FEED ADVICE – HEALTH
Essential Guide to Allergies in Horses
Equine allergies are an increasingly recognised health issue that can significantly impact a horse’s quality of life. Allergies occur when the horse’s immune system reacts to normally harmless substances, known as allergens, leading to various symptoms ranging from mild itching to severe respiratory distress. Common allergens for horses include environmental factors such as dust, pollen, mould, and insects, as well as dietary components like certain grains or alfalfa. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for equine allergies is crucial for maintaining your horse’s well-being.
Key Highlights
Equine allergies are a common health issue, affecting horses of all breeds and ages.
Diagnosis involves clincial evalutation, allergy testing and elimination diets.
Common allergens include dust, pollen, mould, insects, and certain types of feed.
The Pure Feed mixes are alfalfa, soya and mould inhibitor free providing a dietary option for horses with allergies or intolerances.
Understanding Equine Allergies
Allergies in horses are hypersensitive immune responses to substances they encounter in their environment or diet. When a horse with allergies comes into contact with an allergen, its immune system produces antibodies, triggering an inflammatory response. This reaction can manifest in different ways, depending on the type of allergen and the individual horse’s sensitivity.
Equine allergies are typically categorised into three main types:
Respiratory Allergies
Often manifested as Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), respiratory allergies are frequently caused by inhalation of allergens such as dust, mould spores, and pollen. The immune response leads to bronchoconstriction, increased mucus production, and airway inflammation, presenting clinically as coughing, nasal discharge, exercise intolerance, and laboured breathing.
Skin Allergies
Also known as atopic dermatitis, skin allergies including urticaria (hives), pruritus (itching), and dermatitis, may be triggered by direct contact with allergens, insect bites (e.g., Culicoides species causing sweet itch), or ingestion of allergenic feeds. The release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells leads to skin irritation, hair loss, and in severe cases, self-trauma due to persistent scratching or rubbing.ingestion of certain allergens. Symptoms often include itching, hair loss, hives, and skin lesions.
Food Allergies or Intolerances
Dietary allergens such as alfalfa, soy, or specific grains can trigger gastrointestinal or systemic reactions. Symptoms may include colic, diarrhoea, chronic weight loss, or skin eruptions. Alfalfa is a notable allergen in horses, causing adverse reactions in a subset of the equine population.
Causes and Risk Factors of Equine Allergies
While the precise cause of equine allergies can vary, several risk factors have been identified:
Environmental Exposure
Horses exposed to high levels of airborne allergens like dust, pollen, and mould spores are at an increased risk of developing respiratory allergies. Inadequate stable ventilation, damp conditions, and poor-quality forage storage can exacerbate these issues.
Insect Hypersensitivity
Allergies to insect bites, particularly from Culicoides midges (sweet itch), are among the most common allergic conditions in horses. Insect saliva proteins trigger a type I hypersensitivity reaction, causing intense itching and dermatitis.
Dietary Components
Horses can develop food allergies or intolerances to specific ingredients in their feed, including alfalfa, grains, and certain protein sources. These reactions can lead to gastrointestinal distress, skin conditions, and systemic inflammation.
Genetic Predisposition
Certain breeds, such as Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, and Arabians, show a higher incidence of allergies, suggesting a genetic component. Additionally, young horses and those with a history of previous allergic episodes may be more susceptible to developing new sensitivities.
Identifying Early Signs of Equine Allergies
Early detection of equine allergies is essential for effective management. Key signs to look out for include:
Respiratory Signs: coughing, nasal discharge, dyspnoea (difficulty breathing), and exercise intolerance are indicative of respiratory allergies like RAO.
Dermatologic Signs: Recurrent urticaria, pruritus, alopecia (hair loss), and dermatitis, particularly in areas exposed to insects or allergenic contact materials.
Gastrointestinal Signs: Symptoms such as diarrhoea, colic, or unexplained weight loss suggest food allergies or intolerances.
Behavioural Changes: Altered behaviour, such as irritability, lethargy, or reluctance to work, may be secondary to discomfort caused by allergic reactions.
If any of these signs are observed, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and appropriate diagnostic testing.
