Horses have some of the most impressive coats, with color variety, shine, and thickness rivaling any other animal. How can you maintain these luscious coats and keep their skin healthy? Horse owners need to provide horses with proper nutrition, exercise, and cleaning in order for them to perform their best. If your horse isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to maintain their skin and coat health, supplements can help boost cell reproduction, coat thickness, and overall color. This blog will share some of the important vitamins and nutrients that can boost a horse’s skin and coat condition.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is helpful in the formation and repair of collagen. Similar to the skin of humans, horses need this protein to keep their skin and coats healthy and shiny. Vitamin C helps nourish the skin, helping the skin cells to repair themselves faster.
Giving a horse Vitamin C can also help them absorb other necessary nutrients like iron and calcium. Gaining all of these nutrients from their food can be improved when a horse is given a Vitamin C supplement. Iron and calcium are important to a horse’s internal health (bones, digestion, etc.), which can directly affect their skin and coat health.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps improve dry skin and limit allergic reactions and infections. Low levels of Vitamin E can cause the skin to become flaky, making a horse’s coat look lackluster. The polyunsaturated fats in horses’ bodies are oxygen sensitive, so having enough Vitamin E can protect them from being destroyed. Keeping skin hydrated can help horse hair grow faster and thicker, providing added protection to the animal.
Zinc
Another mineral that can help improve horses’ skin and coat is zinc. Zinc helps decrease shedding in animals, especially horses. Follicle health and strengthening the hair strands are largely thanks to zinc. Other benefits of zinc include improved immune support, faster wound healing, and better cell growth, all of which help skin regeneration and hair growth in humans and animals alike.
Biotin
Biotin is the king when it comes to hair, skin, and nails because it helps support keratin production, which is crucial to long and luscious hair. Biotin is one of the B vitamins and is typically used for hoof care in horses. It can be used for a variety of ailments and conditions, including brittle hair.
Iron
Finding the right balance of iron is important for a horse’s coat, because an excessive amount could cause fading and other deficiencies. Iron helps red blood cell production and coat color in horses, so it is important for owners to do research about how much iron is in their horses’ food or if they may need iron supplements. Excessive iron can cause a bleached-out coat in equines, especially in those with darker coats. Before adding iron to a horse’s diet, make sure to consult your veterinarian.
Supplementing An Improper Diet
Most equines will get the vitamins and nutrients they need from their food; however, if your horse is experiencing skin conditions or lackluster hair, you can find supplements that will boost their health. Analyze your horses’ feed for iron, copper, and zinc to ensure you don’t give them an excess amount.
Some competitive horses may deplete their nutritional reserves faster than other horses, which is where supplements can be helpful. Even if a horse has a well-balanced diet, they may need more specific vitamins that are depleted during exercise or hard work. If you have a competitive show horse or a workhorse, their skin and coat could use an extra boost after severe exertion.
Supplements From OralX
OralX Corporation is a family-owned company that is proud to help everyone have healthier livestock. Whether you are putting your animals in a local show or your animals need to be at the top of their game for work, we have supplements for you. With natural ingredients and easy-to-use applicators, OralX products are helpful for all animal owners. Check out our products for equines, bovines, porcines, and canines to find the right fit for you.
