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
Ready for better results? Start with the right diet.
Get a free, personalised Pure Feed diet plan; fast, expert and tailored to your horse’s goals. Better condition, better performance, better clarity.
Start your plan now via the link in our bio 🩵
Ready for better results? Start with the right diet.
Get a free, personalised Pure Feed diet plan; fast, expert and tailored to your horse’s goals. Better condition, better performance, better clarity.
Start your plan now via the link in our bio 🩵
Even in winter, horses lose essential electrolytes and nutrients through sweat and that can impact hydration, muscle function, and post-exercise recovery.
Pure Refuel is designed to make recovery simple. It provides a balanced combination of electrolytes, amino acids, antioxidants, and pre- and probiotics to support hardworking muscles, hydration, and overall wellbeing after work.
Whether your horse is training, competing, hunting, or hacking, Refuel helps them bounce back effectively.
Recovery made simple 🍒
Even in winter, horses lose essential electrolytes and nutrients through sweat and that can impact hydration, muscle function, and post-exercise recovery.
Pure Refuel is designed to make recovery simple. It provides a balanced combination of electrolytes, amino acids, antioxidants, and pre- and probiotics to support hardworking muscles, hydration, and overall wellbeing after work.
Whether your horse is training, competing, hunting, or hacking, Refuel helps them bounce back effectively.
Recovery made simple 🍒
Wishing all our wonderful customers, horses and supporters a very Happy Christmas! 🎁✨
Thank you for being part of the Pure Feed family this year 🩵
Wishing all our wonderful customers, horses and supporters a very Happy Christmas! 🎁✨
Thank you for being part of the Pure Feed family this year 🩵
We love hearing how Pure Feed is making a difference! Here’s Jemma’s experience with Yogi:
"Honestly, my horses were on another feed for nearly 10 years before I switched them to Pure about a year ago and the difference has been huge. They absolutely love the feed, their coats and condition look incredible, and they just seem so much happier.
Yogi can be really sharp in the winter, but since being on Pure, I haven’t needed to give him a calmer at all! I rave about you guys to anyone who’ll listen!"
- Jemma & Yogi 🩵
We love hearing how Pure Feed is making a difference! Here’s Jemma’s experience with Yogi:
"Honestly, my horses were on another feed for nearly 10 years before I switched them to Pure about a year ago and the difference has been huge. They absolutely love the feed, their coats and condition look incredible, and they just seem so much happier.
Yogi can be really sharp in the winter, but since being on Pure, I haven’t needed to give him a calmer at all! I rave about you guys to anyone who’ll listen!"
- Jemma & Yogi 🩵
Soft, minty and easy to chew, Meadow Mash is perfect for older horses, fussy eaters or those who struggle with long fibres.
The high water content helps keep your horse hydrated and their gut moving, especially when they’re stabled more during wet weather or on box rest.
Fibre and hydration go hand in hand for a normal digestive system, and Meadow Mash provides both in one tasty, easy-to-digest mash 💚
Soft, minty and easy to chew, Meadow Mash is perfect for older horses, fussy eaters or those who struggle with long fibres.
The high water content helps keep your horse hydrated and their gut moving, especially when they’re stabled more during wet weather or on box rest.
Fibre and hydration go hand in hand for a normal digestive system, and Meadow Mash provides both in one tasty, easy-to-digest mash 💚
Did you know Pure Feed is a complete feed?
That means every scoop already includes:
✔️ A full balancer
✔️ Fibre
✔️ Slow-release energy
No need to buy separate balancers, oils, or extra supplements; it’s all already in there!
Simple for you, balanced for your horse, and often far more cost-effective than feeding multiple products. Fibre-first nutrition that saves you money 🩵
Did you know Pure Feed is a complete feed?
That means every scoop already includes:
✔️ A full balancer
✔️ Fibre
✔️ Slow-release energy
No need to buy separate balancers, oils, or extra supplements; it’s all already in there!
