Horse Immune System Supplements

What supplements can I use to strengthen my horse's immune system?

As animals that live outdoors, horses need a strong immune system. However, the way we keep our horses doesn't always make it easy for them to stay healthy. Too little exercise or warm and damp stables in winter are just two factors that can lead to a weak immune system in horses. We have summarised other factors that influence a horse's immune system in this graphic.

A horse's natural defences primarily consist of external barriers such as its skin and coat. Proper skin and coat care, as well as regular checks for wounds, irritations and parasites, are important here. It is not uncommon for viruses, bacteria and fungi to enter the body through the skin, weakening the horse's immune system. You can purchase all the products you need to maintain your horse's external protective barriers in our categories for Skin Care & Coat Care. You'll also find suitable supplements for skin and coat in our online shop.

Number 1 for a strong immune system are vitamins, especially vitamin C. You can supply your horses with vitamin C in the form of rose hips. You can purchase these either dried or ground in our online shop to enhance mash, hard feed and treats. The B vitamin biotin is also involved in metabolic processes that build a strong immune system. Supplementing biotin in combination with zinc can be particularly beneficial during the coat change season, when the need for biotin increases, in order to strengthen the horse's defences.

However, for those who prefer to use plant-based, unprocessed feed for their horses, there is a selection of immune-boosting plants that can help strengthen the horse's defences:

• Rose hips
• Hawthorn
• Echinacea
• Camomile
• Willow bark
• Nettle

What feed can I use to support my horse in winter?

Some horses suffer from severe weight loss in winter, with older horses and those that are difficult to feed finding it particularly difficult to maintain their body mass in cold temperatures. Of course, all horses need sufficient energy in winter to maintain their body temperature. Sometimes the basic feed of 1.5kg of hay per 100kg of body mass is not enough. If they are unable to maintain this and lose weight, their calorie intake should be increased in the form of hay or hay cobs.
To boost the immune system in winter, it's important to provide all horses with vitamin-rich feed. Vitamins C and E are important for a strong immune system in winter, as they're antioxidants and protect cells from damage. This helps keep up the body's own protective barriers and better protects horses from illness. Vitamins C and E are found in lots of plant sources; rose hips, linseed, sunflower seeds and sun-dried hay are especially important for horses.
At Kramer Equestrian, you can purchase vitamin-rich supplements online to strengthen your horse's immune system in winter.
Many horses are prone to coughing in winter and other respiratory problems, as a result of the cold, damp air and higher barometric pressure. If this is compounded by an unfavourable stable climate, coughing is inevitable. Here too, vitamin-rich supplements can help strengthen horses immune systems in winter. You can also give your horse supplements for clear airways, and you'll find a wide range of these from Original Landmühle in our online shop.
If you want to give your horse a soothing treat from time to time, you can feed them warm mash in winter. Original Landmühle has the right mash in its range especially for the cold season.

You can find more tips on feeding horses in winter in our guide.