Diagnosing Equine Allergies
Diagnosing equine allergies can be challenging due to the variety of symptoms and potential allergens. A comprehensive approach is often necessary, including:
Clinical Examination
A comprehensive physical examination is conducted to assess signs of allergic disease, including respiratory, dermatologic, and gastrointestinal symptoms.v
Allergy Testing
Serum testing or intradermal skin testing may be performed to identify specific allergens. These tests measure the horse’s immunoglobulin E (IgE) response to various environmental and dietary antigens.
Elimination Diets
For suspected food allergies, an elimination diet may be used to identify problematic ingredients. This involves feeding a simplified diet free of potential allergens and gradually reintroducing components to pinpoint the allergen.
Managing Equine Allergies
Effective management of equine allergies involves reducing exposure to allergens and providing supportive care:
Environmental Management: Minimise exposure to dust, mould, and pollen by maintaining good stable hygiene, using dust-free bedding, and providing adequate ventilation. For horses with insect allergies, consider stabling them during peak insect activity and using fly sheets, masks, and insect repellents.
Dietary Adjustments: Feeding an allergen-free diet is crucial for horses with food allergies. The Pure Feed range offers alfalfa-free formulations that reduce the risk of allergic reactions while providing balanced nutrition.
Medical Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids or antihistamines, may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended to desensitise the horse to specific allergens.
Regular Monitoring and Supportive Care: Ongoing monitoring of the horse’s condition is essential to manage allergies effectively. Regular veterinary check-ups, along with close observation of symptoms, can help adjust management strategies as needed.
Preventing Equine Allergies
While some allergies may not be entirely preventable, several strategies can help reduce the risk:
Maintain a Clean Environment: Regularly clean and ventilate stables, minimise dust, and use low-dust bedding materials.
Use Fly Control Measures: Implement comprehensive fly control strategies to reduce exposure to biting insects.
Choose Alfalfa-Free Feeds: Select feeds that do not contain common allergens like alfalfa. The Pure Feed range offers a variety of alfalfa-free options to support horses with dietary sensitivities.
Conduct Allergy Testing: Early allergy testing can identify specific triggers and allow for prompt management.
Conclusion
Equine allergies are a multifaceted condition that requires careful management to ensure the well-being of affected horses. By understanding the causes, recognising early signs, and implementing effective management strategies, horse owners can help minimise the impact of allergies on their horses.
Recommended products to support horses with Allergies
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FAQs
Thousands of people love our feeds
BCS 101 with Meg & Jam 🐴💪 Watch as we give a quick body condition score check and show you how to keep your horse in tip top shape!
With @horseandcountrytv, we’re excited to help Meg reach the top 🏆
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #purefeeddietplan #equinenutrition
BCS 101 with Meg & Jam 🐴💪 Watch as we give a quick body condition score check and show you how to keep your horse in tip top shape!
With @horseandcountrytv, we’re excited to help Meg reach the top 🏆
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #purefeeddietplan #equinenutrition
🌾 Did you know our complete feeds contain grass chaff?
It’s not just there for bulk, it’s science-backed fibre that actively supports your horse’s digestive:
🧪 Digestible fibre (NDF) keeps the gut moving efficiently, supporting normal hindgut function.
🧬 Encourages chewing and saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
🦠 Fuels the hindgut microbiome, feeding beneficial bacteria for better fermentation and nutrient absorption.
Including grass chaff means your horse gets consistent, functional fibre every day, even when hay quality or availability varies.
🌾 Did you know our complete feeds contain grass chaff?
It’s not just there for bulk, it’s science-backed fibre that actively supports your horse’s digestive:
🧪 Digestible fibre (NDF) keeps the gut moving efficiently, supporting normal hindgut function.
🧬 Encourages chewing and saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
🦠 Fuels the hindgut microbiome, feeding beneficial bacteria for better fermentation and nutrient absorption.
Including grass chaff means your horse gets consistent, functional fibre every day, even when hay quality or availability varies.
Pure Condition Mix supports steady condition gain, using fibre and oil-based energy that fuels the body without over-exciting it.
🌱 Unmolassed sugar beet
Digestible fibre to help add condition and support the gut, no added sugar spikes.
🌰 Linseed
Supports muscle development, topline and coat condition with quality protein and oil.
💧 Rapeseed oil
Cool, calorie-dense energy to help increase condition efficiently.
