Bone Health

Bone Health

Maintaining the equine skeleton in optimal condition is vital in order to ensure proper development of the young, growing horse, minimize risk of injury in the performance horse, and promote longevity and soundness throughout the horse's life.

Strength of bone is derived from a mineralized cartilage framework. Bone is a dynamic tissue and is therefore responsive to forces placed upon it. Bone also responds to changes in the amounts and ratios of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in the horse's diet. In addition, copper, zinc, manganese, vitamins A and D, and other nutrients have significant effects on bone development.

If the horse is fed a well-balanced and well-fortified diet, the largest single factor affecting bone strength is exercise. The remodelling of bone in response to exercise involves removing bone cells through the work of osteoclasts (cells that break down bone so that it can remodel and heal in response to stress and growth) and then building bone by osteoblasts (cells that make the cartilage matrix and are eventually mineralized).

Horses that do not receive free-choice exercise, such as those on stall rest or those managed in a stabled environment (show horses and racehorses), can be prone to demineralization of bone. This is especially common in young horses undergoing the transition from significant turnout to minimal or no turnout upon entering training.

Which Solution Is Right for Your Horse?

Bone Food Plus Product Image

Bone Food Plus® Mineral and vitamin supplement to support bone health. Bone Food Plus is ideal for stabled horses at risk of bone demineralisation, as well as horses grazing pastures with high levels of oxalates. These chemical compounds “tie up” calcium, causing it to be unavailable for absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and potentially leading to big head disease. Bone Food Plus is a palatable powder that supplies calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, vitamin K, zinc, copper, magnesium, and manganese, all of which play an important role in optimising bone development and strength.

Triacton Product Image

Triacton® Bone and digestive health support. Triacton is a research-proven triple-action supplement designed to improve bone density and support digestive health in horses. Triacton is an easy-to-feed pellet containing an array of highly bioavailable minerals and vitamins essential for sound skeletal development and maintenance, as well as optimal function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Learn More