Turmeric has galloped its way into equine nutrition, hailed for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As its popularity grows, so does the range of products, from powders to oils, and its inclusion in feed balancers (Blue Chip Joint Care), and more.
If you are wanting to make an informed choice, you’re in the right place. We'll break down what Turmeric is, what it could do for your horse, and which form might best suit your horse's needs.
BUT FIRST, a quick glance at the differences between your options ...
What is Turmeric and why use it?
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a golden-yellow root, long used in traditional medicine and culinary exploits.
The active compound we are interested in is Curcumin, which supports joint health, aids digestion, and boosts overall wellbeing. In horses, Turmeric is popular for managing stiffness, reducing inflammation and supporting improvement in flexibility.
Curcumin is notoriously hard for your horse to absorb UNLESS it's combined with Black Pepper (Piperine) and fats.
Turmeric in a feed balancer - the all-in-one solution!
A complete solution which includes Turmeric alongside Black Pepper, natural healthy fats, Glucosamine AND digestive support in the form of probiotics and nucleotides.
- Nutritionally formulated especially for horses - the science is done for you!
- No need to guess daily feeding rate
- Palatable and easy to feed
- Cost effective
Best for: Owners and riders who are searching for a no-fuss, targeted balancer with proven ingredients at preformulated levels providing complete peace of mind that your are providing everything your horse needs (alongside correct forage provision).
Turmeric in oil - good absorption (often need to add Black Pepper)
A combination of turmeric extract and a carrier oil (usually coconut and/or linseed). Often does NOT contain Black Pepper.
- Good absorption
- A potential choice for horses needing to gain weight, provides high calorie content
- Short shelf life
- Can be costly
- Just a supplement, you also need to provide a balanced diet on top of this
- Less palatable
Best for: Those looking for a high calorie option who already feed a balancer diet.
Turmeric as a powder - Raw and unrefined
- Can be economical in it's simplest form
- Allows control of dosage
- Poor absorption rate, would need to also feed Black Pepper and oil
- Can be messy
- Time consuming to add to feed
Best for: Owners who feed straights to have complete control over their horse diet.
As always it comes down to your horse’s individual needs and your budget. REMINDER ... a feed balancer is often an extremely cost effective option.
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