Protein is the key to building muscles in the body. When a horse is getting exercise, tiny tears occur in the horse’s muscles. These tears then close and form new muscle; protein is an integral part of this process. ( This reference article explains the scientific process of how protein affects a horse’s muscular development in specific detail).
However, not all protein is the same. If your horse exercises regularly and has a strenuous physical routine, you might have to supplement its normal diet with more protein. Feeding your horse low quality protein can cause health problems and other physical complications.
But how do you go about choosing the best protein supplement for your horse? We’re here to help. This guide will provide you with a review of the five best protein supplements for horses that are currently available on the market.
A Quick Glimpse At Consumer Opinions for Protein Supplements for Horses
In a hurry? Here is a condensed list of our best choices based on the different types of requirements you might be looking for in a horse protein supplement. We’ve featured a sample customer review for each to give you an idea of the strengths of each product:
Best Overall: Uckele Tri Amino Supplement
“I started my horse on this amino product after 3 months of purchasing him. Within 3 weeks he had noticeable differences in his muscles, top line butt and neck and put some weight on without becoming fat. The neighbors who are not horse people commented after just those few short weeks that my horse was looking way better!”
Best Alternative: Manna Pro Cool Omega 40+
“This is a great supplement for my rescued 30+ year Paso Fino. He arrived to me as a 2 on the Henneke scale, in the start of interior Alaska’s winter. After a complete work up with my amazing Vet, we set out to get him to a healthy weight. This is one of the supplements that was recommended with his feed regiment.”
Best Performance: Vita Flex Hard Keeper Solution
“Started using this a few weeks ago and already see a difference in my 16’1 hand Quarterhorse. He’s been having trouble keeping weight the last 2 winters. We increased his hay but that wasn’t helping. I didn’t want to increase grain so I purchased this and so far it’s doing the job. He hasn’t been hot from it either.”
Best Budget: Purina Supersport Amino Acid Horse Diet Supplement
“Using it for a four year old easy keeper with good results. About two months ago, I added this product to my 19 year old dressage horse’s diet. The results are amazing. His energy level and attitude towards working are much better. He moves like a younger horse. I’m very pleased with Purina Supersport.”
Best Versatility: Glow Extruded Soybeans High-Fat Supplement
“Great product. Horse put on needed weight. Hair coat shiny. Putting on much needed muscle.”
Best Protein Supplements For Horses
1. Uckele Tri Amino Supplement
This protein supplement can also help regulate the presence of sufficient levels of essential amino acids in your horse’s body. This level of amino acids not only contributes to your horse’s overall health, but also increases its body’s ability to effectively synthesize the protein that’s being consumed.
Uckele’s supplement also encourages bone health and a stronger immune system, which is helpful in effectively fighting off any illness or infection. The suggested dose for this protein is 1 to 2 ounces a day for the best possible results.
Some complaints that verified customers have reported about this supplement is the taste. While not all horses have the same taste preferences, there is a chance that your horse might not like the unique taste of this protein.
If that’s the case, then you’ll likely have to mix it with grain to disguise the protein flavor. Some customers have also reported that this supplement has an unappealing odor.
Specifications:
- Brand: Uckele
- Container: Tub
- Capacity: 5 lbs
- Package dimensions: 12 x 12 x 21 inches
- Item weight: 4.99 pounds
Pros
- Helps improve immunity and bone health
- Promotes muscle growth and weight maintenance
- Maintains the proper level of amino acids in horse’s body to help synthesize protein better
Cons
- The taste might not appeal to all horses and might have to be mixed into their grains
- Some customers have claimed that the product has a bad smell
2. Manna Pro Cool Omega 40+
This product also has a high calorie density; this can provide your horse with focused energy rather than lethargy after a heavy meal. Foods with high calorie densities are generally considered healthier.
Besides being rich in calories and fats, the supplement is also rich in protein. The protein encourages muscle growth and body weight regulation. Manna Pro Cool is also rich in fiber, which leads to proper digestion and healthier bowel movements.
This supplement contains flaxseed, which is a great source of both Omega 3 and Omega 6 vitamins. This will not only aid in overall health but will also enhance your horse’s physical appearance by giving its coat a healthier texture and sheen. Omega 3 and Omega 6 are also linked to optimal nervous system regulation.
Some verified customers, however, have claimed that this product may have caused gastric distress for their horse. It might be a good idea to start this feed volume off gradually, as your horse might not be used to its calorie-dense recipe. Other customers said that the supplement made their horse’s coat much shinier, but did not do a lot for optimal weight.
