Joint & Connective Tissue Support for Horses - Spotlight on Collagen

Collagen stands as nature's premier structural protein, comprising up to 35% of protein content in mammals and recognized for its exceptional versatility as a biological material.

This essential protein serves multiple critical functions: strengthening connective tissues, facilitating wound healing, supporting arthritic joints, reducing digestive reflux, repairing gastrointestinal damage, enhancing skin regeneration, and improving bone density.

Understanding Collagen's Role

As the primary structural protein in the extracellular matrix (ECM), collagen provides the essential framework that supports cell adhesion, facilitates cell movement, and regulates cellular development in all bodily tissues and organs.

Key collagen facts:

• Forms the foundation of bone, skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage

• Contains L-proline, essential for optimal joint and tendon function

• Provides hydroxyproline, crucial for repairing damaged connective tissues

• Rich in L-arginine, supporting improved circulation through nitric oxide production

Supporting your horse's connective tissue health, joint function, and recovery from tendon and ligament injuries represents a critical aspect of equine care, particularly for athletic performance horses.

Plant-Based Collagen Support for Your Horse

Your horse's body can synthesize collagen naturally when provided with the right nutrients. Here are recommendations for feeding to support healthy collagen production:

Vitamin C-Rich Forage and Feeds

Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis. Suitable options for horses include:

• Rose hips (excellent natural source)

• Fresh grass (contains natural vitamin C)

• Fresh fruits such as apples (in moderation)

• Commercial vitamin C supplements formulated for horses

Amino Acid-Rich Feeds

Your horse needs specific amino acids like proline, glycine, and lysine to build collagen:

• Flaxseeds (omega source)

• Sunflower seeds (when hulled and organic)

• Soybean meal (If no allergies or sensitivities, if it is also organic and processed to destroy the properties that cause endocrine disruption)

• Split peas and other legumes (in appropriate amounts)

• Spirulina

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Mineral Support

Minerals play crucial roles in the collagen synthesis process:

• Zinc: (Not zinc sulfate)

• Copper

• Silicon

• Manganese

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Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Protection of existing collagen from oxidative damage:

• Fresh pasture grasses (when available and appropriate)

• Carrots

• Fresh or dried herbs: rosemary, oregano, basil

• Blueberries

• Turmeric supplement (with black pepper extract for increased absorption)

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By focusing on these nutrient-dense foods in appropriate quantities, you can support your horse's natural collagen production while maintaining a species appropriate, nutrient-dense, real foods diet.

Note: Always introduce any new foods gradually into your horse's diet and consult with your equine nutrition professional before making significant changes to your horse's feeding program.