Do horses need it?
Mature horses make enough vitamin C for maintenance in the liver, from glucose [1].
When supplements may help
Supplementation may be needed during severe stress such as illness, hospitalisation, long transport or weaning, and for horses with reduced liver function [1].
Stopping supplements
Prolonged supplementation may reduce the horse's own production, so supplements should be tapered off over a week or more [1].
Sources
- 1. Liburt NR (peer reviewed by Boyle AG). Nutritional Requirements of Horses and Other Equids. MSD Veterinary Manual, Professional Version. Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ. Last full review February 2026. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-horses/nutritional-requirements-of-horses (accessed 2026-11-07)
Last edited 7 Nov 2026, 1:48 am