4CYTE Epiitalis Forte is a daily oral gel joint supplement for horses, distributed in Canada by 4CYTE. Premium daily joint support for horses. The formula contains Epiitalis® (a patented extract of Biota orientalis), green-lipped mussel, abalone extract (Haliotis iris), and marine cartilage, suspended in a soybean oil gel base with apple flavouring and rosemary extract as a natural preservative. The product is FEI compliant and contains no banned or prohibited substances, making it suitable for sport horses in competition. The recommended maintenance dose for a horse weighing approximately 600 kg (1,323 lb) is 4 ml daily following a 14-day loading phase of 8 ml daily. Doses should be drawn using the included measuring syringe and administered orally or mixed into feed. Available in 3 sizes: 1 L / 250 mg/ml, 250 ml / 250 mg/ml, Bundle: 2 x 250 ml packets / 250 mg/ml.

How much 4CYTE do I give my horse?: For a horse weighing 350–650 kg, the maintenance dose is 4 ml daily after a 14-day loading phase of 8 ml daily. Ponies under 350 kg receive 2–4 ml daily. Heavy horses over 650 kg may require up to 6–8 ml daily. Always draw an accurate volume using the included syringe and administer orally or mix into feed.
Is 4CYTE safe for FEI competition horses?: Yes. 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte for Horses is FEI compliant and contains no banned or prohibited substances under FEI regulations, making it safe to use in horses competing at all levels.
How long does it take for 4CYTE to work?: Most horse owners report noticeable improvements in joint mobility and daily movement within the first 30 to 60 days of consistent daily use. Full benefits are typically observed after 90 days of continuous supplementation.
What is Epiitalis® and what does it do?: Epiitalis® is a patented plant seed oil extract derived from Biota orientalis. It is the primary active ingredient in 4CYTE and is designed to support the health of cartilage cells (chondrocytes), help maintain normal joint function, and reduce the inflammatory processes that contribute to joint stiffness and reduced mobility in horses.
Can I give 4CYTE to a horse recovering from surgery?: Yes. For horses recovering from joint surgery or those with significantly compromised joint function, a loading dose of 8 ml daily for the first 14 days is recommended before reducing to the maintenance dose of 4 ml daily.
What size does 4CYTE come in?: 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte for Horses is available in 1 L / 250 mg/ml, 250 ml / 250 mg/ml, Bundle: 2 x 250 ml packets / 250 mg/ml. Each pack includes a measuring syringe.

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4CYTE Epiitalis Forte

Name: 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte
Brand: 4CYTE
SKU: 122976
Rating: 4.8 (1 reviews)

Premium daily joint support for horses

A premium daily oral gel joint supplement to help support normal joint function, mobility, flexibility and healthy cartilage.

Epiitalis® Formula

Oral Gel

Daily Support

Format

1 L $492.99 250 ml $134.99 Bundle: 2 x 250 ml packets Best Value $254.99

Concentration

250 mg/ml

Quantity

Ships in 1–2 business days

Secure & encrypted checkout

★★★★★ Trusted by horse owners across Canada

Support your horse’s joints one dose at a time

Shipped from Canada

Timely deliveries to keep your horse’s routine on track.

Patented Epiitalis® Formula

Built on a proprietary plant seed extract clinically shown to support cartilage health.

Extensive Research & Development

Years of equine joint research distilled into a single, easy-to-feed daily oral gel.

FEI Compliant

No banned or prohibited substances — safe for sport horses in competition.

Vet-reviewed formula

"A trusted daily option to help support normal joint function and ongoing mobility."

Dr. Adam S. ✓

Equine Specialist

Research-backed active ingredients

Epiitalis™

A patented plant seed extract that helps your horse’s body protect cartilage and ease joint discomfort.

Supported by peer-reviewed clinical research: Mitchell et al. (2022) found Epiitalis® significantly reduced osteoarthritis symptoms in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Inflammopharmacology, 30(4), 1323–1334.

Green-Lipped Mussel

From New Zealand’s pristine waters. A natural source of omega-3s and joint-supporting nutrients that help with everyday comfort and movement.

