4-In-1 H/A (Pellets)

Glucosamine is the building block of chondroitin sulfate, a specific type of polysulfide glycosaminoglycan (GAG), a small but complex molecule that plays an important role in the production and protection of joints. Glucosamine plays multiple roles within joint function and health. It helps increase the production of new GAGs and therefore new cartilage, has also been shown to help inhibit free radicals and enzymes that break down cartilage. 

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) helps support healthy cartilage and joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid is what makes joint fluid "sticky" because it is known to protect cells in the joint, HA is especially useful during periods of high-level joint stress.

MSM: (Methylsulfonylmethane) Assists body to produce its own internal antioxidants which helps support natural inflammatory response by providing protection against oxidative stress. It is a great source of sulfur, which plays an important role in maintaining the health of collagen, cartilage, hooves, hair and joint fluid.

Chondroitin Sulfate works synergistically with glucosamine in the production of new cartilage and inhibits the effects of various enzymes that breakdown cartilage. It also helps to support a natural inflammatory response lending to overall joint health and comfort.

Biotin is a member of the B vitamins family and, like some other vitamins, is a coenzyme for several metabolic pathways. It is involved in glucose metabolism, growth and utilization of niacin. Biotin helps aid in the growth of strong, healthy hooves due to its role in collagen formation. A number of research studies show that long-term, daily supplementation of 10-30 mg of biotin daily may help improve growth rate and hardness of hooves, especially in horses with less than optimum quality hoof horn (soft, brittle, chipped).

Yucca is an herb native to North and Central America used by ancient and modern civilizations to address musculoskeletal discomfort. Active ingredients have been isolated from Yucca that have shown to have antioxidant properties to help support natural inflammatory response.

Linolenic Acid (Omega-3): Omega-3s play an important role in supporting immune health, skin/coat health and in helping to support a healthy response to inflammation throughout the body.  To help modify the inflammatory response of a horse’s body to stimuli like exercise, the Omega 3 to 6 ratio needs to be kept in balance. Diets that contain a lot of grain or high Omega 6 oils like corn or sunflower oil may cause your horse’s diet to contain more Omega 6 than Omega 3 fatty acids. The ideal ratio of omega 3s to omega 6s has not been formally established. It makes sense, however, to strive toward the ratio that naturally exists in grasses: three to four times more Omega 3 than Omega 6.

Linolenic Acid (Omega-6): Omega-6s are fatty acids that are responsible for the inflammation and immune responses in the body which are necessary to support injury recovery and combat infections. Omega 6 is just as important in the diet as Omega 3, they just need to be kept in balance with one another to support a healthy inflammation response. 

Calcium ascorbate (Vit C)  Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the tissues of the body and also important in the production of connective tissues like tendons and ligaments. 

Zinc (Zn) is a micromineral involved in over 100 enzyme systems ranging from support of connective tissue formation and antioxidants to carbohydrate metabolism and immune system function. It is most recognized for its role in healthy skin and hooves.

Manganese is a micromineral that aids in bone formation, growth and reproduction. It also supports carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Supplementation should be considered because not all diets provide the same levels of manganese. It plays an important role in young growing horses as well as active performance horses.

Methionine is an amino acid that must be provided in the diet since the body cannot create enough of its own. This means if it is not present in adequate amounts it limits the body's ability to make protein. Methionine can be converted by the body into another sulfur-containing amino acid, cysteine. Because the concentration of both these amino acids is highest in hoof and hair, methionine is often included in hoof health supplements. 

Lysine is an amino acid and the only one for which a requirement in the horse has been established by the NRC and used for the biosynthesis of proteins. This amino acid is often the key to improving protein availability and healthy muscle function.

The Vitamin B family is made up of several compounds that support many important roles in the body: protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism; energy production; proper nerve cell transmission, reproduction, and division (especially rapidly dividing ones such as red blood cells). B vitamins include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12), choline, biotin, inositol and others are sometimes referred to as B-vitamins. For most of the B-vitamins, microorganisms in the large intestine make all the horse needs. Only thiamine and riboflavin have NRC dietary requirements. However, research suggests B-vitamin supplementation may be beneficial to horses with little access to fresh pasture and/or during any periods of stress (training, injury, travel, etc.)

Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) that help promote healthy digestive function and support a healthy immune system. Often referred to as ‘good bugs’ they help break down ingredients/contents that the body normally can't, and help inhibit ‘bad bugs’ from growing.

Is the loading dose mandatory?

MVP: The loading dose for this supplement is not required, and you may certainly start with the regular maintenance dose.

I see information regarding the ingredients but have there been any independent lab tests done to verify that the ingredients quantities match the label?

MVP: As a founding member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), our manufacturing facility adheres to strict manufacturing guidelines by following GMPs (Good Manufacturing Processes) and FDA procedures to ensure quality and consistency of products. We implement a variety of quality assurance practices starting from development all the way through every order that leaves our facility to support the quality and accuracy of products. All raw materials must be approved for use according to quality assurance and inspection processes. We also utilize a variety of laboratory analyses to assess the potency and purity of raw materials.