Are Supplements Necessary in Winter?
Winter can be a tricky time for horses — less grazing, more stored forage, colder weather, changed workload — and as a result, some nutritional gaps can appear. It is a well-known fact, that in cold weather, horses often need more energy — because they burn extra calories to keep warm. Their baseline forage might not supply enough. Winter hay compared to summer grass often has lower and more variable levels of vitamins. If forage quality is poor, or if hay alone constitutes most of the diet, a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement or a “balancer” can help ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients. Winter often means reduced water consumption — which can contribute to dehydration or gut issues — so ensuring salt and free access to water is even more important. Essential Fat & Omega-3 Supplements
Winter grass/hay often lacks the natural omega-3 (vs. fresh pasture), and supplementing omega-3s can help with coat, skin, and general wellbeing. Omega-3s also have anti-inflammatory benefits and support skin/hair health — useful especially for horses prone to skin issues. Horsefirst Omega D Oil is a cold-pressed flax seed oil with added Vitamin D, 'the sunshine vitamin'. It contains the correct balance of Omegas 3, 6 and 9, which are known as Essential Fatty Acids. These Omega Fatty Acids CANNOT be naturally produced by your horse. Two more important Essential Fatty Acids are Omega 3 and Omega 6. Each of them aids your horse in a particular way. Omega-3 Fatty Acids promote general well-being and are associated with glossy coats. They also encourage a strong metabolism. Omega-6 Fatty Acids help to maintain your horse's immune system and healthy tissues.
In winter, some horses may not lick cold salt blocks enough, so providing it may be necessary to add a salt supplement. Salt aids water intake, which supports digestion and prevents dehydration/colic risk.
As stored hay loses some vitamin content over time, antioxidants may be in short supply. Supplementing with vitamin E (or a vitamin-mineral mix) may help immune health, muscle function, and general resilience during winter.
Supplements may be necessary if the Forage or hay quality is uncertain, or nutrient analysis hasn’t been done. If Horses are losing weight, becoming dull-coated, or showing signs of mineral/vitamin deficiency. If Horses are working, old, pregnant/lactating, or living outdoors with limited grazing. It may also be necessary to introduce a supplement if Water intake drops (common in winter), risking dehydration.
Horsefirst has a range of supplement to suit horses from leisure to competition animals. Horsefirst Garlic & More is nature's goodness packed into one special supplement. It is a complete, powerful unique blend of garlic, seaweed, herbs, oil, salt and vitamins that benefits all horses and ponies. This blend smells as good as it tastes and delivers all of the age-old benefits of natural ingredients. It provides your horse with a range of herbs and vitamins to help utilise nutrition, aid digestion and boost the immune system in one tasty 25g serving.
If changing feeds or supplements, transition slowly over days/weeks to avoid digestive upset.
Regularly monitor body condition (weight, coat, energy, hydration), not just rely on blanket/coat appearance — winter coats can hide weight loss