Joint supplements are widely used in horses, but evidence for their efficacy varies considerably. Understanding what works helps owners make welfare-focused decisions.
The equine supplement industry presents a welfare challenge because the marketing of inadequately evidenced products may delay owners from seeking appropriate veterinary care for horses with significant joint pain. Horses that are "supplemented" for apparent stiffness rather than properly diagnosed may have conditions — including early laminitis, navicular disease, or significant osteoarthritis — that require specific treatment. The welfare-positive role of supplements is as part of a comprehensive management plan developed with veterinary input, not as a substitute for proper diagnosis and treatment. Where supplements have genuine evidence — omega-3 fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory properties, for example — they can contribute to a welfare-supportive routine. Transparency about evidence quality is essential for informed decision-making.