Supplements: keeping questions and observations
Keep the product details, the question you want answered and the advice you receive together. Record what was used and what you noticed without deciding that one caused the other.
In brief
- Discuss the reason for using a supplement with your vet or an appropriately qualified equine nutritionist.
- Keep the label, original instructions and any individual advice with their dates.
- Separate recorded use, observations and professional interpretation.
On this page
Start with the question
Write down what prompted you to consider the product and what you want to ask. The British Horse Society recommends seeking guidance from a vet or nutritionist before feeding supplements. British Horse Society: Feeding horses
- What need are we trying to address, and what information would help assess it?
- What evidence is relevant to this product and my horse’s circumstances?
- How does it fit with the existing feed, other supplements and medication?
- What instructions and follow-up, if any, do you recommend?
For joint supplements, UC Davis suggests asking about published clinical trial evidence, clearly listed ingredients, understandable dosing instructions and a lot number for traceability. UC Davis: Supplementing For Joint Health: What the Science Says
Keep the product identifiable
Retain the original packaging or a readable photograph of the label. Keep product information separate from individual advice given for your horse.
- Exact product name and manufacturer.
- Ingredient information and the original directions.
- Batch or lot reference and any expiry or best-before date shown.
- The amount, unit and preparation agreed for your horse.
- Who gave the advice, when they gave it and where the original can be found.
If the label and the individual instructions appear to differ, ask the professional who advised you to clarify them. Keep the clarification with the record.
Record use and observations separately
Instructions describe intended use. If you record an actual feed, note what was offered, the amount and unit, the date and the person who provided the information.
If feed was left, record what is known about it. Do not calculate how much supplement was consumed unless that amount is actually known.
Describe observations with their dates and context. Include who noticed the change and any relevant changes in feed, medication, work, turnout or other care that you know took place.
Keep photographs, measurements and professional findings identifiable. Your description of a change and a professional’s explanation of it are separate parts of the record.
Keep the agreed next step
Take the product information, recorded use and observations to the professional advising you. Record their response and any changes they recommend.
Add a review or end date only when one has been agreed. State which it is, and retain the source of any instruction to continue, change or stop.
If instructions change, date the new version and make it available to the people feeding. Keep earlier versions with the records they relate to.