Feeding for Coat and Skin Health: Nutrition That Shows

A horse's coat and skin condition often serve as the first indicators of their overall health and nutritional status. While genetics play a role in coat quality, proper nutrition can dramatically transform a dull, brittle coat into one that gleams with health. Understanding which nutrients directly impact skin and coat health will allow you to make informed feeding decisions that produce visible results.

The Foundation: Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids form the cornerstone of healthy skin and coat nutrition. These fats, which the horse's body cannot produce on its own, must be supplied through diet. The two primary categories—omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—work together to maintain skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and promote a glossy coat.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, provide powerful anti-inflammatory benefits that help soothe irritated skin conditions and reduce allergic reactions. These fats also improve the skin's ability to retain moisture, preventing the dry, flaky conditions that lead to itching and poor coat quality. Fresh pasture naturally provides some omega-3s, but horses on primarily hay-based diets often become deficient.

Omega-6 fatty acids, while also important, are typically more abundant in most horse diets through grains and vegetable oils. The key lies in achieving the proper balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, ideally maintaining a ratio closer to 3:1 or 4:1.

Ground linseed (flaxseed) serves as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, providing both immediate benefits and long-term skin health support. Fish oil supplements, such as KER EO-3 while more expensive, offer concentrated EPA and DHA that can produce rapid improvements in coat condition. Chia seeds and hemp seeds, such as Provex Equine Hemp also provide beneficial fatty acid profiles.

Vitamin E: The Antioxidant Powerhouse

Vitamin E works synergistically with selenium to protect skin cells from oxidative damage while supporting immune function. This fat-soluble vitamin helps maintain the integrity of cell membranes throughout the body, including those in skin and hair follicles. Horses deficient in vitamin E often develop dry, brittle coats that lack the flexibility and shine associated with healthy hair.

Fresh pasture provides substantial vitamin E, but this vitamin degrades rapidly during hay storage. Horses on stored forage diets frequently require supplementation, particularly  when pasture access is limited. The natural form of vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is more bioavailable than synthetic forms, making it more effective for improving coat condition.

Signs of vitamin E deficiency include muscle weakness, poor coat quality, and increased susceptibility to skin irritation. Adequate vitamin E supplementation not only improves coat appearance but also enhances the horse's ability to recover from minor skin injuries and irritations.

Protein: Building Blocks for Beautiful Coats

Hair is primarily composed of protein, specifically keratin, making adequate protein intake crucial for healthy coat development. However, protein quality matters more than quantity. The horse's body requires specific amino acids to produce strong, flexible hair fibers that resist breakage and maintain their natural shine.

Methionine and cysteine, sulfur-containing amino acids, play particularly important roles in coat quality. These amino acids form the disulfide bonds that give hair its strength and elasticity. Horses receiving low-quality protein or insufficient amounts of these critical amino acids often develop coats that appear dull, brittle, and prone to breakage.

High-quality protein sources include lucerne hay, soybean meal, and specialised amino acid supplements, such as Balanced Equine Amino. The timing of protein intake also matters—spreading protein consumption throughout the day rather than providing large amounts in single meals improves amino acid utilisation for hair growth.

Zinc and Copper: Trace Minerals with Major Impact

Zinc deficiency ranks among the most common nutritional causes of poor coat condition in horses. This trace mineral plays essential roles in protein synthesis, wound healing, and skin cell regeneration. Horses with inadequate zinc intake often develop dry, scaly skin, poor coat quality, and increased susceptibility to skin infections.

Copper works closely with zinc in many metabolic processes and contributes to the formation of connective tissue in skin and hair. Copper deficiency can result in coat color changes, with some horses developing a faded or reddish appearance in normally dark coats.

The bioavailability of these minerals depends heavily on the form in which they're provided. Chelated or organic forms of zinc and copper are more readily absorbed than inorganic forms, making them more effective for improving coat condition. Additionally, mineral ratios matter—excess iron in water or feed can interfere with zinc and copper absorption, potentially creating deficiencies even when adequate amounts are provided.

Biotin: The Hoof and Hair Vitamin

While primarily known for its role in hoof health, biotin also significantly impacts coat quality. This B-vitamin helps metabolise fats and proteins, supporting the production of keratin in both hooves and hair. Horses receiving adequate biotin supplementation often show improvements in coat texture and shine within several months.

Biotin deficiency is relatively common in horses, particularly those on poor-quality hay or those with digestive issues that interfere with B-vitamin synthesis. Supplementation with 20-30 mg daily typically produces noticeable improvements in coat condition, though results require patience as hair growth is a slow process.

Seasonal Considerations and Feeding Strategies

Coat condition naturally varies with seasons, but proper nutrition can minimise these fluctuations. During winter months, when pasture is unavailable and hay quality may be lower, targeted supplementation becomes more important. Increasing fat content in the diet provides both calories for warmth and essential fatty acids for coat health.

Spring shedding season places additional nutritional demands on horses as they grow entirely new coats. Ensuring adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals during this period supports healthy hair growth and minimizes the duration of the awkward shedding phase.

Implementation and Expectations

Nutritional improvements in coat condition require patience, as visible changes typically take 60-90 days to become apparent. This delay reflects the hair growth cycle—nutrients must first be incorporated into new hair growth before improvements become visible.

A comprehensive approach works best, addressing multiple nutrients simultaneously rather than focusing on single supplements. Regular assessment of the horse's overall diet, including forage quality analysis, helps identify specific deficiencies that may be limiting coat quality.

Working with an equine nutritionist can help develop a feeding program tailored to individual horses' needs, taking into account factors such as age, workload, and existing health conditions. The investment in proper nutrition pays dividends not only in improved appearance but also in overall health and well-being, as the skin serves as the body's largest organ and first line of defense against environmental challenges.