Allergies in Horses: Understanding, Managing, and Supporting Your Horse Naturally

Allergies in Horses: Understanding, Managing, and Supporting Your Horse Naturally

Allergies in horses can be frustrating for both owners and horses alike. From constant itching and hives to coughing, runny noses, or seasonal headshaking, allergic reactions can affect comfort, performance, and overall wellbeing. While allergies can’t always be “cured,” a well-rounded approach involving nutrition, environment, and topical care can make a world of difference.

What Are Allergies in Horses?

An allergy occurs when the horse’s immune system overreacts to something normally harmless — known as an allergen. These allergens might be inhaled (like pollen or dust), ingested (in feed or supplements), or come into contact with the skin (such as insects or bedding materials).

The immune system identifies the allergen as a “threat” and releases histamines and inflammatory compounds. The result? Swelling, itching, coughing, or skin irritation — depending on where the reaction occurs.

Common allergic triggers in horses include:

• Environmental allergens: pollen, dust, mould spores, and insect bites (especially midges).

• Feed ingredients: such as soy, barley, molasses, or preservatives.

• Contact irritants: certain bedding types, rug detergents, or grooming sprays.

Some horses only react seasonally, while others may show symptoms year-round.

Common Signs of Allergies

Allergic reactions can vary widely, but some of the most common signs include:

• Skin symptoms: itching, rubbing, hives, hair loss, flaky or inflamed skin.

• Respiratory issues: nasal discharge, coughing, headshaking, wheezing, or “heaves.”

• Eye irritation: watering, rubbing, or swelling around the eyes.

• Behavioural changes: restlessness, discomfort, or reduced performance.

If symptoms persist or worsen, always consult your veterinarian — they may recommend allergy testing, blood work, or environmental assessments to identify the underlying cause.

The Role of Nutrition in Managing Allergies

Nutrition plays a key role in supporting the immune system, skin integrity, and inflammation control. While feed alone won’t eliminate allergies, the right diet can strengthen your horse’s natural defences and reduce the severity of reactions.

Here’s how:

1. Support Skin Barrier Function

A healthy skin barrier is your horse’s first line of defence. The skin relies on adequate essential fatty acids, vitamin E, zinc, and copper to stay strong and resilient.

• Omega-3 fatty acids (from linseed/flaxseed or chia) have natural anti-inflammatory properties. They help calm itchy or inflamed skin and promote a glossy coat.

• Zinc and copper are vital for skin repair, keratin formation, and pigment quality. Deficiencies can make the skin more vulnerable to irritation.

• Vitamin E supports cell health and reduces oxidative stress — especially important for horses on hay-based diets with little fresh pasture.

2. Reduce Inflammatory Load

Some feeds can worsen allergic reactions due to their inflammatory nature or ingredient profile. Try to:

• Avoid high-starch feeds and excessive cereal grains, which can contribute to systemic inflammation.

• Choose low-starch, high-fibre diets with quality protein sources (such as lupins or soybeanmeal, if tolerated).

• Include natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric (curcumin) or omega-3 oils to support immune balance.

3. Boost Antioxidant Intake

Allergies generate oxidative stress within the body. Antioxidants help “mop up” free radicals and support immune resilience.

• Vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and plant polyphenols (like those in herbs or natural feeds) all play a role.

• Horses on dry, dusty hay or poor pasture often benefit from extra antioxidant support through balancers or supplements.

4. Support Gut Health

Around 70% of a horse’s immune system resides in the gut. A healthy digestive system helps regulate immune response and reduces over-sensitivity to allergens.

• Provide plenty of forage to maintain hindgut motility and microbial balance.

• Consider probiotics and prebiotics (such as yeast cultures or MOS) to stabilise the gut microbiome.

• Avoid sudden feed changes — they can disrupt gut flora and immune regulation.

When gut health improves, the whole system becomes more resilient — from skin to airways.

Environmental Management

Even with the best nutrition, allergens in the horse’s surroundings can still trigger symptoms. Simple management strategies can make a big impact:

• Reduce dust exposure: Soak or steam hay, feed dust-free chaff, and maintain good stable ventilation.

• Pasture management: Rotate paddocks and keep pasture short to limit pollen and mould exposure.

• Insect control: Use fly masks, rugs, and repellents during midge season. Consider stabling during dawn/dusk when insects are most active.

• Bedding choices: Opt for low-dust options like shavings, paper, or cardboard rather than straw.

• Clean regularly: Dust surfaces, sweep aisles, and wash rugs or saddle pads frequently.

Consistency is key — controlling multiple small triggers often adds up to major improvement.

Topical & Supportive Treatments

Topical and external treatments can provide relief for itchy, inflamed, or irritated skin.

1. Soothing Shampoos & Washes

Use gentle, hypoallergenic shampoos formulated for sensitive skin. Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or oatmeal can help calm irritation. Avoid frequent washing with harsh detergents, which strip natural oils.

2. Barrier Creams & Sprays

Products containing zinc oxide, lanolin, or natural oils (like coconut or tea tree, used cautiously) can protect skin from further irritation, especially from insects.

3. Anti-itch Sprays or Lotions

These can help soothe hot spots or rubbed areas. Natural formulations with witch hazel, neem, or calendula are often well-tolerated.

4. Rugging & Protection

Light, breathable rugs can reduce contact irritation and insect bites, especially for horses prone to sweet itch.

5. Veterinary Treatments

For more severe cases, your vet might recommend:

• Antihistamines or corticosteroids to control inflammation.

• Allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots) for long-term management.

• Medicated creams for localised flare-ups.

Always consult a vet before starting new topical or medical treatments, as individual sensitivities vary.

Seasonal Considerations

Allergies often worsen in spring and summer when pollen and insects are at their peak. During these months:

• Increase grooming to remove shedding hair and pollen.

• Provide extra omega-3 support.

• Ensure adequate electrolyte and water intake to prevent skin dehydration.

• If possible, stable horses during high-pollen times (early morning, windy days).

In autumn or winter, stable-related dust or mould spores can trigger respiratory allergies. Soaked hay and good airflow help mitigate these issues.

Putting It All Together: A Holistic Plan

Managing equine allergies effectively requires a combination of nutrition, environment, and topical care.

This holistic approach supports the horse inside and out — calming the immune system while maintaining healthy skin and coat condition.

Real-World Example

A horse prone to summer itch may benefit from:

• A diet high in omega-3s and antioxidants (e.g. linseed oil, vitamin E supplement).

• A low-starch balancer rich in zinc and copper.

• A gut-support mash for immune regulation.

• Topical aloe-based sprays and a lightweight rug to prevent insect bites.

• Pasture turnout during low-midge hours.

Within a few weeks, most horses show visible improvement — reduced itching, calmer skin, and a healthier shine.

The Takeaway

Equine allergies are complex, but with the right balance of nutrition, environment, and topical care, most horses can find comfort and relief. A healthy diet builds resilience from within, while thoughtful management reduces exposure to triggers.

Whether your horse struggles with sweet itch, hives, or seasonal sneezing, addressing the root causes — not just the symptoms — is the key to long-term wellbeing.

If you’re unsure where to start, chat with your local feed specialist or veterinarian. They can help tailor a plan using the right combination of feeds, supplements, and care routines to support your horse’s unique needs.

✨ Need help choosing the right feed or supplement for an allergy-prone horse?
We’re here to help! Visit us in store or send us a message to discuss coat and skin health feeds, pink mashes, balancers, and omega-rich supplements — all available on our next stockfeed delivery run across Perth Metro,Bunbury, Boddington, and surrounding areas.

🐴 Because every horse deserves to feel comfortable in their own skin. 💚