Performance and energy supplements for horses can have a wide variety of purposes. A common aim is the support of energy production and metabolism, which means it will help your horse use the energy available to him in the most efficient way so that he can produce his best possible performance. If you are looking at feeding a supplement of this type to your horse, it’s important to acknowledge that while it can help to horse to function and perform at his best, it’s not going to turn him into a world-beater overnight or solve any underlying veterinary problems.
How to choose the best horse energy supplement
The best energy supplement for your horse all depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Some supplements are formulated to give an instant, one-off energy boost – these are usually in syringe paste form – while others, however, are designed to provide a daily boost. Other performance supplements don’t target energy production specifically, but instead they provide nutritional support for horses with increased energy requirements. They are formulated to optimise energy efficiency, support cellular functions, and promote muscle growth and repair.
If you compete with your horse then it is important you make sure any supplements you use do not contain any prohibited substances. It’s also wise to trial using an energy supplement at home, rather than giving it a go for the first time at a competition, so that you know how your horse is likely to react.
Energy supplements for horses: what are your options?
Here is a selection of the best energy supplements for horses that are currently available, including the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…
NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in medium work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available tub. Some products require you to feed more in certain situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.
‘Instant’ energy boosters for horses
NAF EnerG Shot
Form: Syringe paste
Sizes: 3 x 30ml
RRP: £21
Single measure: 30ml
Cost per use: £7
This is a concentrated nutritional blend of essential amino acids that supports fast release energy metabolism to support the increased need for energy at times of peak performance. EnerG Shot is designed for use when needed, so is ideal for competition or training and should be fed 1½–2 hours before required.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or oakfield-direct.co.uk
Science Supplements EnerGex Syringe
Form: Syringe paste
Sizes: 60g
RRP: £9.99
Single measure: 60g
Cost per use: £9.99
This safe source of carbohydrate can be use before, during and following exercise to support energy delivery, or as an energy booster in lethargic horses. If used prior to exercise it should be administered 15 mins before the start.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Equine America Xtra Boost Paste
Form: Syringe paste
Sizes: 30ml
RRP: £15.50
Single measure: 10ml
Cost per use: £5.17
This paste is formulated to support energy levels. It should be fed on the day of event and the two days prior at a maximum of 10ml per day.
In the UK? View now at equine-america.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
Cavalor An Energy Boost
Form: Syringe paste
Sizes: 50g
RRP: £14.16
Single measure: 50g
Cost per use: £14.16
This oral paste is a mix of high quality electrolytes, vitamins, amino acids, sugars and salt, which has been developed to give an extra energy boost before and during intense work and to aid speedy recovery. It should be administered 1–2 hours prior to exercise.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Daily energy supplements
NAF EnerG
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 2l, 5l
RRP: £22.99 for 2l
Daily measure: 30ml
Cost per day: £0.35
Fortified with vitamins and trace elements, this fast-acting formula provides controlled levels of iron, copper and zinc, which helps to optimise energy metabolism.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Science Supplements EnerGex
Form: Powder
Sizes: 2kg
RRP: £39.99
Daily measure: 60–80g
Cost per day: From £1.20
This can be used before, during and after exercise to support energy delivery. It can also be used as an energy booster in lethargic horses and to maintain blood glucose levels in situations where food intake is decreased, such as during travelling or when appetite is reduced. It is low-glycaemic meaning it leads to a slower rate of glucose entry into the blood, avoiding high peaks and sudden drops in blood glucose levels, which leads to a more balanced and prolonged energy supply.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Equine America Xtra Boost Hemogen
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 1l
RRP: £40.99
Daily measure: 30ml
Cost per day: £1.23
A complementary feed supplement that supports healthy red blood production for horses in hard work. It contains a specialist and highly absorbable form of iron, which is supported by B vitamins and accompanied by active water soluble vitamins and minerals to maximise energy and stamina.
In the UK? View now at equine-america.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
Global Herbs Restore
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 500ml, 1l, 5l
RRP: £23.70 for 500ml
Daily measure: 10ml
Cost per day: £0.47
This quick-acting formula helps to maintain peak condition, support efficient digestion and bring out natural shine. It contains specific liver tonic herbs that target metabolism. Also available as a powder.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Maxavita Maxapower
Form: Powder
Sizes: 900g
RRP: £29.85
Daily measure: 25g
Cost per day: £0.83
This muscle and energy supplement is full of essential amino acids to encourage muscle growth and strength, in addition to supporting stamina and recovery. It is designed to support and maintain healthy circulation and promote optimal muscle function in hard-working horses.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or hyperdrug.co.uk
Equitop Myoplast
Form: Pellets
Sizes: 1.5kg
RRP: £87.83
Daily measure: 50g
Cost per day: £2.93
A unique amino acid supplement specifically designed to support lean muscle growth, which helps horses to respond and cope with the demands of training.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, hyperdrug.co.uk or petdrugsonline.co.uk
Synovium Red & Gold
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 1l, 5l
RRP: £22.50 for 1l
Daily measure: 60ml
Cost per day: £1.35
This helps provide lasting performance when it is most needed – suitable for use at competitions or when extra performance is required.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
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