Body & Build Supplement

Whey protein is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids required for muscle maintenance and development. In horses, adequate amino acid supply is crucial, as essential amino acids such as lysine play a key role in supporting muscle protein synthesis.

During training and exercise, muscle tissue is continuously broken down and rebuilt. Providing high-quality, easily available protein supports this natural process and contributes to maintaining muscle condition and recovery in sport and performance horses.

In addition to muscle support, sufficient protein intake contributes to overall body condition and helps maintain strength and physical resilience, particularly in horses with increased workload or specific nutritional demands.

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a nutrient-rich microalgae known for its high protein content and abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant pigments. It contains essential amino acids as well as bioactive compounds such as phycocyanin and beta-carotene. 

These pigments have been widely studied for their antioxidant properties and their role in supporting healthy tissues and cellular protection. Antioxidants help maintain normal skin integrity and support hair follicle health, both important factors for a healthy coat (Aksoy, 2024). 

Because skin and coat condition often reflect overall nutritional balance, spirulina is sometimes included in pet nutrition as a natural source of protein, micronutrients, and antioxidant compounds that contribute to overall vitality (Cabrita, 2025).

Tribulus is used to support muscle development and overall performance, especially in horses in trainingthisis an interesting ingredient. It is valued for naturally occurring plant compounds (including steroidal saponins) that are traditionally linked to supporting normal hormone balance and recovery. For best results, it works as part of the basics: enough high-quality protein, correct training, and adequate rest. Singh et al., 1967

Magnesium glycinate is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium in which magnesium is bound to the amino acid glycine. This form is well absorbed and gentle on the digestive system, making it suitable for regular use in nutritional formulations.

Magnesium plays an important role in muscle function by helping regulate contraction and relaxation. Adequate magnesium intake supports normal muscle relaxation, which is important for both physical comfort and smooth movement.

In addition, magnesium contributes to normal nervous system function. The presence of glycine, an amino acid involved in inhibitory neurotransmission, further supports a calming effect by helping maintain balanced nerve signaling.

Because of its role in both muscle and nerve function, magnesium glycinate is commonly included in formulations aimed at supporting relaxation, reducing tension, and maintaining overall mobility and comfort in dogs (Boomsma, 2008; Noah, 2021; Wienecke, 2016).

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in energy metabolism and cellular function. It participates in enzymatic reactions involved in DNA synthesis and the formation of red blood cells, which are important for oxygen transport and overall vitality.

Vitamin B12 works closely together with folate in one-carbon metabolism, a pathway involved in the synthesis van nucleic acids and other essential biological molecules. These processes support cellular growth, tissue maintenance, and overall metabolic balance.

In addition, vitamin B12 contributes to normal nervous system function and is involved in pathways linked to mood regulation. Research shows that low vitamin B12 levels are associated with changes in mood and increased signs of stress-related conditions such as anxiety and depression. Maintaining adequate levels therefore supports overall mental balance and resilience (Todorov et al., 2017 ; Stover, 2004; Curely, 2025).

Vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopherol) is an essential fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative stress. Because these membranes are rich in fatty acids, they are particularly sensitive to oxidative damage, making antioxidant protection important for normal cellular function (ScienceDirect, 2014).

Vitamin E plays an important role in maintaining muscle cell integrity and supports normal nerve function. It also contributes to immune function and helps maintain healthy tissues such as skin and coat (Fagan, 2018).

Horses naturally obtain vitamin E from fresh grass, but intake can be limited when pasture access is restricted, making additional supply relevant (University of California, 2019).

Vitamin E can occur in different forms (tocopherols), each with specific antioxidant properties. A combination of these forms provides broader antioxidant support compared to a single form alone. As a fat-soluble vitamin, delivering vitamin E in an oil-based form supports its natural absorption (Quigley, 2021).

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an important antioxidant involved in many metabolic processes in the body. It helps neutralize reactive oxygen species and supports the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress, which can increase during exercise, growth, and other physiologically demanding periods (Garcia, 2022).

Vitamin C also plays a key role in collagen synthesis, a process essential for the formation and maintenance of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and skin. These tissues are important for movement, flexibility, and overall structural support.

Because of its combined role in antioxidant defense and connective tissue metabolism, vitamin C contributes to maintaining normal mobility, recovery, and overall physiological balance in horses (Curely, 2025).

Brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a functional yeast ingredient naturally rich in nutrients and yeast-derived compounds such as beta-glucans, mannan-oligosaccharides, and fermentation metabolites. These components are studied for their role in supporting digestive health, immune function, and overall wellbeing in dogs.

In canine studies, Saccharomyces cerevisiae products have been shown to positively influence the gut microbiota, including increased beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, while also supporting immune markers and normal inflammatory balance.

Research in dogs also links Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products to skin and coat support, including effects on skin sebum, antioxidant status, and immune responses. This makes brewer’s yeast especially relevant in formulations aimed at supporting gut health, skin resilience, and coat quality (Jouany et al., 2009; Davenport, 2023; Lin, 2019; Wilson, 2022).

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient involved in DNA synthesis and cellular division. These biological processes are particularly important during periods of rapid cell growth, such as reproduction and fetal development.