⚖️ Non-fizz formula
Slow-release energy, ideal for horses that don’t cope with cereal-heavy feeds.
👉 Perfect for poor doers, horses needing topline support or those in hard work
Pure Condition Mix supports steady condition gain, using fibre and oil-based energy that fuels the body without over-exciting it.
🌱 Unmolassed sugar beet
Digestible fibre to help add condition and support the gut, no added sugar spikes.
🌰 Linseed
Supports muscle development, topline and coat condition with quality protein and oil.
💧 Rapeseed oil
Cool, calorie-dense energy to help increase condition efficiently.
⚖️ Non-fizz formula
Slow-release energy, ideal for horses that don’t cope with cereal-heavy feeds.
👉 Perfect for poor doers, horses needing topline support or those in hard work
What’s really happening inside your horse after exercise?
Work doesn’t just burn energy. It causes
👉 electrolyte loss through sweat
👉 oxidative stress in muscle cells
👉 micro-damage to muscle fibres that must be repaired
That’s why post-exercise recovery nutrition matters 👇
⚡ Electrolytes
Sweat removes sodium, potassium and chloride. Replacing them supports hydration, muscle contraction and nerve signalling; essential for proper recovery.
🧬 Antioxidants
Exercise increases free radicals. Antioxidants help neutralise these, supporting muscles and reducing post-work fatigue.
💪 Limiting amino acids
These are the critical building blocks for muscle repair. Without them, recovery and muscle adaptation are compromised, even if protein intake looks “adequate”.
What you feed after work influences how your horse feels tomorrow, next week and next season.
What’s really happening inside your horse after exercise?
Work doesn’t just burn energy. It causes
👉 electrolyte loss through sweat
👉 oxidative stress in muscle cells
👉 micro-damage to muscle fibres that must be repaired
That’s why post-exercise recovery nutrition matters 👇
⚡ Electrolytes
Sweat removes sodium, potassium and chloride. Replacing them supports hydration, muscle contraction and nerve signalling; essential for proper recovery.
🧬 Antioxidants
Exercise increases free radicals. Antioxidants help neutralise these, supporting muscles and reducing post-work fatigue.
💪 Limiting amino acids
These are the critical building blocks for muscle repair. Without them, recovery and muscle adaptation are compromised, even if protein intake looks “adequate”.
What you feed after work influences how your horse feels tomorrow, next week and next season.
Consistency = results.
Pure Feed complete feeds are built on the same foundation; Pure Balance + chaff + controlled energy, but tailored for every type of horse.
✅ Better digestion
✅ Steady, fibre-first energy
✅ Reliable results
No guesswork. No fillers. Just smart, simple feeding your horse will love.
🔗 Tap our bio to create your horse’s personalised diet plan today!
Consistency = results.
Pure Feed complete feeds are built on the same foundation; Pure Balance + chaff + controlled energy, but tailored for every type of horse.
✅ Better digestion
✅ Steady, fibre-first energy
✅ Reliable results
No guesswork. No fillers. Just smart, simple feeding your horse will love.
🔗 Tap our bio to create your horse’s personalised diet plan today!
As horse owners, we know just how expensive it’s becoming to source good quality hay 🌾 When forage is limited (or costly!), Pure Meadow Mash helps keep fibre intake consistent, with no compromise.
It’s a high fibre hay replacer with a natural mint flavour, it’s easy to soak, high palatable and ideal for fussy eaters, veterans, poor doers or those on box rest.
Feed alongside or in place of hay to make every bale go further 🩵
As horse owners, we know just how expensive it’s becoming to source good quality hay 🌾 When forage is limited (or costly!), Pure Meadow Mash helps keep fibre intake consistent, with no compromise.
It’s a high fibre hay replacer with a natural mint flavour, it’s easy to soak, high palatable and ideal for fussy eaters, veterans, poor doers or those on box rest.
Feed alongside or in place of hay to make every bale go further 🩵
Just because it`s Winter, your horse still needs their salt! Even in the cold, horses lose electrolytes through sweat, urine, and natural body processes. Salt is essential for hydration, healthy muscles, and proper nerve function, all key to keeping your horse feeling strong, comfortable, and performing at their best.
