Is copper okay for horses?

[Animal_Lover_2000]

I wouldn't. Although tolerances and requirements vary, too much copper is toxic to any critter.

Okay thank you!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Just curious as to why would you? Did somebody recommend it for some reason? Seems to me like, in cases like that, the best thing to do is say, thanks, that's interesting, I'll check it out. And then ask your veterinarian when you get a chance.

 

[Bunnylady]

Just curious as to why would you?

Apparently, copper is involved in the production of eumelanin (the brown/black pigment); horses that are deficient in it may have a rusty tinge to their black areas, and sun bleach more quickly than horses that have adequate amounts. It's mostly about appearance; folks who show often go to great lengths to make their animals look as good as possible.

There are supplements that may or may not be helpful; they can't turn a genetically brown horse black, for example, or stop sun bleaching entirely. Whether it does any good or not, one advantage of a supplement is that it usually includes instructions as to dosage, which should at least keep things below the level of toxicity.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Apparently, copper is involved in the production of eumelanin (the brown/black pigment); horses that are deficient in it may have a rusty tinge to their black areas, and sun bleach more quickly than horses that have adequate amounts. It's mostly about appearance; folks who show often go to great lengths to make their animals look as good as possible.

There are supplements that may or may not be helpful; they can't turn a genetically brown horse black, for example, or stop sun bleaching entirely. Whether it does any good or not, one advantage of a supplement is that it usually includes instructions as to dosage, which should at least keep things below the level of toxicity.

Thank you.