Specifications:
- Brand: Manna Pro
- Container: Tub
- Capacity: 8 lbs
- Package dimensions: 8 x 10 x 10 inches
- Item weight: 8 pounds
Pros
- Contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 for improved nervous system, health, and appearance
- Large tub will last for a long time
- High-calorie density provides long lasting energy for your horse
Cons
- Works better for outer appearance than it does for weight according to some customers
- Might cause gastric issues with initial use
3. Vita Flex Hard Keeper Solution
This also ensures that your horse does not get “hot”. This term is used to define a horse that can get aggressive because of too much energy. This video explains how to calm down a hot horse you notice these behaviors in your horse at any point.
The slow-burning calorie content in Vita Flex is more ideal than feeding your horse simply grain. The ingredients in this supplement are also associated with optimizing your horse’s overall health, regulating its weight, and giving it a shiny, healthy coat.
Healthy bacteria like lactobacillus (the “good” bacteria also found in the human digestive system), Omega 3, and Omega 6 fatty acids are all in this brand; these nutrients improve digestion and immune system regulation in horses.
Regardless of your horse’s daily activity level, Vita Flex is a great supplement that will provide them with the appearance and energy needed to give their best performance. The supplement comes in a 6 pound bag, which is suggested to last 24 days.
Some verified reviewers have claimed that while this product really helped their horses, others stated that it didn’t help their horse put on needed weight. Although most customers approve of the reasonable price, some customers noted irregularities in their horse’s manure after consuming this supplement.
Specifications:
- Brand: Vita Flex
- Container: Tub
- Capacity: 6 lbs
- Package dimensions: 11 x 8 x 8 inches
- Item weight: 6 pounds
Pros
- Slow-burning calories provide long lasting energy for horses
- Great for show horses and racehorses because of its ability to improve appearance and performance
- A good source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for aiding digestion
Cons
- Some verified customers have claimed that they did not see any visible appearance improvement
- Irregularities in horse manure might be noticed after consumption of this supplement
4. Purina Supersport Amino Acid Horse Diet Supplement
Purina’s ingredients also ensure that performance horses have a lot of energy over an extended period of time. The lysine, threonine, and methionine present in the supplement are essential amino acids that support muscle development and proper synthesis of protein in your horse’s body.
As mentioned earlier in this article, not all protein is the same. High-quality protein like whey is used in this brand to make it easily digestible, preventing any gastric issues.
This supplement is also vitamin and mineral fortified, which means it is a well-balanced formula for optimum results.
However, as with all supplements, there is a chance that your horse might not enjoy the taste of Purina. The suggested daily amount of this supplement can also be a disadvantage for some customers; it is a large amount that can quickly deplete your supply.
Specifications:
- Brand: Purina Waggin’ Train
- Container: Bag
- Capacity: 25 lbs
- Package dimensions: 25 x 14 x 3 inches
- Item weight: 25 pounds
Pros
- Good balance of fatty acids, protein, minerals, and vitamins
- Provides energy over an extended period of time, which is ideal for performance horses
- Amino acid building blocks are great for muscle building in horses
Cons
- Verified customers have claimed that their horses do not enjoy the taste or smell of this supplement
- Large daily amounts of this supplement are required for keeping your horse in good shape
5. Glow Extruded Soybeans High-Fat Supplement
This product adds energy and protein to your horse’s daily diet, supporting a healthy weight with its proper balance of ingredients. The taste of the product is also supposedly appealing, so your horse would likely find this supplement palatable.
One complaint people might have with the supplement is the price; it is the most expensive brand on our list. However, note that it IS sold in a 40 lb capacity, so it lasts.
Specifications:
- Brand: Horse Guard Store
- Container: Bag
- Capacity: 40 lbs
- Package dimensions: 16 x 8 x 27 inches
- Item weight: 40 pounds
Pros
- Large 40 pound bag
- Contains stabilized ground flaxseed for high protein and fat content
- Supports muscle growth and body weight regulation
Cons
- Not solely for horses; can feed other animals as well
- Considerably more expensive than other brands
Now That You Know All About The Best Protein Supplements For Horses…
… it’s time to take your pick! High quality protein is needed for proper muscle growth, recovery, and weight regulation for your horse. Not all protein sources are equal, and not all horse feed provides as much protein as our top choices. We hope that this article about the best protein supplement for horses will help you choose the ideal that is best suited for your horse and your budget.