That’s why all Pure Feed complete feeds include the right amount of salt – taking the guesswork out of winter feeding. Simple, balanced, and formulated to support your horse every day of the year 💡
Just because it`s Winter, your horse still needs their salt! Even in the cold, horses lose electrolytes through sweat, urine, and natural body processes. Salt is essential for hydration, healthy muscles, and proper nerve function, all key to keeping your horse feeling strong, comfortable, and performing at their best.
That’s why all Pure Feed complete feeds include the right amount of salt – taking the guesswork out of winter feeding. Simple, balanced, and formulated to support your horse every day of the year 💡
Struggling to help your horse maintain weight? Feeding more isn’t always the answer 👉 it’s about the right type of calories!
Pure Condition Mix is high in digestible fibre and energy-dense nutrients, giving extra calories safely without sugar spikes. It supports the gut, provides steady energy, and helps maintain weight, muscle tone & overall wellbeing.
Completely free from molasses, alfalfa & fillers. It`s science-backed nutrition your horse deserves.
Tap the link in bio to learn more!
Struggling to help your horse maintain weight? Feeding more isn’t always the answer 👉 it’s about the right type of calories!
Pure Condition Mix is high in digestible fibre and energy-dense nutrients, giving extra calories safely without sugar spikes. It supports the gut, provides steady energy, and helps maintain weight, muscle tone & overall wellbeing.
Completely free from molasses, alfalfa & fillers. It`s science-backed nutrition your horse deserves.
Tap the link in bio to learn more!
Thousands of owners have switched to Pure Feed, and now it’s your turn!
Fill out our diet plan form, and we’ll send you a personalised feed plan tailored to your horse’s weight, condition, and workload. Simple, science-backed, and designed to help your horse thrive 👉 link in bio 🩵
Thousands of owners have switched to Pure Feed, and now it’s your turn!
Fill out our diet plan form, and we’ll send you a personalised feed plan tailored to your horse’s weight, condition, and workload. Simple, science-backed, and designed to help your horse thrive 👉 link in bio 🩵
Horses with sensitive digestion or high energy levels need steady, balanced energy 🌿
Condition Mix is a slow-release energy feed that relies on fibre and oils, not sugar or cereals. Completely free from molasses and soya, it supports:
✅ Steady hindgut fermentation
✅ Stable blood glucose levels
✅ Topline and overall condition
Perfect for fizzy or sensitive horses, giving digestible, sustained energy while keeping the gut happy.
Science-backed nutrition your horse can thrive on. 🐴
Learn more in our link in bio!
Horses with sensitive digestion or high energy levels need steady, balanced energy 🌿
Condition Mix is a slow-release energy feed that relies on fibre and oils, not sugar or cereals. Completely free from molasses and soya, it supports:
✅ Steady hindgut fermentation
✅ Stable blood glucose levels
✅ Topline and overall condition
Perfect for fizzy or sensitive horses, giving digestible, sustained energy while keeping the gut happy.
Science-backed nutrition your horse can thrive on. 🐴
Learn more in our link in bio!
Minty, mashy goodness your horse won’t say no to 🌿✨
Pure Meadow Mash, our tasty, high-fibre hay replacer that makes even the pickiest eaters lick the bowl clean.
Perfect for warm mashes, replacing hay, boosting fibre, and tempting fussy horses.
Tap the link in our bio to find out more 🩵
Minty, mashy goodness your horse won’t say no to 🌿✨
Pure Meadow Mash, our tasty, high-fibre hay replacer that makes even the pickiest eaters lick the bowl clean.
Perfect for warm mashes, replacing hay, boosting fibre, and tempting fussy horses.
Tap the link in our bio to find out more 🩵
Trying to find an alfalfa-free feed for your horse? The entire Pure Feed range is alfalfa-free 🩵
Whether your horse is a sensitive good doer, laminitis-prone, or just needs a balanced, controlled diet, our alfalfa-free range delivers everything they need!
Take the guesswork out of feeding and explore the Pure Feed range today and see the difference gut-friendly, balanced nutrition can make!
Trying to find an alfalfa-free feed for your horse? The entire Pure Feed range is alfalfa-free 🩵
Whether your horse is a sensitive good doer, laminitis-prone, or just needs a balanced, controlled diet, our alfalfa-free range delivers everything they need!
Take the guesswork out of feeding and explore the Pure Feed range today and see the difference gut-friendly, balanced nutrition can make!
