As a horse owner or caretaker, it is important to understand the essential nutrients your horse needs to maintain good health and performance. One of these crucial nutrients is amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. In this article, we will discuss the amino acids essential for horses, their functions, and dietary sources.

Amino acids are essential nutrients required for the growth, repair, and maintenance of all body tissues, including muscles, bones, and organs. There are 20 amino acids that make up proteins, and horses require specific amounts of each to maintain optimal health and performance.

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms. They can be categorized as either essential or non-essential, depending on whether the body can synthesize them on its own or must obtain them from the diet.

Essential amino acids for horses

Horses require eight essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized in their bodies and must be obtained from the diet. These amino acids include:

Lysine

Lysine is an essential amino acid that plays a critical role in muscle growth and repair, immune function, and hormone production. It is particularly important for young horses and those in heavy workloads.

Methionine

Methionine is essential for the synthesis of other amino acids, such as cysteine and taurine. It is also involved in the production of proteins and hormones, as well as hoof and coat health.

Threonine

Threonine is essential for the production of antibodies, enzymes, and muscle tissue. It also aids in the absorption of nutrients and the proper functioning of the immune and nervous systems.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is important for the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety in horses.

Histidine

Histidine is necessary for the production of histamine, which is involved in immune response and wound healing. It also aids in the regulation of blood pressure and the maintenance of pH balance in the body.

Isoleucine

Isoleucine is involved in the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, and energy production in the muscles. It also aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels and the immune system.

Leucine

Leucine is essential for muscle growth and repair, and energy production. It also aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels and the immune system.

Valine

Valine is important for muscle growth and repair, energy production, and the regulation of blood sugar levels.

Non-essential amino acids for horses

Horses can synthesize the following non-essential amino acids in their bodies, but they may still be obtained from the diet. You can get these types of amino acids from supplements like Equinety Horse  XL.

Alanine

Alanine is involved in the metabolism of glucose and the regulation of blood sugar levels. It is also important for energy production and immune function.

Arginine

Arginine plays a critical role in the production of nitric oxide, which helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. It also aids in the removal of ammonia from the body and the synthesis of proteins.

Aspartic acid

Aspartic acid is involved in the synthesis of other amino acids, such as lysine, methionine, and threonine. It also aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels and the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Cysteine

Cysteine is important for the synthesis of proteins and antioxidants, as well as the maintenance of coat and hoof health. It also aids in the detoxification of harmful substances in the body.

Glutamic acid

Glutamic acid is involved in the synthesis of other amino acids and neurotransmitters, as well as the regulation of blood sugar levels and immune function.

Glycine

Glycine is important for the production of collagen, which is essential for the health of bones, joints, and connective tissues. It also aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels and the production of energy.

Proline

Proline is important for the synthesis of collagen and the maintenance of skin, cartilage, and bone health. It also aids in the production of energy and the proper functioning of the immune system.

Serine

Serine is involved in the synthesis of proteins and neurotransmitters, as well as the maintenance of muscle and nerve tissue. It also aids in the proper functioning of the immune system.