NuVena - Chela Zinc 200g

Zinc for Horses – Vital Support for Immunity, Skin, Joints, and Hooves

Zinc is an essential trace element, and its deficiency is one of the most common mineral imbalances in horses. This is largely due to the naturally low zinc content in soils, especially in regions where forage is grown.

Another key factor is the high iron content found in many diets—whether from natural sources like beet pulp or added to commercial feeds. Excess iron interferes with zinc absorption, often leading to functional deficiency.

Zinc itself plays a regulatory role in the absorption of copper, and its balance is closely linked with manganese, sulfur, and selenium. Because of these complex nutrient interactions, it’s not only essential to supply adequate zinc but also to maintain correct ratios among all minerals.

This principle is known as proper dietary balance.

Why is zinc important?

Zinc plays a fundamental role in:

• Protein synthesis, including the formation of connective tissue, keratin (for skin, coat, and hooves), and cartilage

• The production of key hormones, particularly testosterone

• Supporting and strengthening the immune system

• Improving the condition of skin, hooves, mucous membranes, and overall tissue repair

• Enzyme activation, including antioxidant defenses

• Enhancing muscle function and physical performance

• Supporting reproductive health in mares by regulating sex hormone activity

• Promoting bone and cartilage development, critical for growing foals

• Regulating insulin sensitivity and helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels

Our zinc: Highly bioavailable amino acid chelate

The zinc we offer comes in the form of an amino acid chelate. A chelate is a stable organic compound, formed by binding a zinc ion to an amino acid through a process called complexometry.

This structure dramatically enhances bioavailability, meaning better absorption and effectiveness in the body. Chelates also remain stable across all pH levels in the digestive tract, making them a reliable and efficient choice for supplementation.

When to supplement zinc:

• Confirmed zinc deficiency in blood, hair, or hoof analysis

• Iron-rich diets (e.g. beet pulp, high-iron forage or feed)

• As part of a balanced full-ration feed

• Horses with degenerative joint disease or joint stress

• Compromised immune function

• During wound healing or recovery from injuries

• Horses with respiratory issues (e.g. RAO exacerbations)

• Hoof problems: frog rot, soft soles, cracks, or poor horn quality

Symptoms and consequences of zinc deficiency:

• Skin conditions, scabs, or inflammation of hair follicles

• Brittle, cracked hooves, soft soles, and frog rot

• Degeneration of cartilage, osteochondrosis, spavin, or navicular syndrome

• Reduced immunity, slower recovery from infections

• Muscle weakness, poor focus, and cognitive decline

• Foals: poor growth, tendon contractures, joint deformities, and fragile skin

• Reduced appetite