When would you choose a bone supplement like SmartOsteo Pellets over a joint supplement, or a recovery supplement like SmartFlex Rehab Pellets?

Joint health formulas such as the SmartFlex line, new SmartStride Ultra, and the wide selection of other quality joint supplements available from SmartPak are intended to support the health of articular cartilage and joint fluid, while combating the stiffness and discomfort associated with exercise and aging. Because there is a need for joint support through the horse’s life, you’ll find products for young horses or those in light work, for elite athletes at the top of their careers, and for retired seniors.

SmartFlex Rehab Pellets were specifically developed to support horses recovering from a soft tissue concern and provides an active ingredient profile better suited for the rest and rehab phases of tendon and ligament issues. Because there is some overlap with traditional joint ingredients, there is no need to give both a joint supplement and a recovery supplement at the same time.

SmartOsteo Pellets were designed to support, strong, resilient bone. That makes it ideal for horses coming off stall rest back into work, and a good choice for any horse just starting exercise, increasing its current level of exercise, or engaged in heavy exercise consistently. Because horses in work require healthy joints AND healthy bones, some horses may thrive while receiving both types of products at the same time. If you’re not sure whether one or both of these products would be appropriate for your horse, we’d advise working with your veterinarian to determine the best supplement program for your horse’s individual needs.

About Dr. Lydia Gray

Lydia F. Gray, DVM, MA SmartPak Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director Dr. Lydia Gray has earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), and a Master of Arts focusing on interpersonal and organizational communication. After “retiring” from private practice, she put her experience and education to work as the American Association of Equine Practitioner’s first-ever Director of Owner Education. Dr. Gray continues to provide health and nutrition information to horse owners through her position at SmartPak, through publication in more than a dozen general and trade publications, and through presentations around the country. She is the very proud owner of a Trakehner named Newman that she actively competes with in dressage and combined driving. In addition to memberships in the USDF and USEF, Dr. Gray is also a member of the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association (IDCTA). She is a USDF “L” Program Graduate and is currently working on her Bronze Medal. Find Dr. Gray on Google+