So where are u buying supplements if SP's svc. is sketchy sometimes??

[hunt_jumpfl]

I am among the people that had a problem recently with an auto ship not showing up. It was my horse’s oil not his regular supplements. I will say that I was impressed that once the problem was brought to their attention they shipped it out overnight air without my asking. I have not had any issues with my actual SmartPaks showing up on time.

Depending on what supplements you need I have ordered from Platinum Performance and Amazon for things I can’t get through SP. Being on the east coast shipping from Platinum Performance takes several days. I often use ValleyVet for meds so that might be another alternative option.

[Empressive_Award]

I order my supplements from BigDees (equinety) and Schneiders (DAC, actiflex, electrolytes). I usually get free shipping from both, and I get cash back or coupons after so much spent. Buying in bulk has saved me money in the long term, and I also feel like the per day price is cheaper when I make my own and my supplements last longer. Ordering online saves me about $10-15 on each supplement over buying from a store front like Tractor Supply or Southern States.
I use mini plastic tupperware type bowls with lids I bought at the dollar store, 5 for $1, and make my own about once a month. I wash and reuse. It takes me about 5 minutes to make 30-40 containers and its easier than dealing with baggies. They stack nicely in my old SP drawer I’ve had forever and my barn managers love it. They hated opening the SP supplements, and throwing out the container. Such a waste, even recycling them.

[DoubleDown]

Honestly, I buy all my feed, supplement, and supply stuff from my local co-op/feed store.

[HenryisBlaisin]

I get all mine at Southern States (Agway in New England). Even without my employee discount, the price on my joint supplement (ActiFlex, which has 125 mg HA per ounce, which is more than the more expensive straight HA supplements I’ve found) is better than anywhere else, including Big Dee’s, where I had ben ordering from. I also get my omega supplement (Legends Omega Plus) there and I’m very happy with it. That’s all my boy is on, though.

[ParadoxFarm]

@DoubleDown

Honestly, I buy all my feed, supplement, and supply stuff from my local co-op/feed store.

I do as well. My store’s cheaper than most online companies, so it makes sense. Check your local feed store!

[cayuse]

I have been using Big Dee’s or Valley Vet for years. Happy with both. I think Big Dee’s ships quicker by a day or two. Customer Service and returns are great for both places.

[MyKindaFlower]

@js

OT but why are some supplements (not the SP brand) only offered on their auto refill program? Wanted to order some Succeed from them but it only gave me auto refill options to buy it. Needless to say I went to Valley Vet to order.

Jeffers - can often have items backordered for months, no correspondence from them either. Ordered something said it was in stock, come to find out it was indefinitely back ordered. They never bothered to tell me. Often low on items which sometimes means you can order it but don’t get it. It was great to shop in person at Jeffers, lots of bargains but ordering from them is hit and miss.

I’ve always had good luck with Valley Vet.

Hi JS - you may want to check again on the Succeed. I was price checking for Succeed and just removed the auto refill option without a problem. It’s a decent savings for the auto ship option though - I may consider it.

[MyKindaFlower]

As far as where I buy my supplements: I purchase 5 gallon jugs of Coca-Soya, containers of Elevate SE, 50 pound bags of Omega Horseshine, and SmartVite Perform Senior from SmartPak, and have no plans to change that. I buy Su-Per Gateway’s Chasteberry liquid supplement directly from the Gateway store. Springtime Inc is where I shop for garlic and a joint supplement. Succeed really depends on wherever I find the cheapest price at the time I need it. I was buying liquid vitamin E gel caps from VitaCost but will be switching to the Santa Cruz powder for that because the vet would like me to up to 8000 IU for my big fella.

[Simkie]

Wherever is cheapest. It’s a little annoying the first time, but once you know where to look for each thing it’s just a quick check to make sure it’s still the best price and then ordering.

