Copper deficiency in horses is one of the most important horse health supplements. It is a trace element required by all body tissues for metabolic function. To ensure good health for horses, they need copper for the formation of connective tissue, to help reduce inflammation, utilize iron in the body, form strong bones and blood vessels, and also to maintain hair color.

Copper is a component of several enzymes, it is regulated in the liver by storing or excreting it in the bile. Copper’s absorption into the gut can be influenced by other minerals such as Zinc and Iron, causing difficulty in gauging how much copper is actually utilized by the body every day. It is said that the horse uses somewhere between 50-60 mg per day.

Some signs that a horse may be deficient in Copper are discoloration of coat, frizzy mane and tail ends, weak hooves, and worms.

The Dangers of Copper Deficiency for Horses

Causes such as excess iron in horses can lead to deficiencies in zinc and copper. Copper deficiency can cause serious horse health problems and this may lead to weakness of tendons and ligaments, foot, skin, and joint cartilage problems. Also, the presence of a copper deficiency can lead to anemia in horses.

One of the first noticeable signs of copper deficiency will be the discolouration in the coat or fading. The horse may also be lethargic in their work. Therefore, it is important to ensure correct copper levels in horses to ensure proper horse health care.

Copper Deficiency and Hoof Health: Risks and Symptoms

Hoof problems can occur, as they are closely related to the coat. Hooves tend to be weaker, losing shoes and cracked hooves can be a common occurrence. The splitting or cracked hooves can leave the horse more susceptible to contracting white line disease by opportunistic bacteria and thus affect the overall horse's health.

Other common occurrences in the hoof are problems with thrush, as the frog tissue is not in a healthy state. Being weak and soft allows the bacteria to enter. In worst case scenarios, osteoporosis or arthritis can be the result of copper deficiency. In some cases, horses have been diagnosed with fragile bones and deformations.

Foals and other growing horses need sufficient amounts of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper, along with other nutrients, in order to form strong, healthy bones and joints.

The Importance of Copper for Horse's Diet

Copper deficiency can occur due to a lack of copper in the soil, which means the horse is not receiving adequate amounts from the roughage in their diet. A soil test is a good indication of whether or not the soil is lacking in copper.

When supplementing with copper, it is important to consider a multi-vitamin, as copper is involved with other vitamins and minerals. Copper and zinc ratios (Cn:Zn, 1:3) need to be presented correctly. If not correct, an excess of one may inhibit the absorption of the other.

If you have any horse health questions on copper or on horse health products in general, please feel free to use “Ask our Vet” at the bottom of our website. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Related products at PEAK HORSE include COPPERFAST and BIOTIN BOOST for hooves.