17/04/2026
One of the most common nutrition gaps I’ve come to realize—especially here in New York—is vitamin E 🐴
Horses naturally get vitamin E from fresh green grass. The problem is, once grass is cut and turned into hay, most of that vitamin E is lost. So during the winter months (or any time horses are mostly on hay), they’re often not getting enough.
So how much do horses actually need?
👉 Maintenance horses: about 500–1,000 IU per day
👉 Horses in work, under stress, or needing to gain weight: often 1,000–2,000+ IU per day
Now here’s the important part—many feeds do contain vitamin E, but:
• You have to feed the full recommended amount
• Vitamin E levels decrease over time in stored feed
• Hay contributes very little
💡 A quick note on vitamin E sources:
Not all vitamin E is the same. Natural vitamin E (listed as d-alpha-tocopherol) is better absorbed than synthetic forms (dl-alpha-tocopherol).
If you do choose to supplement, looking for a natural form can make a difference in how effectively your horse uses it.
Vitamin E plays an important role in:
✔ Muscle development
✔ Nerve function
✔ Immune support
✔ Overall condition and topline
This is why you’ll often see vitamin E added into feeding programs—it’s not about over-supplementing, it’s about filling a very common gap.
If you’re curious, take a look at your feed tag and do the math based on how much you’re actually feeding—you might be surprised.
As always, feeding programs should be adjusted based on the individual horse, their condition, and the season 🐴
Every horse is different, so feeding programs should always be adjusted based on the individual horse and their needs.