[Sansena]

Folks near the CT/NY border… It’s worth it to find The Feed Barn. One is in Brewster NY, the other in New Milford CT. I use the CT location and deal with “Paul”. He is remarkable. Will look on the shelves, tell you what he’s got in stock and if he can order it, then calls you once it’s in. I’ve found TFB to be cheaper than many on-line retailers, but admittedly, they do not carry everything I might need. But I still check there first

[ryansgirl]

Horsetech for both my horse and two dogs. I do get heartworm meds thru Valley Vet - never had an issue with them.

Horsetech is by far my favorite company to do business with (including non-animal related sites). Their customer service is top-notch and I’ve seen good results with their products. I’d highly recommend them. :yes:

[Peggy]

I switched over to HorseTech about two years ago because my horse is allergic to an assortment of things, including alfalfa, and I wanted something that didn’t have those ingredients. I have been wowed by their level of customer support. And they send cookies.

[4LeafCloverFarm]

I used to buy my supplements at the local co-op, but they became so unpredictable on what would be in stock, then they’d stop carrying something I used. Tried local TSC, but same issue. So I use Valley Vet and occasionally Allivet (also my dog’s prescription meds come from Allivet).

I’ve never used SmartPak for their supplement packaging. Know several people who do and love it. For me, with only one horse on more than one supplement, I just didn’t think it was worth the cost. But do see how large barns would find the service indispensable. I also agree that SmartPak has gone too far afield of their main service (supplements), with the tack, and blankets and grooming supplies and clothes and such. Their print catalog has changed so much over the last 18 years.

[newhorsemommy]

I haven’t had any issues with SmartPak, although I actually detest the “paks” and the auto-shipping so I just buy larger containers. I buy two SP supplements so I have to get them there and sometimes I’ll throw another onto the order. But I also buy supplements from ValleyVet, KV Supply, and Amazon, depending on shipping speed and prices.

[Cynical25]

Over 6 years, 2 boarding barns, and now my own place I’ve never had a problem with SmartPak’s regular or auto shipping, whether paks at the boarding barns or buckets at home. Also found their western bridles and QH-cut blanket quality to be top notch. Having great results with Leg Up Joint for my senior and SmartVite Thrive on my easy keeper - options which are not available elsewhere.

[Dressurfrau]

I’ve noticed that their shipping is getting slower. I like their SP brand products.

[One_Two_Three]

I haven’t personally experienced any issues with smartpak, but I see in that other tread that issues are apparently rampant. I have a hard time removing myself from them, because they offer a great deal on shipping. Nowhere else offers cheap shipping that doesn’t increase with the weight of items, or free shipping if you’re already on the auto shipment program, which also offers an additional discount on supplements. I am also hard pressed to find another vendor that offers as good pricing on name brand supplements. But mainly, the shipping cost is what keeps me loyal to them. Hopefully they work their issues out for the sake of losing many clients willing to pay a bit more for faster service. Also, if anyone knows how to get shipping for less than $9 for supplements that weigh a lot, let me know! Because I stopped feeding my horse’s joint supplement (actiflex) due to the insane shipping prices due to the weight!

[Sansena]

“I haven’t personally experienced any issues with smartpak, but I see in that other tread that issues are apparently rampant.”

Hence my ‘circling-the-bowl’ comment. I was trying to be funny. Went over like a fart in church, as usual here.

On another note: Am I the only knucklehead that routinely cuts herself opening up a new shrink wrap of supplements? I have no idea how I do it. I use a knife to cut the plastic, but in the course of removing that first strip of supplements I nearly always… like 80% of the time… manage to give myself the plastic version of a paper cut. Hurts like hell.

[mydogs]

Another vote for Horsetech. Instead of buying 4+ different supplements and needing to combine them all, I had horsetech make a custom supplement to save me time and money. I’ve never been happier with a supplement.

[Laurierace]

Has it been confirmed in writing somewhere that SP is going out of business or just rumor at this point?