Skin & Coat Health in Horses

A horse’s coat is often a reflection of its overall health. A dull, dry, or flaky coat can indicate nutritional imbalances, environmental stress, skin conditions, or underlying allergies. Similarly, irritated or inflamed skin can lead to discomfort, poor performance, and secondary infections.

While grooming and stable hygiene are essential, true skin and coat health starts from within—with the right nutritional building blocks and topical care to support the skin barrier.

Benefits of Omega-3s for Horses:

Anti-inflammatory properties – Help reduce skin inflammation, especially in allergic horses
Improved coat shine – Omega-3s support a soft, glossy coat by enhancing skin hydration and follicle health
Support for dry, itchy, or flaky skin – Helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss
Modulation of immune response – Particularly beneficial in horses with hypersensitivities or chronic skin issues

A balanced diet or targeted supplementation can help address seasonal changes, poor forage quality, or increased demands during stress or recovery.

Topical Support for the Skin Barrier

In addition to internal nutrition, topical products containing essential oils and fatty acids can help protect and restore the skin barrier from the outside. These products:

Reinforce natural lipid layers
Soothe irritation and reduce itching
Help maintain hydration in dry or reactive skin
Support microbial balance on the skin surface

Essential oils such as hemp, neem, tea tree, and lavender, when used in appropriate concentrations and formulations, have natural soothing effects.

A Combined Approach: Internal and External Support

Many horses benefit from a combined approach: internal supplementation to support skin function from within, and external topical care to protect and nourish the skin barrier. This is especially useful for:

Horses with seasonal skin flare-ups or insect bite hypersensitivity

Horses on dry pastures or exposed to extreme weather conditions

Animals recovering from skin infections or dermatological treatments

Horses prone to dull coats, dry skin, or poor hair regrowth

Consistency and prevention are key—nutritional and skin barrier support should be seen as part of ongoing care, not just reactive treatment.

Skin & Coat Health in Horses

The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Equine Skin Health

Benefits of Omega-3s for Horses:

Topical Support for the Skin Barrier

A Combined Approach: Internal and External Support

Vet-Recommended Products

Dermoscent Essential 6® Spot-On

Dr Baddaky Omega-3