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 are easy to measure and add to feed. 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 are already dissolved, which can make them easier to dose and feed 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 batch testing is worth asking about with any supplier. Horse Tonic can provide testing documentation on request.
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 liquid formulas with higher active ingredient concentrations, a combination worth comparing against other Belgian brands.
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.