By Edwin L. Simpson, DVM | January 10, 2026 | Blog
Many horse owners have recently seen articles suggesting that supplements are risky because they are “unregulated” and that manufacturers are “not held accountable.” These statements understandably cause concern. However, they do not reflect how supplements for animals are actually regulated in the United States.
Representatives of the USEF Drugs and Medications Program have stated that supplement manufacturers are essentially operating without oversight. That claim is simply incorrect. In reality, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates animal supplements, animal feed, and animal drugs under federal law. While drugs and supplements follow different approval pathways, both are subject to enforceable manufacturing, labeling, safety, and inspection standards.
In fact, because supplements are classified within animal feed regulations, they fall under one of the most comprehensive preventive-control frameworks in FDA oversight. These rules exist specifically to protect animal health and ensure product integrity.
Below is a comparison between common claims made about supplements and the actual regulatory requirements.
Claim: Supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
Reality: Animal supplements are regulated under FDA regulation 21 CFR Part 507, which establishes mandatory manufacturing, safety, recordkeeping, and preventive-control requirements.
Claim: Only drugs must meet label accuracy standards.
Reality: The FDA requires supplement manufacturers to verify that product contents match label claims through testing and documented quality controls.
Claim: Only drug manufacturers must verify ingredient sourcing.
Reality: Supplement manufacturers must vet and approve their ingredient suppliers, maintain documentation proving supplier compliance, and ensure traceability of all raw materials.
Claim: No one holds supplement manufacturers accountable.
Reality: The FDA conducts unannounced inspections of supplement manufacturing facilities to confirm compliance with federal regulations. Noncompliance can result in warning letters, product seizures, or facility shutdowns.
These are not opinions. They are written federal law. Any horse owner can read them directly in 21 CFR Part 507 (animal food and supplements) and 21 CFR Part 211 (drug manufacturing standards).
So when horse owners are told that supplement manufacturers operate without oversight or accountability, it is fair to ask:
Is this misinformation… or a misunderstanding of the actual regulations?
Either way, horse owners deserve accurate information when making decisions about their animals’ care. Understanding how products are truly regulated allows owners to make informed choices — based on facts, not fear.