculoskeletal functions and to support the nervous system and immune defense.”
