Mineral

Sulfur

Mechanism

The horse takes up sulfur very largely in organically bound form via the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine. From cysteine arise the disulfide bridges of keratin that give hoof, coat and mane their strength; sulfur is moreover contained in glutathione, biotin, thiamine and in the sulfur-containing glycosaminoglycans of connective tissue. Since the requirement is met in practice via the protein supply of the ration, feeding focuses more on the supply of high-quality protein or methionine than on giving inorganic sulfur.

Cautions

· Cover requirement via protein/methionine — inorganic sulfur top-ups are rarely necessary
· High doses of elemental sulfur or sulfate can impair trace-element absorption (incl. copper, selenium)
· MSM is an independent organic sulfur compound and no substitute for the amino-acid supply

Sources

NRC 2007NRC — Nutrient Requirements of Horses: Schwefel und schwefelhaltige Aminosäuren

GfE 2014GfE — Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nährstoffversorgung von Pferden: Proteinbewertung

Equiterna Score

86/100

high overall

Science9.3/10

Practical experience9/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosagerequirement met primarily via the sulfur-containing amino acids of the ration; guide value approx. 0.15% S in dry matter (NRC 2007)

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidencestrong

Frequently asked questions

Is Sulfur a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Sulfur as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Sulfur allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Sulfur is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Sulfur?

Stated in the profile: requirement met primarily via the sulfur-containing amino acids of the ration; guide value approx. 0.15% S in dry matter (NRC 2007). This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Sulfur?

The profile cites: NRC 2007 and GfE 2014.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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