Platinum Performance Review: Are Platinum Horse Supplements Worth It?

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Platinum Performance is a staple in the feed rooms of competition barns and boarding facilities throughout the country. The company sponsors top riders in just about every discipline, and sometimes it seems like every vet you meet wants your horse on these supplements.

After trying countless popular equine supplements during my time as a former working student, groom, and barn manager, I eventually realized why trainers and vets turned to Platinum again and again. However, I’ve also found more affordable alternatives that can provide similar support.

Since then, I've frequently used Platinum Performance products as part of my horse's supplement program. Keep reading to learn more about my experience with Platinum and the reasons behind its impressive reputation.

My Experience With Platinum Performance

Before I had a horse of my own, I was skeptical of any supplement with a hefty price tag and even heftier claims. However, that viewpoint started to shift when I began working in the high-performance barn of a Platinum dressage rider.

Nearly every horse in the barn had a Platinum PAK. And you could tell which ones didn't. Even though all the horses ate a balanced, forage-based diet with premium hay and feed, Platinum's foundation formulas added that extra bloom and made the horses shine.

Platinum and My Horse

When I bought my young horse as a foal, I immediately ordered a Platinum PAK for him. While I was impressed by the effects I saw in the client horses I worked with, I also chose Platinum for the convenience of shipping the pre-portioned PAKs directly to the breeder's out-of-state barn.

Four years later, my horse has grown up on Platinum. He's also an agent of chaos who likes to find creative ways to injure himself in the field, so our veterinarian frequently recommends new Platinum products to support his recovery and rehabilitation.

Do Platinum Supplements Work?

Admittedly, I have occasionally taken him off Platinum to ensure I wasn't wasting money on supplements that didn't work. His coat dulled every time, and I noticed increased stiffness if I removed his joint supplements during periods of training or injury rehabilitation.

Clearly, they were doing something. But I wanted to find out why. So I started researching the science behind platinum products to discover how they work and why this equine supplement company has a reputation as one of the best in the industry.

The Platinum shine.

About Platinum Performance Horse Supplements

Established in 1996 by an equine veterinarian, Platinum Performance revolutionized therapeutic nutrition as a way to support equine health and performance. What began as an effort to help equine patients in a single veterinary practice ultimately grew into one of the world's most popular equine supplement companies.

Where to Buy Platinum Performance

Today, the company has a long-standing reputation for extensively researched and premium quality products supported by an impressive customer service team of knowledgeable advisors.

Platinum helps maintain that reputation by only offering its products directly to consumers on its website or through a referring veterinarian.

While I have experienced delays in shipping from Platinum due to ongoing supply chain issues, their team has always gone above and beyond to make it right, often upgrading my packages to overnight air for free.

Platinum Performance Benefits

The cornerstone of Platinum Performance's equine nutrition philosophy is foundational formulas that complement a forage-based diet with omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Similar feeding programs have gained popularity recently as more horse owners turn away from concentrates and towards a more natural equine diet.

In addition to the foundational formulas, the Platinum line also includes targeted supplements designed to address specific concerns in individual horses.

Customers can easily create a unique supplement program for their horse by adding supplements to a Platinum PAK, a personalized subscription of pre-measured daily doses sent every 28 or 56 days.

I love the convenience of Platinum Paks. As a former working student, I'm happy to do anything I can to make the barn staff's lives easier while ensuring my horse always gets what he needs.

The wide variety of formulas available can be overwhelming, so I've always relied on the advice of my veterinarian to determine which supplements could be the best fit for my horse. Platinum Advisors are also helpful in deciding what to order, and they've always offered thoughtful answers to any questions I may have about the products.

Platinum Horse Supplement Cost

These premium products do come at a premium price, though. And unlike other supplement companies, Platinum does not offer free shipping or frequent sales. On the other hand, their products cost virtually the same in buckets or packaged in Platinum PAKs. But are Platinum horse supplements really worth it?

Platinum Performance Foundation Formulas

If you want to try Platinum Performance, I recommend starting with one of their foundation formulas: Platinum Performance Equine, Platinum Performance CJ, and Platinum Performance GI. But remember to always consult your vet before changing your horse's diet.

Full disclosure, my horse also gets other supplements from different brands based on what works best for him. Here’s my review of the Platinum foundation formulas and my favorite alternatives to help you find what’s best for your horse.

Platinum Performance Equine Review

Platinum Performance Equine is Platinum's original equine wellness and performance formula. CJ and GI are based on this original recipe but contain additional targeted ingredients that make them more expensive. However, if your horse doesn't need additional joint or gastrointestinal support, Platinum Equine can be an excellent multipurpose equine supplement.

