Horse not on the grass? Provide extra vitamin E.

Under natural circumstances, horses obtain their required vitamin E from fresh grass. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is crucial for muscles, prevents stiffness, and supports a healthy nervous system. Sport horses have a higher need for vitamin E, but this also applies to horses sensitive to sugar and horses with PSSM. If your horse doesn't have access to fresh grass, you need to ensure a good supplementation!

15 July '21 - 2 min reading time

Horses that are sensitive to sugars, such as horses that gain weight quickly, have had laminitis, or horses that suffer from sweet itch], cannot graze unlimited. Therefore, these horses are often kept in a paddock and given hay as roughage along with a mineral and vitamin pellet. This is wise and healthy for these horses. But you need to pay close attention.

Vitamin E in case of insulin resistance

There is a lot of vitamin E in fresh grass, so you don't have to worry about vitamin E for horses that spend many hours on the grass. However, horses that cannot eat grass at all often suffer from a vitamin E deficiency. Additionally, horses that are sensitive to sugars also require more vitamin E. Vitamin E contributes to better blood sugar control in people and animals suffering from insulin resistance. Moreover, it helps in combating oxidative stress in cells that occurs during exercise and training, leading to waste products and minor muscle damage. Vitamin E is considered an antioxidant.

Vitamin E for immunity

Vitamin E is crucial for the immune system. Horses that consume more vitamin E, such as sport horses or those with a higher sensitivity to sugar, will deplete their vitamin E reserves faster. They cannot produce it on their own; it must come from their diet. If there is insufficient vitamin E available, it will also impact your horse's immunity.

Conclusion: Horse not on grass? Supplement with Vitamin E!

Horses only obtain vitamin E from fresh grass. Horses not on pasture can easily develop a deficiency. This is especially true for horses with insulin resistance or those performing a lot of work. If this applies to your horse, provide a well-absorbed, suitable form of vitamin E for horses. Make sure to use the correct dosage. Vitamin E is essential for muscles, the nervous system, metabolism, and your horse's immunity.

All information in this article is sourced from https://askheltie.com/en/articles/heltiehorse/horse-not-on-the-grass-provide-extra-vitamin-e