Supported by peer-reviewed research: Eason et al. (2018) reviewed veterinary trials of Greenshell™ Mussel and identified evidence supporting its use for joint health across multiple species. Veterinary Sciences, 5(2), 36.

Marine Cartilage

A natural source of the building blocks horses use to maintain healthy cartilage and joint structure over time.

Supported by peer-reviewed research: Bourdon et al. (2021) demonstrated that marine collagen hydrolysates reduced pro-inflammatory markers and supported collagen production in equine articular chondrocyte tissue. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(2), 580.

Abalone Extract

A marine ingredient (Haliotis iris) traditionally used to support joint flexibility and the natural cushioning between bones.

Official feeding guide

Based on a 1,323 lb / 600 kg horse

Before each use: To avoid separation of contents, massage the pouch well before drawing a dose.

Loading phase

8 ml daily

Recommended for horses having undergone recent surgery, or those with poor joint function. Start on 8 ml every day for the first 14 days.

Maintenance phase

4 ml daily

After 14 days, reduce to 4 ml daily. If extra support is needed, increase to 6–8 ml as required. For horses with no known pathology, commence with maintenance volume.

Draw an accurate volume of gel from the pouch using the supplied syringe.
Administer orally or mix in feed — can be given during or after mealtime.
Replace the cap tightly and sit the pouch upright after each use.

A measuring syringe is included in every box.

Take your horse’s joint health to the next level

Joint Mobility

Supports normal joint function to help maintain everyday movement and flexibility.

Cartilage Health

Patented Epiitalis® supports cartilage cells to keep joints functioning normally.

Recovery Support

Suitable for horses returning from injury or heavy work, helping support recovery.

Senior Care

Designed to maintain mobility and comfort in older horses showing signs of wear.

Performance & Sport

Daily support for sport horses in training, conditioning, and competition.

What to expect

Most owners report improvements within the first 90 days of daily use.

Month 1

Active ingredients begin supporting cartilage cells and joint function.

Month 2

Owners often notice smoother daily movement and easier transitions.

Month 3

Continued use supports long-term joint mobility and quality of life.

Why Horse Owners Choose 4CYTE

“

Within 6 weeks of starting 4CYTE, my 22-year-old mare was trotting out like she was half her age. Can't recommend it enough.

– S. M., Horse Owner

“

I've tried everything for my competition horse's joints. 4CYTE is the only supplement that's made a real, visible difference to his movement and recovery.

– J. T., Equestrian Athlete

“

As a pharmacist, I recommend 4CYTE to my clients regularly. The science behind Epiitalis is solid and the results speak for themselves.

– Dr. Adam S

“

I've tried powders. This is the one I'll keep coming back to.

– Everyday Horse Owner

Trusted by horse owners worldwide

See what owners are saying

great product, order arrived in a timely fashion, i will order again.

Shipping was quick and product is as stated with very competitive pricing!

Excellent product

4cyte is the go to, it has been working really well for my old gal. I wish this was made for humans too LOL.

Great service and price

1 2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Epiitalis and how is it different from glucosamine or MSM?

Epiitalis is a patented plant seed oil extract derived from the seeds of Biota orientalis, a coniferous tree in the cypress family native to northeast Asia. It is the exclusive active ingredient in 4CYTE and is not found in any other equine joint supplement on the market. Unlike glucosamine and MSM, which are conventional category ingredients found across most joint supplements, Epiitalis is a proprietary active ingredient backed by peer-reviewed and published studies. 4CYTE is designed to support normal joint function, mobility, and flexibility — and its differentiation comes from having a distinct, researched active ingredient rather than a commodity ingredient stack.

How do I dose 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte for my horse?

For a 600 kg horse, the recommended loading dose is 8 ml per day for the first 14 days. After 14 days, reduce to a maintenance dose of 4 ml per day. If additional support is needed, the dose can be increased to 6–8 ml per day as required, per label directions. Massage the pouch well before each use to avoid separation of contents, then draw the accurate volume using the supplied syringe and administer orally or mix into feed. Always follow the current product label and consult your veterinarian with any questions about what is appropriate for your individual horse.

How long will one pouch last?