Folate participates in one-carbon metabolism together with nutrients such as vitamin B12 and choline. These metabolic pathways are involved in the synthesis of nucleic acids and amino acids and contribute to normal cellular growth and tissue formation. The Journal of Nutrition

Because of its role in cell division and development, folic acid is commonly included in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting reproductive physiology and healthy development during pregnancy.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism. These minerals are important for maintaining normal bone formation and overall structural support.

Beyond its role in mineral metabolism, vitamin D3 also contributes to immune system regulation. Immune cells contain vitamin D receptors, and adequate vitamin D levels support normal immune responses and physiological balance.

Vitamin D is also involved in cellular growth and differentiation, including in tissues such as the skin. These processes contribute to maintaining skin integrity and overall tissue health.

Because of its role in immune function, skin health, and metabolic balance, vitamin D3 is commonly included in nutritional formulations designed to support overall wellbeing and resilience in dogs (Chrobak-Chmiel, 2023; Dogru, 2017; Hattangdi-Haridas, 2019; Mostafa, 2015).

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in amino acid metabolism and numerous enzymatic reactions in the body. It functions as a cofactor for enzymes involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, supporting overall energy and nutrient utilization.

Vitamin B6 also contributes to the normal function of the nervous system by participating in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These compounds are involved in mood regulation, behavior, and the body’s response to stress, making vitamin B6 relevant in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting calm and balanced behavior.

In addition, vitamin B6 supports immune function and contributes to normal metabolic activity in rapidly renewing tissues such as skin. A well-functioning immune system and healthy skin are important for overall resilience and wellbeing.

Because of its combined role in metabolism, nervous system function, and immune support, vitamin B6 is commonly included in formulations aimed at supporting both emotional balance and overall health in dogs (Curely, 2025).

L-glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that plays an important role in cellular metabolism and tissue maintenance. It is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body and serves as a key fuel source for rapidly dividing cells, including intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells.

In muscle tissue, glutamine participates in nitrogen transport and amino acid metabolism, processes that are involved in muscle protein turnover and recovery following physical activity. Because of this role in cellular metabolism, glutamine is commonly studied in relation to exercise, recovery, and metabolic support.

Glutamine also contributes to maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier, as intestinal cells rely on it as an energy source. For this reason, it is often included in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting both digestive health and overall physiological resilience (M. I. Lindinger, 2020).

Rice bran is the nutrient-rich outer layer of the rice grain (Oryza sativa) that remains after milling. It is valued in equine nutrition for its high energy density, as it naturally contains beneficial fats, fiber, and bioactive compounds. These nutrients provide a concentrated energy source that can help support body condition and performance in horses with higher energy demands.

The fat content of rice bran supplies calories without relying heavily on starch, which can be beneficial in feeding strategies aimed at supporting steady energy availability during training and work. In addition to energy, rice bran also contains natural antioxidants such as gamma-oryzanol and vitamin E, compounds that have been studied for their role in supporting muscle metabolism and recovery after exercise (ScienceDirect, Ryan, E.P., 2011).

Because of its combination of digestible energy, antioxidants, and nutrients, rice bran is commonly included in equine diets designed to support muscle condition, weight maintenance, and overall performance in sport horses and animals with increased metabolic demands.

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin involved in many metabolic processes in the body. It is a key component of coenzyme A, which plays an essential role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, supporting normal energy production.

Through its role in metabolism, vitamin B5 contributes to maintaining muscle function and overall physical performance, which is particularly relevant in animals with increased activity levels.

Vitamin B5 also supports the maintenance of healthy skin and contributes to normal cellular renewal in tissues such as the skin and the digestive tract. These processes are important for maintaining skin condition, gut integrity, and overall wellbeing (Kobayashi, 2011).

In addition, pantothenic acid plays a role in maintaining normal physiological balance and supports processes involved in immune function (Curely, 2025).

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound that plays an important role in several physiological processes in the body. Sulfur is a key building block of amino acids and structural proteins such as keratin and collagen, which contribute to the strength and integrity of connective tissues including hooves, joints, skin, and tendons.

Through this structural role, MSM supports tissue quality and resilience, which is relevant for maintaining strong hooves and healthy joints, especially in horses exposed to physical stress or metabolic challenges.

In addition, sulfur is involved in metabolic pathways linked to the body’s antioxidant systems. These pathways support the processing of metabolic by-products and contribute to maintaining normal cellular balance. This makes MSM relevant in nutritional strategies aimed at supporting liver function, digestion, and overall metabolic stability.

Because of its dual role in both structural support and metabolic processes, MSM contributes to maintaining connective tissue health, digestive balance, and overall physiological resilience (Jiao et al., 2025; Marañón et al., 2008; Kalman, 2012).

Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions throughout the body. It plays a key role in cellular metabolism, immune function, and tissue maintenance.

In the skin, zinc contributes to normal cell turnover and supports the structural integrity of skin tissues. Adequate zinc intake is therefore important for maintaining healthy skin and coat condition.(Schwartz et. al., 2006; Glutsch et. al., 2019).

Zinc is also involved in immune system activity and antioxidant defense mechanisms that help protect tissues from oxidative stress. Because of these roles, zinc is commonly included in pet nutrition to support immune balance, skin health, and overall physiological function (Animals, 2021).