Smaller Amounts of Organic Zinc and Copper Are Sufficient for Horses

The importance of zinc and copper is well recognized in the feeding of broodmares and young horses. Copper plays a key role in cartilage formation, and copper deficiency may contribute to developmental orthopedic diseases in young horses. Zinc is essential for the renewal of the skin’s epithelial layer. Using zinc and copper in the correct ratio may help prevent developmental disorders and reduce symptoms of orthopedic diseases, especially in young horses. Recently, new information has emerged about the importance of these trace elements for overall equine well-being, leading to increased attention to adequate zinc and copper intake in adult horses as well.

Benefits of zinc and copper for horses:

1. Antioxidant protection: Both copper and zinc are components of important antioxidant enzymes that protect against premature aging and support healthy tissues and cells. Horses in heavy training produce more harmful oxidants and may benefit from additional antioxidants (1). In one study, Thoroughbreds in intensive training received a zinc- and copper-containing supplement, which improved their antioxidant capacity during the training period (2). Older horses generally have lower antioxidant enzyme activity and may benefit from zinc supplementation.
   
   
2. Hoof health: The correct zinc-to-copper balance supports keratin synthesis, the main protein in hoof material. Keratin contributes to hoof strength. Horses receiving adequate zinc and copper have a lower risk of white line disease (3).
   
   
3. Immune function: Zinc helps immune cells respond to infections. During infection, blood zinc levels decrease as immune cells and the liver utilize it. Temporary drops in blood zinc have been observed in horses with fever and cellulitis (4).
   
   
4. Skin health: Zinc deficiency can cause skin abnormalities such as slow wound healing, often due to impaired immune function. Horses lacking sufficient zinc are more prone to conditions such as mud fever and thrush, especially in wet environments. Adequate zinc supports healthy skin and coat quality and shine.
   
   
5. Insulin levels and sensitivity: Zinc deficiency may lead to reduced insulin levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and increased insulin resistance. Zinc supports insulin secretion from the pancreas and helps regulate blood glucose (5,6). Zinc is often fed to horses with metabolic disorders, as it supports insulin sensitivity and antioxidant status, which are often compromised in horses with EMS or Cushing’s disease.
   
   
6. Joint health: Zinc is required for collagen synthesis. Much of joints and tendons consists of collagen, which is essential for cartilage production. In one study, exercising horses fed organic forms of copper, zinc, cobalt, and manganese showed higher markers of collagen synthesis after 12 weeks compared to horses fed inorganic forms (7). This highlights both the importance of these minerals and the superior bioavailability of organic trace minerals.
   
   
7. Coat quality: Zinc is involved in keratin production, a key protein for coat structure. Horses receiving organic zinc and copper had stronger and more elastic hair fibers than those receiving inorganic forms (8). Zinc also affects coat color through melanin production. A dull or faded coat—especially in chestnut or black horses—may indicate zinc or copper deficiency. For a healthy coat, zinc and copper should be provided in a 4:1 ratio. These minerals are particularly important during seasonal coat changes.
   
   
8. Excess iron intake: Diets high in iron increase the risk of poor hoof quality, liver disease, and insulin resistance. Excess iron interferes with zinc and copper absorption, potentially causing anemia and metabolic issues. Supplementing zinc and copper can help rebalance mineral ratios. Daily requirements: iron ~400 mg, zinc ~500 mg, copper ~125 mg.
   
   
9. Appetite: Zinc deficiency may cause poor appetite, weight loss, and poor growth. Foals with severe zinc deficiency have shown reduced appetite and slow growth (9).

Copper and zinc are lost through sweat—zinc in particularly large amounts. For hard-working, heavily sweating horses, these losses should be replaced to support stamina and performance.

Products:

CDG Zinc & Copper – 31.90 €


CDG Copper – 35.90 €


CDG Zinc – 29.90 €

Sources:

1. Marreiro, DN et al. Zinc and Oxidative Stress: Current Mechanisms. Antioxidants. 2017.
2. De Moffarts, B et al. Effect of oral antioxidant supplementation on blood antioxidant status in trained thoroughbred horses. The Vet J. 2005.
3. Higami, A. Occurence of white line disease in performance horses fed on low-zinc and low-copper diets. J Equine Sci. 1999.
4. Murase, H et al. Serum Zinc Levels and Their Relationship with Diseases in Racehorses. Int Med. 2012.
5. Cruz, KJC et al. The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Insulin Resistance in Obese Subjects: a Systematic Review. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2016.
6. Chausmer, Arthur B. Zinc, Insulin and Diabetes. J Am Col Nutr. 1998.
7. Dickson, Emily C. Effect of Complexed Trace Mineral Supplementation on Joint Health in Young, Exercising Horses. Texas A&M Univ Lib. 2018.
8. Malgorzata, K et al. Effect of diet on mechanical properties of horse’s hair. Acta Bioeng Biomech. 2009.
9. Baltaci, KA and Mogulkoc, R. Leptin and zinc relation: In regulation of food intake and immunity. Ind J Endo Met. 2012.