The first five ingredients in this formula are Flax Seed, Flax Oil, Rice Bran, Low Lactose Whey Protein Concentrate, and Sunflower Seed. These ingredients provide the additional fats and protein likely responsible for the improved body condition often noticed by horse owners.

Flaxseed and flax oil are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties and support coat, skin, and joint health. [1] But that doesn't mean that this formula is just overpriced flax. The recipe also includes sources of omega-6 fatty acids in a healthy ratio of 12g of omega-3 and 6g of omega-6 in every 132g serving.

The whey protein concentrate provides a broad spectrum of amino acids that may be deficient in your horse's diet. These amino acids are vital for muscle and hoof health.

However, this supplement may not provide enough of the essential amino acids lysine, methionine, and threonine if your horse eats a low-protein diet and needs targeted muscle-building support. [2]

Platinum Performance Equine isn't a ration balancer. It does not provide significant levels of major minerals like calcium and phosphorus, but these minerals are often abundant in forage.

While the phosphorus-to-calcium ratio is inverted, the minimal amount shouldn't impact the balance in the overall diet of most horses. [3] But if your forage is low in magnesium, you may want to supplement the mineral separately. And always ensure your horse has free choice access to salt for sodium.

The formula does, however, provide some meaningful amounts of trace minerals, including 1,716mg of silicon. This often overlooked mineral is vital for bone and soft tissue health. [4]

The 300mg iron content may concern some owners if their forage already has elevated iron levels, but many supplements contain iron without including it in their guaranteed analysis. If you're worried about iron overload, adding additional copper and zinc can help maintain balanced mineral ratios.

Vitamins in this formula include Vitamin A, D, E, and several B vitamins, including 2.5 mg of Biotin. However, if your horse doesn't get significant amounts of the antioxidant Vitamin E in his diet, the 620IU may not be adequate. And if you have specific hoof concerns, consider using a supplement with at least 20mg of biotin, like Platinum Hoof Support.

Other interesting ingredients include aloe vera, l-carnitine tartrate, and 850mg of glucosamine. Glucosamine is chondroprotective, but you should opt for the CJ if your horse needs joint support. Aloe vera may help soothe the digestive tract, and l-carnitine may support performance and recovery by inhibiting lactic acid build-up. [5]

I didn't find wheat, soy, or corn on their ingredient list. However, they still use a small amount of molasses to make the taste more appealing. A half-cup serving twice a day can seem like a lot of powder, but I find most horses readily eat it mixed with their food, and I appreciate that Platinum doesn't process its formulas to make them pellets.

There's a lot of good stuff in the Platinum Performance Equine that could benefit your horse, and it's probably one of Platinum's most studied formulas. It's not a perfect all-in-one solution, but it can be a valuable multipurpose supplement for simple, proven overall wellness support to add to a balanced diet.

Vitamin and Mineral Balancers

Platinum Performance Equine is an excellent multipurpose supplement, but it’s not a ration balancer and may not produce the results you want if your horse doesn’t have a balanced diet.

You should work with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to determine if your horse’s diet has gaps. FeedXL is an awesome tool for analyzing equine diets and finding these gaps. If you don’t currently feed a balancer, chances are there might be a few.

I feed a forage-based diet without any commercial grain. I use a vitamin and mineral balancer and supplement as necessary to fill nutritional gaps and provide extra support where my horse needs it.

My favorite vitamin and mineral balancer is Omneity by Mad Barn, but the best balancer for your horse will depend on his diet and nutritional needs. Mad Barn also offers a comprehensive balancer formula for metabolic horses called AminoTrace+.

Platinum Performance GI Review

Platinum Performance GI contains all the same ingredients as Platinum Performance Equine, with the added benefits of targeted digestive support. This formula is the best choice for horses that struggle with gastrointestinal issues, and it was the first formula I started my young horse on as a foal.

The Platinum Advisors recommended Platinum GI to support his digestive health and optimal nutrient absorption while he was growing. He ate a balanced diet fortified with a vitamin and mineral balancer, but I wanted to ensure he could efficiently digest everything he needed.

This formula provides prebiotics like mannan oligosaccharides that help nourish the good bacteria in his hindgut responsible for digesting fiber. 20-80 Billion CFU of probiotics also aid digestion and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. [6]

While the original formula already contains 1,785mg of L-glutamine to support intestinal lining, the GI formula offers 3,785mg of the amino acid for optimal lining repair and reduced intestinal permeability. [7]

Additional gastrointestinal support comes from Bio-Sponge, Platinum's popular gastrointestinal supplement for supporting horses with loose stool. Bio-Sponge has an absorption effect on the digestive system, and I've had very positive experiences using the product by itself for horses with acute diarrhea.

Platinum Performance GI is a similar price to other popular digestive products that don't offer additional benefits, so it's a smart choice for owners who want an overall wellness supplement and extra gastrointestinal support.