A 1 litre pouch lasts approximately 250 days at the standard maintenance dose of 4 ml per day for a 600 kg horse. A 250 ml pouch lasts approximately 59 days at maintenance. Both figures assume consistent maintenance dosing after the loading phase and will be shorter if your horse requires a higher support dose. For most owners, the 1 litre format offers the best cost per day.

How quickly will I see results?

Individual responses vary from horse to horse. Visible improvement may be seen in as little as one week, but it can take up to four weeks. Consistent daily use through the loading phase and into the maintenance period is important — owners who stop early or dose inconsistently are unlikely to give the product a fair assessment. If you have not noticed any change after four weeks of consistent daily use, speak with your veterinarian.

Can I use 4CYTE alongside other medications or supplements?

4CYTE Epiitalis Forte Gel is designed to be used as part of a broader care plan that may include veterinary guidance, appropriate conditioning, farrier care, and other management decisions. Always inform your veterinarian of all supplements and medications your horse is currently receiving before adding anything new to their routine. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise on what is appropriate for your horse's specific health situation.

Is 4CYTE non-swabbable? Can I give it before a competition?

4CYTE Epiitalis Forte is positioned as non-swabbable and contains no substances that are prohibited under standard equestrian governing body rules. However, rules vary between disciplines and governing bodies, and regulations can and do change. Always confirm the current status with your relevant governing body — FEI, your national federation, or your racing authority — before administering any supplement prior to competition. Do not rely solely on product marketing to make this determination.

My horse is a picky eater. Will they accept 4CYTE?

The Epiitalis Forte gel is apple-flavoured and is accepted readily by the vast majority of horses, including horses that have previously refused powders or pellets. Some horses need a few days to adjust, particularly if they initially associate the syringe with a deworming product. Mixing the gel into a small amount of palatable feed during the first few days usually resolves this. The gel format removes the main palatability barrier associated with powder and pellet supplements.

Is it safe for long-term use? Are there any known side effects?

4CYTE Epiitalis Forte is designed for long-term daily use. The product label does not list significant known side effects for the gel formulation. The gel is not recommended for use in pregnant mares or animals intended for breeding. Horses with a known allergy to seafood should not receive the granule formulation, which contains marine concentrates — the Epiitalis Forte gel does not contain marine ingredients. For horses with any concurrent medical condition, medication, or diagnosed health concern, consult your veterinarian before starting.

What is the difference between 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte Gel and 4CYTE Equine Granules?

Both products contain Epiitalis as the active ingredient. The gel is a concentrated oral gel administered by syringe or mixed into feed, and is the format available through PetMeds Direct in Canada. The granules are a powder mixed into feed and contain additional marine-derived ingredients — green-lipped mussel, abalone, and marine cartilage — alongside the Epiitalis. The granule format is not suitable for horses with seafood allergies or horses that are sensitive to marine-based products. For horses that have refused powders in the past, the gel is generally the more reliable format. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure which format is right for your horse.

Does it work for every horse?

No supplement works identically for every horse, and 4CYTE is no exception. Individual responses vary. The most important factors affecting what you observe are completing the full loading phase, maintaining the daily routine without gaps, using the correct dose for your horse's weight, and having realistic expectations about what a daily joint-support supplement can contribute within a broader care plan. 4CYTE is a joint-support supplement. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. For horses with lameness, worsening signs, pain, or a diagnosed condition, veterinary evaluation and a complete care plan should always come first.

Is a prescription required to buy 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte in Canada?

No prescription is required to purchase 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte Horse in Canada. It is available directly from PetMeds Direct — a certified Canadian pet pharmacy — with no prescription required as of April 2026. Confirm current availability and regulatory status with PetMeds Direct at the time of purchase, as this can change. For horses with any medical concern, consulting your veterinarian before purchase remains the responsible step regardless of prescription status.

A note on all answers in this FAQ:

4CYTE Epiitalis Forte Horse is a joint-support supplement and veterinary health product. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. All answers above are for informational purposes only and do not constitute veterinary advice. Individual responses vary. Always consult your veterinarian before changing or starting any supplement, particularly if your horse is pregnant, breeding, on medication, showing lameness, or under veterinary care for any diagnosed condition.