Omega-3 Fish Oils and Common Skin Conditions in Horses

Omega-3 supplements are particularly important in horses because they don’t produce it naturally and most commercial horse feeds simply don’t include enough of it. Adding omega-3 fish oil for horses is one of the simplest things you can do to support your horse’s skin and coat health. Here are three of the most common examples of the skin conditions that omega-3 supplements for horses are often used for.

• Dandruff. This is the #1 skin complaint of horse owners across the nation. Equine dandruff may be caused by a wide variety of things, including skin inflammation caused by bug bites, parasites like lice, insufficient grooming, or just regular old dryness. In many cases, dry skin can be addressed with proper bathing, thorough grooming, and feed supplements such as fish oil. However, it’s important to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing dry skin first. But if your horse is a little (or a lot) flaky and you and your vet have ruled out other causes, consider using omega-3 fish oils. 
• Allergic dermatitis. Also known as sweet itch or pruritis, allergic dermatitis is a condition that causes itching. It can be triggered by many different things: insect bites, inhaled allergens like pollen or mold, food sensitivities, or even the sun. Veterinarians may suggest many different treatments, from antihistamines to simply switching feed. Omega-3 fish oils can be a great complement to traditional medicines, as it’s a natural way to reduce inflammation and to give the skin and coat the support it needs as it heals.
• Hair loss. One of the consequences of an omega-3 deficiency is hair loss. Hair loss may have many different causes, including improper saddle fit and boredom behaviors like rubbing. If you’ve ruled these causes out, your horse’s diet may be lacking in omega-3s. If you’ve noticed your horse’s coat thinning, matting, developing bald spots, or discoloration, ask your vet if your horse needs additional omega-3s. 

Based on your horse’s diagnosis, you may be offered a range of different treatment options, both pharmaceutical and holistic. There are often simple solutions to hair loss and skin health maladies, like staving off stall boredom with a food puzzle toy or investing in a different numnah. Many horses with skin conditions respond well to the addition of omega-3 fish oil supplements to their diet. 

Traditional pharmaceuticals are staple items in a vet’s toolkit, and they too can be very effective. However, long-term use can be harmful to your horse. Phenylbutazone (or simply “bute”) is one of the most frequently prescribed medications to reduce inflammation, but over time, it can have a detrimental effect on both the gastrointestinal and renal systems. 

Medication-based solutions can often be combined with or even replaced by more natural relief methods. Your vet might recommend using a natural supplement, a topical product such as an oatmeal-based shampoo or ointment, or simply to groom your horse more frequently. Omega-3 fish oils can play a large part in a veterinarian-directed equine skincare regimen. Used alongside proper external skin and coat care like shampoos and ointments, omega-3 fish oil for horses can help to provide a solid foundation for good equine skin health.

Because there are so many equine fish oils on the market today, it’s important to take the time to choose the best fish oil for horses. Here are a few things to look for:

• Third-party tested. More is not always better. It’s important to consult with your vet and follow the instructions on the product you choose. Look for a product that undergoes third-party testing so you can be sure that the dose you give your horse is consistent. 
• Made of quality ingredients. The best fish oil for horses is extracted from small fish like sardines and anchovies. Fish oil made from larger fish such as salmon or cod lack the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids your horse needs.
• Processed thoughtfully. High temperatures can destroy fish oil’s omega-3 fatty acids, so it’s important to look for a fish oil that’s cold-processed. Cold-processing ensures that your horse gets only the most beneficial components of fish oil.

Once you’ve chosen a fish oil, you’ll need to figure out the dosage. It’s important to follow the directions on the packaging carefully. The risk of side effects from fish oil is low, but too much can cause fishy breath or loose stools. If you notice this or other changes in behavior, consult your veterinarian. The issue can often be solved by reducing the amount of fish oil you give to your horse.

If your horse is exhibiting signs of skin or coat trouble, it’s important to get the jump on it right away — before the symptoms cause more serious problems. By preventatively adding omega-3 fish oils to your horse’s diet, you can support their overall well-being, including their skin and coat health. Remember to seek out a high-quality, all-natural product to ensure you’re supplementing your horse’s diet with a truly trustworthy product. Give your horse the best omega-3 fish oil for horse skin conditions on the market and pick up one of SeaPet’s wide variety of high-quality omega-3-rich fish oils today.