Vitamins & Minerals Explained

By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS

The Importance of Vitamins and Minerals in Horse Nutrition

At Keyflow Feeds, we understand the crucial role that vitamins and minerals play in equine health. That’s why we carefully formulate our feeds to include the essential nutrients horses need to perform at their best. Different vitamins and minerals come from various sources, and we ensure the correct balance is present in every feed. In some cases, we use a process called chelation—this involves attaching minerals to another molecule to improve their absorption and effectiveness, ensuring horses receive the full benefit.

Keyflow offer a number of options for feeds containing chelated minerals; Perfect Balance, Sensi-Care, One Scoop, BlackType Sensitive & BlackType Prime

Why Do Horses Need Vitamins and Minerals?

Vitamins and minerals are essential for growth, reproduction, overall health, and performance. They support energy transformation, regulate bodily functions, and contribute to vital physiological processes. However, excess vitamins and minerals do not necessarily enhance performance—each horse requires specific amounts depending on its workload and diet. For example, a racehorse in full training may require 100 times more vitamin B1 than a resting mature horse, but only 1.5 times more vitamin K.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin D (available from exposure to sunlight)

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin K (partially produced by bacteria in the gut)

Unlike water-soluble vitamins, excess fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the horse’s fat deposits and liver, meaning careful management is needed to prevent over-supplementation.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, and excess amounts are excreted. Many of these vitamins are naturally synthesised by microbes in the horse’s digestive system. Horses on a natural forage-based diet typically produce sufficient amounts, but those on high-concentrate, low-forage diets (such as racehorses) may require additional supplementation due to a reduced microbial population in the hindgut.

The Role of Minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances that the body uses in small amounts for essential functions. They contribute to three key roles:

• Structural Components – e.g., calcium in bones

• Co-factors and Catalysts – assisting enzymes in chemical reactions

• Electrolytes – balancing fluids and supporting nerve and muscle function

Some minerals, like calcium, play all three roles, highlighting their importance in equine nutrition.

Macro vs. Micro Minerals

Minerals are categorised into two groups:

• Macro Minerals (required in larger amounts, measured in g/kg):
  Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulphur, Chloride

• Micro Minerals (required in smaller amounts, measured in mg/kg):
  Copper, Zinc, Molybdenum, Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Selenium, Iodine

Why Correct Feeding Rates Matter

The amount of vitamins and minerals in each serving of feed is carefully calculated based on a horse’s nutritional needs. That’s why it’s essential to follow the recommended feeding rates. For example, if a feed suggests two scoops per day but only one is given, the horse will only receive half of the required nutrients, potentially leading to deficiencies.

At Keyflow Feeds, we are committed to providing precisely balanced nutrition to support the health and performance of every horse. By understanding the role of vitamins and minerals, owners can make informed decisions and ensure their horses receive the best possible care.