Hi COTH! My senior gelding (25-27 y/o) has developed mild arthritis in his front left fetlock. I’m looking into a glucosamine chondroitin supplement to help out, but he is the pickiest horse! Anytime we have to give him bute (or buteless) of any form, it’s a wrestling match - flavored powder or paste is a complete joke. So far the only sort of supplements I’ve been able to get him to eat consistently are flaxseed oil and apple or cherry flavored electrolytes. So before I drop a bunch of money on a joint supplement - does anyone have suggestions for the most palatable options?
Thanks!
Platinum Performance will send you free samples of their CJ formula. I believe there are even different flavors. Smartpak will do the same with their picky-eater-approved pelleted Smartflex formulas.
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So I use a liquid HA supplement, not quite the same as what you’re looking for but we’ve used it on our horses with good results. It’s called Flex Force, and it’s cherry flavored. My horse is a semi picky eater and has no problem with it. We get it from Valley Vet.
I also have a super picky horse and I had good luck with Finish Line’s Fluid Action HA liquid and Absorbine’s Flex + Max.
in the end the best thing I did with my picky eater was stop supplements all together and give monthly legend and adequan shots. I know this isn’t the advice you asked for, but you don’t have to worry about the horse leaving behind a whole bunch of expensive supplements because it tastes yucky.
good luck!!
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I use SmartPak’s Smart Stride Ultra and it smells like fruit. If your guy likes that, might be worth getting a sample from them.
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Contact Horsetech - they have a huge assortment of flavors they can add to basically anything they sell. And they do offer samples so you can see if your horse will eat it. The samples aren’t just a typical 3-day amount - it’s significantly more.
I have my mare’s supplements flavored through them and she happily eats them (she’s extremely picky about her food).
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I appreciate the advice. We have a vet coming out next month to do a full work up and talk about Adequan injections. I’m guessing that’s the route we are going to go, but I wanted to help him out in the meantime and see if there was any improvement before we meet with the vet. He’s in fantastic shape other than this, so we are up for any solution to keep him going sound and happy.
Look at Equithrive Complete Joint pellets. Made with alfalfa meal and flaxseed and very palatable.
Platinum Performance will send you free examples of their CJ recipe. I accept there are even extraordinary flavors. Smartpak will do likewise with their demanding eater-affirmed pelleted Smartflex equations.
Smartpak is great about sending samples of their smart supplements. I feed my guy smart stride ultra and he eats it just fine, and hes a pretty picky eater. Good luck with your old man!
