About Selenium Supplement for Horses

Selenium is a mineral that is commonly found naturally; however, if the soil where a horse grazes is deficient, it may not be getting enough of this important trace mineral. This mineral helps a horse recover after strenuous activity and can be given in the form of a supplement to ensure it is receiving the selenium that it needs.

Importance

Selenium is an important trace mineral that a horse needs to help the body to recover after strenuous activity as well as help to boost the immune system which will help a horse stay healthy and strong. Selenium is also known to promote thyroid health in horses. Only small amounts of this mineral are needed to provide the body with what it needs.

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabomyolysis is a disease that can occur in horses with a selenium deficiency. This disease can occur in horses and foals alike if the mother does not have enough selenium in its diet to pass to the foal. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis can be severe and include increased pulse, muscle pain and cramps and sweating. A foal that does not receive enough of this vital trace mineral may also experience skeletal problems.

Organic Selenium Supplements

You can purchase both non-organic and organic selenium supplements. However, the non-organic variety is unable to be processed and stored within the muscles as it should be. It is best to use an organic selenium supplement to provide the horse with the most benefits. This type of selenium supplement is absorbed quickly and provides instantaneous benefits to both horse and foal. Horses that are given non-organic selenium supplements can still be deficient in this mineral because the body is not able to absorb the supplement correctly.