Platinum GI Alternatives

Platinum Performance GI helped support overall wellness and gut health while my horse was growing. However, different digestive supplements have varying benefits for different horses.

My horse also responded well to SUCCEED and Mad Barn’s Visceral+, which provided extra support for his GI tract after he finished treatment for hindgut issues.

Remember, supplements can’t cure existing gastrointestinal diseases, so work with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment program if you suspect your horse has ulcers.

Platinum Performance CJ Review

Platinum Performance CJ is my favorite foundation formula from Platinum. I switched my horse from GI to CJ when he started training for his riding career. The supplement has been vital to his therapeutic nutrition program while recovering from a soft tissue injury.

CJ does seem to taste worse than the other formulas, but Platinum offers multiple flavors for owners to try.

I know some horse owners doubt oral joint supplements can make a difference. Still, my veterinarian convinced me that this research-backed supplement could significantly benefit my injury-prone and big-moving young horse.

CJ contains 10x more glucosamine sulfate than the basic wellness formula at 8,820mg. Additional joint support comes from 8,200mg of MSM, which provides a key component of joint cartilage and other connective tissue. [8]

The formula also provides 2,000mg of Avocado/Soy Unsaponifiables, or ASU. CJ is the only multipurpose equine supplement with ASU, which has a demonstrated ability to help protect cartilage and joint function. [9]

Other chondroprotective ingredients include Boswellia serrata extract and cetyl myristoleate, which both have anti-inflammatory properties. [10] And lastly, 90mg of hyaluronic acid, a component of synovial fluid that promotes healthy joint lubrication. [11]

Every competition horse in my trainer's barn is still on this product. My confidence in my veterinarian's recommendation and the research behind the product makes this supplement my favorite foundation formula for horses during training and rehabilitation.

I currently alternate between Platinum Performance CJ and Cosequin ASU Plus for my horse’s joint support depending on the other supplements my horse is getting.

Platinum Performance CJ vs. Cosequin ASU

I've only heard vets recommend two oral joint supplements, Platinum CJ and Cosequin ASU. Both have similar ingredients, but CJ offers higher concentrations in each recommended maintenance dose. And while CJ is more expensive, it provides more benefits than just joint support.

Cosequin ASU Plus may be a better option if you are shopping for a joint supplement and don’t need additional benefits. Like Platinum, Cosequin is one of the few equine supplement companies that has performed peer-reviewed research on their products to support their efficacy.

I successfully used Cosequin ASU Plus as part of my former older Grand Prix horse’s joint management program alongside Adequan, Legend, and joint injections when recommended by my veterinarian. While oral joint supplements can be a valuable addition to your horse’s feed program, they can’t replace veterinary maintenance.

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The Verdict: Platinum Performance Equine Review

Platinum Performance has a reputation as a leader in the equine supplement industry for a reason. While I also use other brands, Platinum is a regular part of my feed and supplement program.

After following the recommendations of countless vets, trainers, and fellow riders, I've witnessed the benefits of Platinum products firsthand. However, their supplements can be expensive, and there are often more affordable alternatives available.

But if you're looking for a proven foundational equine supplement backed by extensive research, Platinum Performance is a good place to start. Learn more about Platinum Performance here.

References

1. Sembratowicz, I. et al. Effect of Dietary Flaxseed Oil Supplementation on the Redox Status, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Horses’ Blood. Animals. 2020.

2. Hee Mok, C. et al. Amino acid requirements in horses. Asian-Austalas J Anim Sci. 2020.

3. Schryver, H. et al. Calcium and phosphorus in the nutrition of the horse. Cornell Vet. 1974.

4. O’Connor, C. et al. Mineral balance in horses fed two supplemental silicon sources. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr. 2008.

5. Zeyner, A. et al. Metabolic functions of L-carnitine and its effects as feed additive in horses. A review. Arch Tierernahr. 1999.

6. Schoster, A. Probiotic Use in Horses – What is the Evidence for Their Clinical Efficacy? J Vet Intern Med. 2014.

7. Kim, M. et al. The Roles of Glutamine in the Intestine and Its Implication in Intestinal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2017.

8. Butawan, M. et al. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients. 2017.

9. Heinecke, L. et al. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production in chondrocytes by avocado soybean unsaponifiables and epigallocatechin gallate. Osteoarthrit Cartil. 2010.

10. Ameye, L. et al. Osteoarthritis and nutrition. From nutraceuticals to functional foods: a systematic review of the scientific evidence. Arthrit Res Therap. 2006.

11. Neuenschwander, H. et al. Hyaluronic acid has chondroprotective and joint-preserving effects on LPS-induced synovitis in horses. J Vet Sci. 2019