Belgium has a strong equestrian tradition and a growing supplement market to match. But with dozens of brands and hundreds of products, choosing the right supplement can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the main categories, what to look for, and where Horse Tonic fits in.
The main supplement categories
Joint supplements are the most popular category for sport horses. Key ingredients to look for: glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen. Liquid formats absorb faster than powders. Artico Gold from Horse Tonic contains all five actives in a liquid formula.
Calming supplements help manage stress, nervousness and spookiness. Magnesium-based formulas are preferred for competition horses because they work without sedation and are FEI-safe. Avoid valerian-based products if you compete. valerian is on the FEI prohibited list. ZEN is a dual-magnesium liquid formula.
Digestive supplements support gut health and buffer stomach acid. Important for horses prone to gastric ulcers. which is up to 90% of sport horses. Look for calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and prebiotics. PH provides daily gastric pH support.
Vitamin and mineral supplements fill the gaps that hay and concentrate rations miss. Especially important in winter when pasture access is limited. A good daily multivitamin like Tonic covers the basics: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and B vitamins.
What to look for in any supplement
Three things matter more than the brand name on the label. First: active ingredient concentrations. Many supplements list the right ingredients but at doses too low to be effective. Compare mg per daily dose, not just the ingredient list. Second: format. Liquid supplements have higher bioavailability than powders and pellets. Third: independent testing. If you compete at any level, your supplement should come with proof that it is free from prohibited substances.
Why doping-testing matters
The FEI prohibited list contains over 700 substances. Cross-contamination during manufacturing is a real risk. especially with companies that produce supplements for multiple species. A supplement that is "probably fine" is not good enough if your horse is selected for testing at a competition. Independent OMCL testing per batch is the gold standard. Horse Tonic provides this for every product.
Belgian brands worth considering
Belgium is home to several reputable equine supplement companies. Cavalor (Deinze) has the widest range. Equistro (part of Vetoquinol) focuses on veterinary-grade formulas. Horse Tonic offers the highest active ingredient concentrations in liquid form with batch-specific FEI doping testing. a combination no other Belgian brand currently matches.
Bottom line
Choose supplements based on active ingredient doses, format and testing. not brand recognition. For sport horses in Belgium, a combination of a joint supplement, a daily vitamin/mineral and targeted support (calming or digestive) covers most needs. And always verify that your supplements are independently tested if you plan to compete.