TendiFlex vs Multibone vs Collageen – What does your horse need?

Are you looking for support for your horse's bones, joints, tendons, and/or ligaments, but unsure whether TendiFlex, Multibone, or Collageen is best for your situation? Then read on...

In this blog post, we'll explain the differences between Duval TendiFlex and Duval Multibone. We'll also explain the importance of collagen (the main ingredient in TendiFlex) and when you might choose to supplement solely with Duval Collagen.

The first difference between the two products lies in the ingredients. TendiFlex contains collagen, turmeric, vitamin C, MSM, green-lipped mussel, lithothamnium, and anise. Multibone, on the other hand, contains oyster flour, turmeric, MSM, and green-lipped mussel.

The overlapping ingredients in Duval TendiFlex and Duval Multibone

Although both products differ from each other and have different effects, there are also overlapping ingredients listed above. Turmeric is found in both products and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. MSM and green-lipped mussel are also found in both products. MSM is an important building block for the quality and elasticity of connective tissue and cartilage. Green-lipped mussel is a natural source of glycosaminoglycans (glucosamine and chondroitin), which are used for the prevention and treatment of joints. These three ingredients are therefore included in both Duval TendiFlex and Duval Multibone.

The different ingredients in Duval TendiFlex and Duval Multibone

However, there are also differences in the ingredients between these two products. This difference in ingredients also translates into the difference in effectiveness of the products. Each ingredient has its own specific effect. For example, oyster flour, incorporated in Multibone, contains a lot of easily absorbable calcium, which in turn supports the maintenance of strong bones. Collagen, incorporated in TendiFlex, is a key ingredient for the production of new connective tissue and the strength and elasticity of tendons and ligaments. This is especially important for sensitive tendons, as tendon tissue consists of 90% collagen. Vitamin C has also been added to TendiFlex. Vitamin C enhances the function of collagen and stimulates the body's own collagen production. Finally, anise has been added to TendiFlex to neutralize the odor and for a gentler effect on the stomach, optimizing the absorption of the ingredients. TendiFlex is available in a highly concentrated powder and an easy-to-feed pellet form.

Duval Multibone for the bones and joints

The difference in ingredients also means that both products work differently. Duval Multibone, for example, focuses on bones and joints. This product is suitable for older horses to maintain healthy bones and supple joints, but it also has the same effect on younger horses. We often recommend this product for horses competing in sports to prevent (over)exertion, for young growing horses, and also for older horses with age-related ailments and/or wear and tear. Multibone can be seen as a support for the entire musculoskeletal system, with a particular focus on the harder structures.

Duval TendiFlex for tendons, ligaments and cartilage

While Duval Multibone supports the entire musculoskeletal system, Duval TendiFlex focuses on the tendons, ligaments, synovium, and cartilage—in short, the softer structures. TendiFlex stimulates the production of new connective tissue. This product can be used for both acute and preventative treatment. We also recommend this product during periods when the tendons, ligaments, and joints are under heavy strain. TendiFlex is a very powerful formula that is versatile.

The differences in a row

Now that we've explained how both products work, we can outline the differences. The biggest difference lies in the ingredients, and therefore the effectiveness of the product. Multibone is designed for the horse's bones and joints, while TendiFlex is designed for the horse's softer tissues, namely the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. We also often recommend Multibone as a preventative measure for horses in competition, older horses with wear and tear, or young, growing horses that are subject to higher demands, for example. We recommend TendiFlex for horses with sensitive tendons or overload, and to support them during intensive training. We only recommend TendiFlex as a preventative measure for horses requiring top performance, or for horses recovering from or more sensitive to such overload.

The effect of Collagen

As mentioned earlier, collagen is the main ingredient in TendiFlex, but we also offer it separately on our website. We do this because some horses (fortunately) have nothing wrong with them yet, but you'd still like to give them something extra for their tendons, ligaments, skin, or hooves. Collagen is found in many structures throughout the body. As mentioned earlier, tendons and ligaments, as well as skin, hooves, and even blood vessels, are made up of collagen. Just like humans, horses produce less collagen once they reach adulthood, around the age of 8. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is essential for the structure and strength of connective tissues, such as bone, skin, cartilage, and blood vessels. So, if you have a horse over the age of 8 that you'd like to give preventatively for its tendons, ligaments, skin, or hooves, Duval Collagen might be a good option.

Do you have any questions after reading this blog, or are you still unsure which product is best for your horse? Don't hesitate to send us a message. We're happy to help!