Vitamin D3

Vitamin D, particularly its active form vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), is essential for maintaining the overall health and well-being of horses. It plays a critical role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, ensuring proper bone development, strength, and density. Vitamin D3 facilitates the absorption of these minerals from the gut and helps regulate their balance in the body, preventing deficiencies that can lead to weakened bones or musculoskeletal issues. For horses with limited exposure to sunlight or those primarily consuming hay-based diets, vitamin D3 supplementation can help address potential deficiencies, as sunlight is a key source of this nutrient. In addition to supporting skeletal health, vitamin D3 contributes to muscle function, immune resilience, and overall vitality by influencing various cellular processes. Performance and aging horses particularly benefit from adequate vitamin D levels to maintain bone integrity, energy efficiency, and immune function. Incorporating vitamin D3 into a horse's diet through supplementation or monitored sun exposure supports bone health, muscle performance, and long-term well-being, making it an essential nutrient for equine care.