The immune system of the horse helps keep the horse healthy. It 'fights off' invaders such as viruses and bacteria, so maintaining your horse's resistance is crucial. In certain situations, extra support for your horse's resistance is necessary. Pharmacy4pets explains when your horse's resistance could benefit from a boost and offers an extensive range of dietary supplements to support your horse's resistance.
In which situations can your horse benefit from extra immune system support?
A healthy horse receiving a balanced diet and not requiring excessive effort does not actually need extra support. However, in the following situations, it may be beneficial to provide additional support for your horse's resistance with dietary supplements:
- After/during illness.
- After/during an antibiotic or deworming treatment.
- Presence of sick horses in the vicinity of your horse.
- Growing horses.
- Older horses.
- Pregnant or lactating mares.
- As support during intense training.
- During stressful periods.
- In very hot weather (related to sweating).
- Horses receiving only roughage (related to potential deficiencies in certain vitamins, minerals, and trace elements).
- In winter (related to not eating grass, which contains high levels of vitamins A and E).
Useful nutrients to support resistance
Certain nutrients play a crucial role in the immune system. A multivitamin for horses contains all essential vitamins that can give your horse an extra boost when needed. Sectolin Equivital Pasta is an example of a multivitamin in paste form with all necessary vitamins. Equistro Mega Base is a supplementary feed for horses containing vitamins, trace elements (electrolytes), and amino acids to compensate for any deficiencies in basic nutrition.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E 'captures' free radicals. Free radicals are produced in metabolism (including during muscle use) and are harmful to other cells. A chronic deficiency in vitamin E can lead to nerve and muscle damage. Additional vitamin E can be found in Sectolin Vitamin E + Selenium and Equistro Excell E.
Vitamin C
While vitamin C is known for boosting immunity in humans, it is not essential for horses as they can produce this vitamin themselves. However, there may be an additional need in some situations. Senior feeds often contain extra vitamin C because older horses produce less of this vitamin themselves. You can provide additional vitamin C through a multivitamin like Sectolin Equivital Pasta.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes, or salts, are essential for fluid balance and play a crucial role in various body processes, including defense mechanisms. Horses can experience deficiencies, especially during hot summer months and heavy sweating from intense exercise. Sectolin Electrolytes and Equistro Electrolyt-7 are supplements that can replenish electrolyte deficiencies in your horse. Equistro Energy Booster also provides energy, perfect for giving your horse a boost during intense exertion!
Pre- and Probiotics
The bacteria in the intestine, known as gut flora or microbiome, are crucial for the horse's immunity. Equistro Mega Base contains prebiotics (nutrients for good bacteria in the gut) and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in addition to vitamins, trace elements, and amino acids.
Other supplements to support your horse's defense
Equistro Haemolytan-400 has a vitalizing effect and can be given for general performance improvement, support during coat change, and in the recovery period after illness. Sectolin Fenugreek is rich in fibers, proteins, vitamins, and essential amino acids, supporting your horse's overall resistance. Fenugreek stimulates appetite in horses and supports the respiratory system and digestive system. Sectolin Garlic Powder consists of 100% garlic. Garlic is a rich source of sulfur, enzymes, amino acids, and trace elements. It contains vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. Garlic supports the respiratory system and is beneficial for overall resistance.
NB: The use of additional supplements in the diet ensures that the horse absorbs more nutrients. If the diet already contains sufficient nutrients, supplementation is unnecessary. Often, the body excretes this excess, but combining different feeds and supplements can indeed lead to overdosing and poisoning. Therefore, seek advice from your veterinarian before use and have your roughage analyzed so you know exactly what vitamins, minerals, and trace elements your horse is getting this way.
Supporting your horse's resistance helps it stay healthy and vital! If you have any questions about our products or about your horse's immune system and resistance, please contact us.