A shiny, healthy coat and resilient skin are not only beautiful to look at, but also essential for your horse's well-being. Especially during the shedding season, your four-legged friend needs optimal care to maintain healthy skin and coat. In this article, you'll learn which factors influence skin health, how the shedding process occurs, and which nutrients you can use to support your horse.
Skin and fur – more than just a beautiful appearance
The skin is the horse's largest organ and performs important functions such as protection from environmental influences, regulation of body temperature, and defense against pathogens. At the same time, the coat plays a crucial role in the horse's metabolism and serves as thermal insulation. Skin problems can manifest as itching, dandruff, bald patches, or eczema and are often a sign of inadequate nutrient supply or digestive disorders. A dull or brittle coat can also indicate nutrient deficiencies or health problems. Parasite infestation or metabolic disorders can also negatively affect the coat. Therefore, a balanced diet and targeted care are essential for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
If the coat looks dull, dandruff develops, or brittle hooves appear, these are often signs of a nutritional deficiency that you shouldn't ignore. A lack of important nutrients can not only affect the external appearance but also impact your horse's overall health. Therefore, a poor coat should never be dismissed as merely a cosmetic problem.
The change of coat – a challenge for the body
Twice a year, in spring and fall, horses go through the natural process of shedding. This process involves shedding the old coat and forming a new coat adapted to the season. Shedding is a physical challenge for your horse's body, as it requires a lot of resources. Older or weakened horses, in particular, can suffer from energy loss, itching, or delayed hair growth during this time.
The shedding process is controlled by the length of daylight, which triggers hormonal processes that influence the shedding process. During this time, the horse's metabolism increases significantly, resulting in an increased need for nutrients. Providing additional essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins can help facilitate this process. It is especially important to ensure an adequate supply of trace elements during the shedding period, as these are essential for hair regrowth.
The challenge of shedding affects not only the horse's physical appearance, but also its overall health. A smooth shedding process can be optimized with the right support and nutritional intake, helping the horse emerge stronger through this transitional period.
Important nutrients for skin and coat
Vitamin A
Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. It also contributes to the normal function of mucous membranes, which is important for protection against external influences. An inadequate supply can result in dry skin, dandruff, or delayed hair growth.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress. It contributes to maintaining skin elasticity and supports natural regeneration. It can also help reduce skin irritation and strengthen skin structure.
Biotin
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and a healthy coat. It also plays an important role in metabolic processes necessary for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Adequate intake can help prevent brittle coat and optimize coat growth.
zinc
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair, as well as the normal function of the immune system. It also helps regulate sebum production, which has a positive effect on the coat. A deficiency can lead to skin inflammation or delayed hair renewal.
copper
Copper contributes to normal pigmentation of the skin and coat. It also contributes to collagen formation, which is essential for a resilient skin structure. A balanced copper intake can prevent discoloration of the coat.
How can you support your horse during the coat change?
Regular grooming
Daily grooming removes loose hair and stimulates blood circulation. This stimulates the metabolism, which facilitates shedding. Special curry combs are particularly effective at removing dead hair from the coat.
Optimal feeding
Feeding your dog a diet that meets their needs and provides essential nutrients ensures stable skin and coat health. Trace elements and vitamins play a particularly important role. Flaxseed and high-quality minerals can help meet these nutritional needs.
Exercise and fresh air
Regular exercise supports the circulatory system and promotes even blood flow to the skin. Good oxygen exchange helps optimize metabolic processes. Horses with sufficient exercise often experience a smoother coat change.
Adequate water supply
Adequate water intake is essential for cellular metabolism and promotes the removal of metabolic waste products. Well-hydrated horses often have a shiny coat and elastic skin. A constant water supply is especially important during the shedding period.
NEW: IMUN Horse ® Skin with new formula – natural support for skin and coat.
IMUN Horse ® Skin was specially developed to naturally support your horse's skin and coat health. This carefully balanced blend of high-quality ingredients provides your horse with essential nutrients that promote overall well-being and maintain the coat in top condition.
The new IMUN Horse ® Skin formula contains grass green meal, which, thanks to its fiber content, can support digestion. Flaxseed provides valuable omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to skin care. Seaweed meal is rich in minerals and amino acids that can promote the horse's overall well-being. MSM is a natural source of sulfur. Sulfur is an essential component of keratin and collagen – two important structural proteins found in the skin and coat.
IMUN Horse ® Skin was specially developed for the shedding season, when your horse's body has increased nutritional needs. It helps support your horse's well-being by providing it with essential nutrients during these stressful periods. Additionally, the product contains Schizochytrium algae, a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, and brewer's yeast, which provide natural B vitamins and biotin.
This careful combination of high-quality ingredients makes IMUN Horse ® Skin a valuable addition to the daily diet – especially during the coat change, when the nutritional needs of skin and coat are particularly high.
