Benefits of Omega-3s for Horses: Skin, Joints and More

Skin and Joint Health

A shiny coat is not just aesthetically pleasing; it signifies your horse’s overall health and vitality. A diet rich in omega-3s will naturally lead to a more luscious coat as it nourishes the skin from within, improving moisture retention while reducing dryness and flakiness. In addition, omega-3s contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate skin irritations and conditions such as dermatitis. When included in a horse’s diet, omega-3s have been shown to diminish redness, swelling and discomfort while promoting a healthier skin barrier, making the coat more vibrant and glossy.

These anti-inflammatory properties also help mitigate joint inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with joint degeneration, which is often a concern for horses as they age. Omega-3s also help reduce stiffness and increase flexibility in senior horses, allowing them to live a better-quality life.

Additionally, active horses that are competing or undergoing regular training also stand to gain from the mobility-enhancing properties of omega-3s. By reducing inflammation and supporting joint function, these nutrients can lead to improved performance and greater endurance. Ensuring your horse receives adequate omega-3s for their skin and joint health can help them stay agile and resilient, allowing them to perform at their best while minimizing the risk of injuries.

Omega-3 Feed and Supplements for Horses

If you’re looking to add a feed enriched in omega-3 fatty acids to your horse’s diet, Sentinel horse feed is formulated with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins and trace mineral complexes. These nutrients work together and may help promote healthy skin, hair coat and hoof condition. Additionally, with balanced minerals and stable vitamins in Sentinel, the feed supports joint and bone health, contributing to your horse’s overall strength and well-being.

Aside from feed, adding omega-3 filled supplements for horses to your companion’s diet can also help fill nutritional gaps and support skin and joint health. Sentinel offers three supplements for horses that contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Sentinel^® Care^™ Omegatin^® is an equine solutions supplement designed to provide additional calories to all classes of horses, including maintenance, breeding, growing and performance horses. Sentinel Care Omegatin incorporates a blend of high-fat ingredients which provide low-starch calories to help maintain body condition without increasing the grain ration. Omegatin is a balanced supplement providing all nutrients, including omega fatty acids, amino acids, minerals and vitamins in an exclusive extruded nugget.

Sentinel^® Care^™ Hoof Support is an equine solutions supplement designed to promote and maintain strong healthy hooves. A horse’s hoof is crucial for mobility, stability and performance, as it is the gateway to their overall health and well-being. Sentinel Care Hoof Support incorporates key nutritional elements, including omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, complexed trace minerals and methionine amino acids. These nutrients are actively involved in many biological pathways that support, build and maintain healthy hoof tissues.

Sentinel^® Care^™ Equine Choice^® Topline 30 is an equine solutions ration balancer designed to provide protein, minerals and vitamins to balance forages or supplement feed for all classes of horses. It is formulated with a moderate fat level and omega-3 fatty acids. This pelleted supplement can be fed alone with forage or as a top-dress with other feed products. Sentinel Care Equine Choice Topline 30 is ideal for horses not requiring extra calories from grain, including easy keepers, ponies and miniatures. It is used to supplement horses fed below the suggested minimum of a feed product and to horses requiring additional amino acids, minerals and vitamins, such as breeding and draft horses.

Omega-3s play an important role in equine nutrition, serving as essential building blocks for maintaining optimal health and performance in horses. By supporting skin and joint health, reducing inflammation and leading to a more balanced horse, incorporating omega-3s into your companion’s nutrition can help them live a better life with improved comfort and mobility.

Choosing the right feed or supplements for horses can be overwhelming. All horses are unique and sometimes it takes a little help to find the best horse feed or supplement tailored to them. A Sentinel equine nutritionist can help fill gaps to support your horse’s optimal growth, performance and well-being. For questions on equine nutrition or Sentinel Horse Feed products, ask one of our equine nutritionists.