Skin health and coat shedding in horses – How to best support your horse
A shiny, healthy coat and resilient skin are not just visually appealing but also essential for your horse’s well-being. Especially during coat shedding, your horse requires optimal nutrition to maintain healthy skin and fur. In this article, you’ll learn about the factors influencing skin health, the coat-shedding process, and the key nutrients that can support your horse.
Skin and coat – More than just appearance
The skin is the horse’s largest organ and plays a crucial role in protecting against environmental factors, regulating body temperature, and defending against pathogens. At the same time, the coat is an essential part of the horse’s metabolism and serves as insulation. Skin issues can manifest as itching, dandruff, bald spots, or eczema and are often signs of nutrient deficiencies or digestive imbalances. A dull or brittle coat can also indicate nutrient shortages or health problems. Parasites or metabolic disorders can further impact coat quality. That’s why a balanced diet and targeted care are essential for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
If the coat appears dull, develops dandruff, or brittle hooves emerge, these are often signs of a nutrient deficiency that should not be ignored. A lack of key nutrients doesn’t just affect appearance – it can also impact your horse’s overall health. Therefore, a poor coat condition should never be dismissed as merely a cosmetic issue.
The coat-shedding process – A challenge for the body
Twice a year, in spring and autumn, horses undergo the natural process of coat shedding. During this time, the old coat is shed and replaced by a new one adapted to the season. This process demands significant resources from your horse’s body, making it a physically challenging phase. Older or weakened horses may experience energy loss, itching, or delayed hair renewal.
Coat shedding is regulated by daylight length, which triggers hormonal processes that control hair change. During this period, the horse’s metabolism increases significantly, leading to a greater need for nutrients. Providing essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins can help ease this transition. Trace elements are particularly important during shedding, as they are essential for hair regeneration.
The challenge of coat shedding affects not only external appearance but also overall health. Ensuring a smooth shedding process through proper nutrition and supplementation can help your horse transition more comfortably.
Key nutrients for skin and coat
Vitamin A
Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and supports the normal function of mucous membranes, which are essential for protection against external factors. A deficiency may lead to dry skin, dandruff, or delayed coat growth.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress. It supports skin elasticity and natural regeneration while helping to reduce skin irritations and strengthen skin structure.
Biotin
Biotin contributes to maintaining normal skin and a healthy coat. It also plays a key role in metabolic processes necessary for healthy skin and a shiny coat. A sufficient supply of biotin can help prevent brittle fur and optimize coat growth.
Zinc
Zinc contributes to maintaining normal skin and hair and supports the normal function of the immune system. It also regulates sebum production, positively affecting coat health. A deficiency may lead to skin inflammation or delayed hair regeneration.
Copper
Copper supports normal pigmentation of skin and coat. It also contributes to collagen formation, which is crucial for skin resilience. A balanced copper intake can help prevent color changes in the coat.
How to support your horse during coat shedding
Regular coat care
Daily grooming removes loose hair and stimulates blood circulation, which helps boost metabolism and makes coat shedding easier. Special grooming tools can be particularly effective in removing dead hair.
Optimal nutrition
A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients supports stable skin and coat health. Trace elements and vitamins play a crucial role. Flaxseeds and high-quality minerals can help meet increased nutrient demands.
Exercise and fresh air
Regular movement supports circulation and promotes even blood flow to the skin. A good oxygen exchange optimizes metabolic processes. Horses with plenty of turnout often experience a smoother coat transition.
Adequate hydration
Proper water intake is essential for cell metabolism and helps remove metabolic waste. Well-hydrated horses often have shinier coats and more elastic skin. During coat shedding, maintaining sufficient water supply is especially important.
New: IMUN Horse® Skin with improved formula – Natural support for skin and coat
IMUN Horse® Skin
IMUN Horse® Skin has been specifically developed to naturally support your horse’s skin and coat health. This carefully formulated blend of high-quality ingredients provides essential nutrients that promote overall well-being and help maintain a healthy coat.
The new formula of IMUN Horse® Skin includes grass meal, which can support digestion due to its fiber content. Flaxseeds provide valuable omega-3 fatty acids, which can contribute to skin care. Seaweed meal is rich in minerals and amino acids that help promote overall well-being. MSM is a natural sulfur source. Sulfur is an essential component of keratin and collagen – two key structural proteins found in skin and coat.
IMUN Horse® Skin has been designed especially for coat-shedding seasons, when your horse’s body has an increased nutrient demand. It helps support your horse’s well-being by supplying vital nutrients that play an important role during this demanding phase. Additionally, the product contains schizochytrium algae, a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, and brewer’s yeast, which naturally provides B vitamins and biotin.
This carefully selected combination of high-quality ingredients makes IMUN Horse® Skin a valuable addition to daily feeding – especially during coat shedding, when nutrient demands for skin and coat are at their highest.