🩵 Shoutout to Avon Animal Feeds 🩵
Your go-to local hub for all things horsey and proud stockists of Pure Feed!
Whether you need a bag of your favourite feed, advice on what to try next, or just an excuse to browse… the team at Avon Animal Feeds has you covered!
📍 Pop in and support your local store
🛒 Grab your Pure Feed favourites
📲 Or head to our bio to visit our stockist map
🩵 Shoutout to Avon Animal Feeds 🩵
Your go-to local hub for all things horsey and proud stockists of Pure Feed!
Whether you need a bag of your favourite feed, advice on what to try next, or just an excuse to browse… the team at Avon Animal Feeds has you covered!
📍 Pop in and support your local store
🛒 Grab your Pure Feed favourites
📲 Or head to our bio to visit our stockist map
Boost your horse’s diet naturally with Pure Linseed 🌿
A high-quality, oil-rich, micronised seed that’s gentle on the gut and provides slow-release calories to support condition, coat quality, and overall wellbeing. Packed with natural oils and fibre, linseed promotes a shiny coat, skin condition, and a balanced digestive system, all without added sugar or starch.
Micronised for optimal digestibility, it can be fed to support weight gain or sprinkled over feed to enhance skin and coat. Versatile, natural, and wholesome nutrition you can trust.
Boost your horse’s diet naturally with Pure Linseed 🌿
A high-quality, oil-rich, micronised seed that’s gentle on the gut and provides slow-release calories to support condition, coat quality, and overall wellbeing. Packed with natural oils and fibre, linseed promotes a shiny coat, skin condition, and a balanced digestive system, all without added sugar or starch.
Micronised for optimal digestibility, it can be fed to support weight gain or sprinkled over feed to enhance skin and coat. Versatile, natural, and wholesome nutrition you can trust.
Struggling with less grass this winter? All Pure Feed complete feeds are high in digestible fibre, keeping your horse’s gut moving and energy steady.
Need extra fibre or a hay replacer? Pure Meadow Mash is perfect – safe to feed in larger quantities and great for popping straight out into your horse’s field so they can nibble naturally 🩵
Struggling with less grass this winter? All Pure Feed complete feeds are high in digestible fibre, keeping your horse’s gut moving and energy steady.
Need extra fibre or a hay replacer? Pure Meadow Mash is perfect – safe to feed in larger quantities and great for popping straight out into your horse’s field so they can nibble naturally 🩵
Think feeding large meals will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs, only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut, where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds maximise nutrient absorption, support normal gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely Think feeding big buckets will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs — only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut — where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition. 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds — like Pure Feed — maximise nutrient absorption, support healthy gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely 🩵
Think feeding large meals will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs, only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut, where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds maximise nutrient absorption, support normal gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely Think feeding big buckets will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs — only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut — where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition. 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds — like Pure Feed — maximise nutrient absorption, support healthy gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely 🩵
Good doer? Keep the weight off without cutting out their feed 🌿
Pure Balance – low-cal balancer, the base of every Pure Feed
Fibre Balance – handful of chaff + balancer
Easy – low-cal with extra oil & fibre to support energy
Struggling to get it right? Our Diet Plan Service builds the perfect feeding plan for your good doer 🩵 Link in bio
Good doer? Keep the weight off without cutting out their feed 🌿
Pure Balance – low-cal balancer, the base of every Pure Feed
Fibre Balance – handful of chaff + balancer
Easy – low-cal with extra oil & fibre to support energy
Struggling to get it right? Our Diet Plan Service builds the perfect feeding plan for your good doer 🩵 Link in bio
Feeding shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. ⏱️
With Pure Feed, everything your horse needs is already in the bag 👉 balancer, fibre, vitamins, minerals, slow-release energy = all sorted.
Just scoop ➜ feed ➜ get on with the fun stuff 🩵
Want a simpler winter routine?
Free diet plans in our bio.
Feeding shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. ⏱️
With Pure Feed, everything your horse needs is already in the bag 👉 balancer, fibre, vitamins, minerals, slow-release energy = all sorted.
Just scoop ➜ feed ➜ get on with the fun stuff 🩵
Want a simpler winter routine?
Free diet plans in our bio.
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