A Winter-time Boost: Omega Supplementation for Horses

Much of North America has been feeling the effects of the “arctic blast” these past few months and it has taken a toll on our equine companions as well.  During “typical” winters, horses in the Deep South may not even come off of pasture or will spend a few nights with a turnout rug on. But this year, many horses have had to spend more time indoors and have even experienced a change in diet due to the unusual weather. 

Despite our best efforts, there are many essential bioactive compounds that may be missing from your horse’s diet during these long months of hay and grain.  I’m going to discuss how omega essential fatty acid supplementation can help your horse get through the winter and transition into spring in good health. So how can omegas help keep your horse stay healthy this winter?

Gastrointestinal Support

Every horse owner knows that horses can have finicky digestive systems. Horses are designed to be eating roughage such as grass or hay around the clock. In the winter-time, horses are often kept indoors and often don’t have 24-hour access to forages to munch on. This can lead to a pH imbalance in the stomach, predisposing your four-hooved friend to painful gastric ulcers and poor digestion.  Also, many horses don’t drink or eat as much when their “routine” has been changed.  Due to these factors, veterinarians usually see a spike in the number of colic cases during the winter months.

When your horse’s GI tract is under stress, prevention is the key.  As the winter months continue to bear down on us, keep your horse healthy from the inside out with Seabuck 7 Equine. Omega-7 packed sea buckthorn berry has been clinically shown to keep the mucosa healthy in the horse’s GI tract. If your horse does succumb to GI problems this winter, sea buckthorn is recommended as an all-natural adjunct therapy for the treatment of gastric ulcers.(1,2)    

Skin and Hair Health & Omega-7

Many horses will develop a lack-luster coat during the winter months and even dry skin around the eyes and muzzle. Omega-7 fatty acids in sea buckthorn are key building blocks for skin health. It helps support collagen production within the skin, which improves its elasticity and strength. You will be surprised at the sheen your horse will have from sea buckthorn’s unique nutrition once that winter coat has been shed away this spring.

Heart- healthy Omega-9 & Omega-3

Omegas 9 and 3 are “good” fats that provide a host of health benefits.  They are found in many vegetarian sources such as sea buckthorn berries, canola seed and nuts. These fats have a positive effect on cardiovascular health and can provide your horse with an energy boost to stay warm during the cold weather. Intake of omega-9s has been linked to increases in metabolism and improved mood. When it’s cold and dreary outside, who wouldn’t benefit from a little boost? 

This is a perfect time to start your horse on a whole-food essential fatty acid supplement. Products like Seabuck 7 Equine, made from whole-fruit sea buckthorn, are bursting with omega-3, 7 and 9 essential fatty acids and over 190 bioactive compounds.


References
1. Huff, N. et al., 2012 Sep-Oct, Effect of sea buckthorn berries and pulp in a liquid emulsion on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med. Vol. 26(5) 1186-91.
2. Reese, R. et al., 2008, The Effect of Sea Buckthorn Extract on the Prevention and Treatment of Gastric Ulcers in Horses. University of Tennessee publication.