The use of supplements for animals is not a modern invention. Long before the commercial pet supplement industry existed, humans were already experimenting with diet, herbs and natural remedies to support the health and performance of working animals. Today’s dog supplements and horse supplements are the result of centuries of observation, evolving science and a growing understanding of animal physiology.
Understanding where these supplements came from helps explain why they are now such an important part of modern animal care.
Early Animal Nutrition and Natural Remedies
The earliest use of supplements for animals dates back to ancient civilisations. Horses and dogs were not simply companions, they were vital to survival.
Horses were essential for transport, farming and warfare. Dogs were used for guarding, hunting and herding. Keeping these animals strong, mobile and healthy was critical.
Ancient cultures used natural remedies such as:
Mineral-rich clays
Herbal infusions
Bone broths
Animal fats
Plant extracts
These early supplements were not scientifically measured, but they were based on observation. If a herb reduced stiffness, or a particular feed improved stamina, it was passed down through generations.
The Role of Early Horse Supplement use
Horse supplements have the longest history of structured use. In ancient Greece and Rome, written records describe feeding horses specific grains, oils and herbs to improve strength, endurance and recovery.
Roman cavalry horses were often fed diets enriched with fats and minerals to maintain muscle mass and joint function during long campaigns. In medieval Europe, working horses were given additional feed during winter months to prevent weakness and joint stiffness.
Although these were not supplements in the modern sense, they laid the foundations for today’s horse joint supplements, muscle supplements and performance blends for horses.
Early Dog Nutrition and Functional Feeding
Dogs historically lived on scraps, raw meat and whatever food was available. However, working dogs such as hunting hounds and guard dogs often received special diets.
In ancient China, herbal mixtures were given to dogs believed to improve digestion and longevity. In parts of Europe, dogs used for hunting were fed organ meats and bones to support strength and stamina.
These practices were the early beginnings of functional nutrition for dogs, which would later evolve into supplements for joints, digestion and overall wellbeing.
The Industrial Revolution and Changing Animal Roles
The Industrial Revolution marked a major turning point.
As horses transitioned from agricultural and military use into transport and industry, their workloads became more intense. This led to increased injuries, joint wear and muscle fatigue. Owners began seeking ways to keep horses working longer and recovering faster.
Similarly, dogs began to take on more specialised roles in policing, search and rescue and later, companionship.
This shift created demand for better nutrition and targeted health support.
The Birth of Modern Horse Supplements
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the first commercially produced horse supplements. These were primarily mineral and vitamin blends designed to correct deficiencies caused by changing feed practices.
As horses moved from pasture grazing to stabled living, nutritional imbalances became more common. Supplements containing calcium, phosphorus and salt were introduced to support bone health and hydration.
By the mid-20th century, joint supplements for horses began to emerge. Ingredients such as glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin gained popularity as their role in cartilage support became better understood.
The Rise of Scientific Understanding
The real transformation of both dog supplements and horse supplements came with advances in veterinary science.
Research into animal physiology revealed:
How joints deteriorate over time
The role of inflammation in pain
How nutrients support cartilage repair
The importance of micronutrients
This led to more targeted supplementation rather than general feeding enhancements.
For horses, this meant the development of supplements focused on:
Joint health
Muscle recovery
Digestive support
Hoof strength
Performance and stamina
For dogs, supplements began to address:
Joint mobility
Skin and coat health
Digestive balance
Immune support
Age-related conditions
Companion Animals and the Growth of Dog Supplements
In the second half of the 20th century, dogs increasingly became family members rather than working animals. This emotional shift had a profound impact on the supplement market.
Owners wanted their dogs to live longer, healthier lives. Veterinary care improved, and with dogs living longer, age-related conditions such as arthritis became more common.
This drove demand for dog joint supplements, particularly for older dogs and large breeds.
Supplements such as glucosamine for dogs, omega oils and herbal anti-inflammatories became widely used. Unlike earlier feeding practices, these products were designed with specific dosages and intended outcomes.
Regulation and Quality Control
As the supplement market expanded, regulation became essential.
In the UK and Europe, animal supplements are now subject to feed regulations designed to ensure safety, ingredient transparency and manufacturing standards.
This regulatory framework helped separate high-quality supplements from unproven remedies. It also encouraged manufacturers to invest in research, testing and quality assurance.
As a result, modern horse supplements and dog supplements are far more refined, consistent and effective than their historical counterparts.
The Modern Supplement Industry
Today, the supplement industry for dogs and horses is sophisticated and data-driven.
Modern supplements are formulated using:
Scientific research
Veterinary input
Controlled ingredient sourcing
Palatability testing
Bioavailability studies
For horses, supplements are often tailored to specific disciplines such as dressage, racing, eventing or leisure riding.
For dogs, supplements are increasingly breed-specific, age-specific and condition-specific.
The focus has shifted from reactive treatment to proactive wellbeing and prevention.
The Role of Supplements in Preventative Care
One of the most significant changes in recent decades is the role supplements play in preventative care.
Rather than waiting for joint problems, stiffness or digestive issues to appear, owners now use supplements to support long-term health.
This approach mirrors trends in human nutrition, where supplements are used to maintain wellbeing rather than treat illness alone.
Veterinary professionals now commonly recommend supplements as part of a wider health plan rather than a last resort.
The Influence of Natural and Holistic Trends
Another modern influence is the rise of natural and holistic animal care.
Many dog and horse owners prefer supplements made with natural ingredients, minimal fillers and transparent sourcing. This has driven renewed interest in herbs and compounds that have been used historically, now supported by scientific validation.
Ingredients such as turmeric, green-lipped mussel and boswellia bridge the gap between ancient remedies and modern science.
Looking to the Future
The future of dog supplements and horse supplements is likely to focus on:
Personalised nutrition
DNA-informed supplementation
Improved absorption technology
Sustainability and ethical sourcing
As research continues, supplements will become even more precise, offering targeted support based on individual needs rather than broad categories.
What remains constant is the purpose. From ancient herbal remedies to modern scientifically formulated products, supplements have always existed to support the health, strength and longevity of animals that humans care deeply about.
Final Thoughts
The history of dog supplements and horse supplements is a story of evolution, observation and science. What began as simple feeding adjustments and natural remedies has grown into a refined industry focused on wellbeing, mobility and quality of life.
Understanding this history highlights why supplements play such a vital role today. They are not a passing trend, but the result of centuries of learning, care and commitment to animal health.
As our understanding continues to grow, so too will the ways we support the animals that share our lives.
