MSM for your horse: Everything you need to know about the natural supplement

As a horse owner, you want the best for your horse's health. You may come across MSM, which stands for methylsulfonylmethane - a natural sulfur and important mineral that has increasingly established itself as a valuable supplement in the horse world. MSM can support your horse's joints, muscles and even ligaments, reduce inflammation and promote general well-being. But what exactly is behind MSM, how does this mineral work and why can it do your horse so much good?

In this article, we'll dive into the details and explain how you can use methylsulfonylmethane correctly to optimally promote your horse's health.

What is MSM and why is it important for horses?

MSM is an organic sulfur compound that is found in plants, some foods and in the bodies of many animals. Sulfur is an essential building block for many structures and processes in the body: Among other things, it is responsible for the formation of collagen and keratin, two important proteins for connective tissue, skin and hooves. Enzymes and hormones also need sulfur to function optimally. Sulfur is therefore a key component for the health of your horse's entire organism.

A horse normally takes in sulphur through its feed, but some horses can benefit from additional sulphur intake during certain phases of life or when under high stress. Older horses or those that are active in sport in particular have an increased need for sulphur, as the joints and muscles are subject to greater stress due to the stress. MSM can be a targeted and simple way to meet this need.

The most important benefits of MSM for your horse

1. Support of joints, tendons and prevention of joint problems

One of the best-known and most important uses of MSM is to support the health of joints and tendons. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and can therefore alleviate the symptoms of joint inflammation, arthritis or osteoarthritis. MSM can help to promote mobility and reduce pain, especially in older horses or those suffering from chronic joint and tendon problems.

Since MSM has an anti-inflammatory effect, it can also be useful as a preventative measure - especially for horses that are regularly trained or have to perform at a high level in sport. By giving MSM regularly, you can not only strengthen your horse's joints, but also increase the resilience of the tendons. This is particularly valuable because they are particularly vulnerable to intensive strain. MSM ensures that your horse remains optimally protected and supported during training or competition.

2. Promote muscle function, ligaments and accelerated regeneration

Sulfur plays a crucial role in muscle metabolism and is particularly important for the recovery of muscles, ligaments and tendons after intensive training sessions. MSM supports your horse's body in reducing muscle tension and repairing damage to muscles and ligaments. The ligaments in particular, which are often subjected to high levels of stress and are closely linked to muscle work, benefit from the anti-inflammatory effect of Methyl Sulphonyl Methane.

For horses that are regularly trained or take part in competitions, MSM can therefore make a noticeable difference in regeneration. Horses that receive MSM regularly often show improved mobility and less muscle soreness after strenuous training sessions. The natural sulphur compound strengthens the muscles in a targeted manner and helps to maintain or even increase your horse's performance.

3. Promotes healthy skin and stable hooves

The sulphur compound MSM is an important component of keratin, the protein that hooves and skin are made of. The additional supply of MSM can promote your horse's hoof growth - especially if it tends to have brittle hooves or the hoof horn is soft. The skin can also benefit from taking it, as MSM contributes to better skin structure and resistance.

An additional MSM dose is particularly worthwhile for horses that have skin problems or brittle hooves. The better sulfur supply can help your horse to develop more resilient hooves and a healthy skin structure.

4. Support of the immune system

In addition to the structural benefits, MSM also has a positive effect on the immune system. It helps the body to break down toxins and thus supports the detoxification processes. This can strengthen your horse's resistance and promote its general health. MSM can help your horse stay fit and healthy, especially during times of high stress, such as during training, during coat change or when under stress.

A well-functioning immune system is extremely important for your horse's overall health. Using MSM as a supplement can provide additional protection and promote recovery for your horse during stressful times.

When is MSM administration particularly useful?

MSM is generally a safe and well-tolerated supplement for a horse, and in many situations it can have a positive effect on your horse's health. MSM is particularly recommended for:

• Older horses : As horses get older, they become more susceptible to joint problems and inflammation. MSM can help maintain mobility and alleviate the symptoms of old age.

• Sport and competition horses : If your horse trains regularly or takes part in competitions, MSM can provide additional support to its joints and muscles.

• Horses with joint and skin problems : In horses with a tendency to inflammation, skin problems or brittle hooves, MSM can improve vitality and resistance.

• Horses in the recovery phase : MSM can accelerate regeneration and is therefore particularly useful after injury or illness.

However, please note that MSM is not a substitute for medical treatment. In the case of chronic or acute complaints, you should always consult your veterinarian before adding MSM to the food as a supplement.

Dosage and Application: How do you administer MSM?

The recommended daily dose of MSM depends on the weight of your horse and its specific needs. For an average sized horse (500-600 kg), the daily dose is usually around 10-20 grams. It is often recommended to start with a higher initial dose (for example 20 grams per day) and reduce this to a maintenance dose after a few weeks.

MSM is available in various forms, usually as a powder that is simply sprinkled over the feed. A horse usually accepts it without any problems. If your horse is picky, you can mix the MSM with a little apple sauce or molasses to make it more palatable.

What should you pay attention to when buying MSM?

When buying MSM, quality is key. Pure MSM should be free of additives, preservatives or other contaminants. Particularly high-quality products are produced by distillation, a method that guarantees a pure and concentrated end product. When buying, look for certifications or tests that prove the purity of the product.

Storage is also important: MSM should be stored dry and cool to maintain its effectiveness.

Conclusion: MSM as valuable support for your horse

MSM, a natural sulfur compound, is a versatile and well-tolerated supplement that benefits your horse in many ways. Whether it's to support joints, promote muscles or improve skin and hooves - this sulfur substance offers numerous benefits and can strengthen your horse's health and vitality in the long term.

However, it is important to use MSM responsibly and not to consider it as a substitute for medical treatment. If you are unsure whether adding sulfur in the form of MSM is suitable for your horse, it is best to consult your veterinarian.