Feeding For Coat And Skin Health.

Healthy skin and a shiny coat is traditionally said to be one of the hallmarks of a healthy horse or pony. There are a few factors that influence the chances of having a show-stopping gleam, none more important than your horse or ponies overall health. It is important to therefore ensure that your horse is fit and well, with vaccinations, worming and general health care checks all up to date.

Fibre

One of the biggest influences on your horse’s overall health is to of course ensure that they are receiving plenty of forage. Horses have evolved to graze for 65 - 70% of their time as they are trickle feeders. This fibre source is digested in the small intestine through the process of fermentation, where volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are produced for energy (calories) , essential amino acids and vitamins. Horses should consume a minimum of 1.5% of their bodyweight in dry forage per day to maintain digestive health, but if excess weight gain is not a problem this can be increased to 2% - 2.5%, depending on appetite. This forage can come from grass, hay/haylage, or short chops such as chaff.

Concentrate Feeding

It is also important to provide your horse with a fully balanced diet. Forage alone is unlikely to meet your horses’ nutritional requirements, and so feeding the correct quantity of a fortified feed is crucial in order to avoid deficiencies that may be reflected in your horse’s skin and coat. Selecting feeds with quality protein sources (such as soya, alfalfa or pea) will supply essential amino acids that provide the building blocks for skin and coat formation and growth. In addition, selecting feeds which utilise fats and oils for calories will help to give your horses skin and coat a natural gloss. If feeding a good doer and you are feeding below the recommended amount of a traditional mix or cube, topping up the nutrients with a pelleted balancer can be of great benefit in ensuring that important nutrients are not missed.

Essential Fatty Acids

Adding essential fatty acids (in particular Omega-3 fatty acids) can help to boost your horses natural coat shine. Linseed has been used in horse diets for centuries, and is well recognised for improving coat health. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish oil) are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and can help to relieve the symptoms of skin irritation in some horses.

Elbow Grease

Brushing your horse regularly will remove mud and grease as well as improving blood flow to the skin. Getting hands on is a great opportunity to feel your horse for any lumps or bumps, as well as body condition score to ensure that they not losing or gaining any unwanted condition.

NEED GUIDANCE?

If you would like any further information, please feel free to contact our nutritional team on 01622 718487 or email info@saracenhorsefeeds.co.uk