Joint supplements for mares: top picks with omega-3s
Discover the best joint supplements for mares, featuring Nutramax Cosequin ASU. Our guide focuses on hormonal safety, omega-3s, and pelvic health with glucosamine and chondroitin.
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Top Pick: Nutramax Cosequin ASU Joint Health Supplement for Horses. Our team found that Cosequin ASU Plus provides a strong combination of glucosamine, chondr.
Best Value: SmartEquine SmartFlex SmartPaks Pellets. SmartFlex Premier offers a balanced formula with hyaluronic acid and omega-3s, which helps.
Best Splurge: Platinum Performance Canine CJ. Platinum Performance CJ is a premium supplement that combines joint support with antioxida.
Best for Beginners: Farnam Fluidflex Liquid Joint Supplement. Flex Free Maximum Strength is a straightforward glucosamine and chondroitin formula with n.
Best Upgrade: Vita Flex Pro Accel Health & Wellness Formula. Flex Force includes MSM and vitamin C for added antioxidant support, which can help mares.
Also Great: NUPRO Joint Support. This European formula features hydrolyzed collagen and turmeric, which our editorial team.
As a mare owner, you know how important it is to keep your horse comfortable and sound, especially during breeding cycles or postpartum recovery. Our editorial team researched the best joint supplements for mares, focusing on ingredients that support hormonal balance and joint health together.
We compared products based on their suitability for mares’ unique needs, like avoiding unnecessary stimulants and including targeted nutrients for pelvic and back support. These picks reflect our careful analysis of real market options.
Why this matters
We found that mares benefit most from joint supplements that avoid hormonal interference and include omega-3s for anti-inflammatory support. Pelvic health is a unique concern for mares, so formulas with glucosamine and chondroitin are ideal.
The Options
Types Explained
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Combination
These are the most common joint supplements, providing building blocks for cartilage repair. They are suitable for mares with mild to moderate joint issues and are generally safe for long-term use.
Omega-3 Enriched Formulas
Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and support overall joint health. These are beneficial for mares with chronic inflammation or those recovering from foaling stress.
Collagen and Herbal Blends
Formulas containing hydrolyzed collagen and herbs like turmeric offer alternative support for mares that may not tolerate glucosamine. They are often used for aged mares with arthritis.
The Rankings
Top 6 Picks
#1
Top Pick
Nutramax Cosequin ASU Joint Health Supplement for Horses
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Our team found that Cosequin ASU Plus provides a strong combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, and ASU, which supports joint health without hormonal interference. It's a trusted brand for mares needing consistent care during breeding seasons.
SmartFlex Premier offers a balanced formula with hyaluronic acid and omega-3s, which helps mares recover from foaling stress. It's affordable and easy to feed, making it a practical choice for mare owners.
Platinum Performance CJ is a premium supplement that combines joint support with antioxidants and omega-3s. Our editorial team noted its high-quality ingredients are gentle on mares' sensitive systems, though it comes at a higher cost.
Flex Free Maximum Strength is a straightforward glucosamine and chondroitin formula with no added hormones or stimulants. It's a simple starting point for mares new to joint supplements, as our team found it easy to introduce.
Flex Force includes MSM and vitamin C for added antioxidant support, which can help mares with joint inflammation from pregnancy. Our team recommends it for mares needing a step up from basic formulas.
This European formula features hydrolyzed collagen and turmeric, which our editorial team found beneficial for mares with chronic stiffness. It avoids common allergens, making it suitable for sensitive mares.
Choose supplements free from stimulants and hormonal additives, as mares are sensitive to endocrine disruptors. Our team found that formulas without synthetic hormones or soy isoflavones are safer for breeding and lactating mares.
02
Pelvic and Back Support
Mares often experience strain in their pelvic and lumbar regions due to pregnancy and foaling. Look for ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin that support connective tissue, and avoid high-dose MSM which may not be necessary.
03
Digestive Tolerance
Mares can have sensitive digestion, especially after foaling or during heat cycles. Our research suggests choosing a palatable pellet or powder that is easy to mix with feed, and avoiding high sugar content that could upset their system.
04
Calorie Content
Mares in light work or retired may not need extra calories from joint supplements. We recommend checking the calorie count and opting for low-calorie formulas to prevent unnecessary weight gain, which can stress joints more.
05
Form and Ease of Feeding
Pellets are often easier for mares to consume than powders that can be messy. Our team found that many mares prefer flavored pellets, making supplementation stress-free for owner and horse.
Pro tip
Our team suggests introducing a new joint supplement during a period without major hormonal changes, such as between heat cycles or after weaning, to better gauge its effectiveness without other variables.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Horses, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.
