Best MSM For Horses
The best MSM for horses may not be what first comes to mind. Although an MSM horse supplement is a fantastic supportive compound with a large role to play in exercise recovery and musculoskeletal health, did you know it’s but its potential benefits can be increased with complimentary compounds? We took a closer look at MSM equine supplements and what they can do for your horse!
What Is MSM?
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for horses is a common supplement, usually found in or as an equine joint supplement.
MSM is a natural compound that contains the key mineral, sulphur, found in very small quantities in different fruits, vegetables, cereals, and grains. Well-known for its antioxidant properties, horse owner’s commonly feeding MSM for its supportive function for joints and musculoskeletal tissue, the skin and coat, as well as the immune system.
With the high-biological availability of sulphur, MSM for horses can also be a key element to assist the formation of proteins, such as enzymes, hormones, and immune cells. The supportive effect in protein formation also works to help the growth, repair, and maintenance of musculoskeletal tissue.
MSM For Horses – Benefits
Working effectively as an anti-inflammatory and supporting tissue maintenance, the key benefits of MSM for horses include;
- Easing Arthritis Symptoms
- Supporting Post-Exercise Recovery
- Tackling Allergies
Easing Arthritis Symptoms
MSM works to ease the symptoms of arthritis, not only tackling the source of pain via its anti-inflammatory activity but helping to reduce further degeneration of musculoskeletal and the further onset of pain.
Research suggests, that in aged horses, MSM (used in a combination supplement) has shown beneficial effects on joint range of motion. This may be due to MSM assisting in the inhibition of inflammatory chemical activity. For example, it is suggested MSM supplementation can help with the inhibition of NF-kB, a chemical that plays a key role in the immune system’s response to infection and inflammation.
Supporting Post-Exercise Recovery
In humans, MSM has shown promising signs of reducing the signs of oxidative stress after exercise, suggesting a role in exercise-related damage and inflammatory prevention. Studies in both unfit and training human subjects have shown significantly reduced biomarkers of damage to the body following MSM supplementation, including reduced pain. But, what about its effect on horses?
A 2008 research study suggests MSM has similar protective effects against oxidative damage after exercise in horses, as it does in humans. Testing the effect against the pressures of jumping exercise, showing a significant increase in oxidative damage and proinflammatory molecules without supplementation, MSM worked to significantly reduce all the markers of body stress.
Tackling Allergies
In humans, a 2018 research study found that just a 3g daily dose of MSM could reduce the main symptoms of allergic rhinitis, by up to 50%. Although there is no evidence to support the same effects in horses, MSM’s role in an anti-inflammatory response suggests it could also have key benefits for horse’s suffering from mild, seasonal allergies.
Feeding MSM
MSM powder for horses is the most common form of the equine supplement on the market. This means it is easily added to concentrate feed or diluted into a liquid for syringe administration.
Dosage varies from brand to brand. However, research has suggested that as little as 4,000mg for a 1100lb horse can be effective. Measuring the effects on oxidative stress after exercise, and thus damage to the body, researchers have found just 4,000mg was enough to reduce the biomarkers of damage after jumping exercise. However, most MSM equine supplements are dosed at approximately 5,000-10,000 mg/day, despite the evidence. We suggest following the tailored product dosing rate, usually found on the back of the packaging, for optimal MSM benefits.
Pure MSM for horses can be found on the market, however, you may want to consider feeding alongside other compounds for optimal effects! Vitamin C is a great complementary vitamin to MSM, research suggesting it to enhance the beneficial effects of the mineral compound. Supplementing with a combination of MSM and Vitamin C has shown to decrease markers of exercise-related stress of the horse’s body, with some parameters even reaching pre-exercise levels after the combination of supplements.
Best MSM For Horses
When searching for the best MSM for horses, we are looking for a combination of complementary ingredients to secure the benefits of this great compound. One product which does exactly that is Pilot Equine’s Freedom.
Pilot Equine’s Freedom joint supplement is perfect for older horses and young horses alike. Combining optimal doses of MSM alongside leading joint health, all-natural ingredients, such as Glucosamine HCL, Chondroitin, and Hyaluronic Acid, it’s jam-packed with everything your horse needs to stay comfortable and sound. Plus, containing benefit boosting Vitamin C to support the function of these vital joint compounds and fight inflammation, it’s a go-to for optimised exercise recovery.
Scientifically supported for peace of mind and efficacy, supplementing with Freedom is reliable and one of the safest ways you can manage your horse’s joint. UFAS and BETA NOPS certified too, you can be assured that you are only feeding quality ingredients to your horse.
Best Pure MSM For Horses
Despite the benefits of MSM’s complimentary ingredients, we understand that some owners may still be searching for a pure MSM supplement to feed to their horse. With this in mind, we suggest Aviform MSM Pure Joint Care Supplement For Horses. Made of the highest purity MSM, guaranteed at a purity of at least 99%, and human-grade quality too, it’s free from bulking agents and filler so your know exactly what you are feeding. Plus its UFAS certified.
We hope you have enjoyed our article. Please note, this article contains affiliate links where we may earn a commission if you choose to click through and purchase.
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