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Copper for Horses: Why Mineral Balance Matters in Equine Nutrition

Copper for Horses: Why Mineral Balance Matters in Equine Nutrition

Why Balanced Mineral Supplementation Matters in Horses 

 Minerals are essential for countless functions in the horse’s body, and they often work together in complex ways. Supplementing just one mineral without considering its interaction with others can easily lead to imbalances. Both excesses and deficiencies can occur if supplementation isn’t carefully balanced. That’s why using a high-quality multimineral supplement for horses is recommended. It ensures your horse receives the correct ratios of key minerals required for health, performance, and longevity. 

 In most cases, more than one mineral is involved in a deficiency scenario, as different body tissues and organs rely on a broad range of minerals to function properly. 

 Why Do Horses Need Copper? 

 Copper is a vital trace mineral for horses. It plays a critical role in many physiological systems. Your horse needs copper for: 

  •  Healthy bone development 
  •  Formation of elastin (important for blood vessel strength) 
  •  Blood cell production 
  •  Coat pigmentation 
  •  Fertility and reproductive health 
  •  Immune system function 
 A deficiency in copper can negatively affect any of these systems, especially in growing horses and pregnant mares. 

 How Much Copper Does a Horse Need? 

 Horses typically require 10–30 mg of copper per kilogram of dry matter intake per day. However, copper content in pasture and hay can vary widely, from 3 to 20 mg/kg dry matter meaning many horses, especially those in high-demand stages such as growth, pregnancy, or lactation, may not be getting enough. Most grasses and hays average around 9 mg/kg, which is often insufficient. As copper toxicity in horses is rare, supplementing with a balanced multimineral mix containing copper is a safe and effective way to meet your horse’s nutritional needs. 

 What Is Secondary Copper Deficiency? 

 Even if there’s enough copper in your horse’s diet, it might not be properly absorbed. This is known as secondary copper deficiency, and it occurs when other minerals especially zinc, iron, molybdenum, cadmium, and sulphur interfere with copper uptake in the digestive tract. This highlights the importance of maintaining correct mineral ratios in horse nutrition. Oversupplying one mineral can unintentionally create a deficiency in another. 

 Signs of Copper Deficiency in Horses 

 Recognising the symptoms of copper deficiency in horses is crucial, particularly in breeding or growing animals. Common signs include: 

  •  Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in young, growing horses – a joint disorder partly linked to copper deficiency 
  •  Rupture of blood vessels (such as the aorta or uterine artery) in older horses, due to weakened vessel walls 
  •  Anaemia, resulting from poor red blood cell formation 
  •  Faded or dull coat colour, caused by lack of pigment production 
  •  Lowered immunity, making the horse more prone to illness 
  •  Reproductive issues – including poor fertility, difficult pregnancies, and foaling problems in mares 

 Stance Suggestions: Supporting Your Horse With the Right Minerals 

  • To support your horse’s long-term health, performance, and coat condition, ensure they receive a balanced equine mineral supplement (Equlibrium Mineral Mix) that includes copper in the right ratio. 
  • Avoid single-mineral products unless recommended by a veterinarian or equine nutritionist, as this may disturb the delicate mineral balance. 


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