Simple for you, balanced for your horse, and often far more cost-effective than feeding multiple products. Fibre-first nutrition that saves you money 🩵
🎄 Office Holiday Hours 🎄
Just a reminder, our office will be closed for the festive period:
🎄 Closed: 20th December - 1st January
🎄 Reopens: 2nd January
If you need help over the holidays, our info@purefeed.com
email will be monitored, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Looking to top up your feed while we’re away?
Use our stockist map on the website to find your nearest Pure Feed supplier.
From all of us at Pure, wishing you and your horses a happy, safe festive season!
🎄 Office Holiday Hours 🎄
Just a reminder, our office will be closed for the festive period:
🎄 Closed: 20th December - 1st January
🎄 Reopens: 2nd January
If you need help over the holidays, our info@purefeed.com
email will be monitored, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Looking to top up your feed while we’re away?
Use our stockist map on the website to find your nearest Pure Feed supplier.
From all of us at Pure, wishing you and your horses a happy, safe festive season!
Condition Mix vs Condition Pellets – what’s the difference?
Condition Mix 🌿
Chaff-based complete feed packed with fibre, oils, and nutrients in a natural, forage-style texture. Supports chewing, saliva production, and steady hindgut fermentation — ideal for poor doers who enjoy a chaff-based feed.
Condition Pellets 🟤
All the benefits of the Mix, but in a compact, easy-to-feed pellet. Perfect for fussy eaters or horses that don’t like soaked feed. Fully balanced to support condition, energy, and digestive health — no soaking needed.
Not sure which is best for your horse? Get expert guidance with our free personalised diet plan 👉 link in bio
Condition Mix vs Condition Pellets – what’s the difference?
Condition Mix 🌿
Chaff-based complete feed packed with fibre, oils, and nutrients in a natural, forage-style texture. Supports chewing, saliva production, and steady hindgut fermentation — ideal for poor doers who enjoy a chaff-based feed.
Condition Pellets 🟤
All the benefits of the Mix, but in a compact, easy-to-feed pellet. Perfect for fussy eaters or horses that don’t like soaked feed. Fully balanced to support condition, energy, and digestive health — no soaking needed.
Not sure which is best for your horse? Get expert guidance with our free personalised diet plan 👉 link in bio
Stockley Trading have been trusted Pure Feed stockists for many years, with teams in Littlehampton and Midhurst who hold exceptional technical knowledge of our full range. Whether you need support with condition, energy levels, weight management or specific ingredients, they can guide you to the right feed with confidence!
And of course, while we were at the Littlehampton store, we couldn’t resist topping up on some Pure Treats and a bag of Pure Easy!
Stockley Trading have been trusted Pure Feed stockists for many years, with teams in Littlehampton and Midhurst who hold exceptional technical knowledge of our full range. Whether you need support with condition, energy levels, weight management or specific ingredients, they can guide you to the right feed with confidence!
And of course, while we were at the Littlehampton store, we couldn’t resist topping up on some Pure Treats and a bag of Pure Easy!
Pure Condition Pellets = condition without the fizz 💜
A low sugar, low starch, high fibre formula that builds topline and condition through fibre and oil, not fast-release starch. Ideal for horses that need extra condition but stay sensible.
And the best part? It’s a complete feed, meaning every scoop includes:
✔️ A full balancer
✔️ Fibre
✔️ Slow-release energy
Simple, balanced, and fizz-free.
Pure Condition Pellets = condition without the fizz 💜
A low sugar, low starch, high fibre formula that builds topline and condition through fibre and oil, not fast-release starch. Ideal for horses that need extra condition but stay sensible.
And the best part? It’s a complete feed, meaning every scoop includes:
✔️ A full balancer
✔️ Fibre
✔️ Slow-release energy
Simple, balanced, and fizz-free.
Most winter mornings bring frosty grass ❄️ Pretty, but frosted grass = higher sugar.
For horses prone to laminitis, metabolic issues, or digestive sensitivity, sudden sugary grass can cause gut upset and blood sugar spikes.
Our top tip: serve a bowl of Pure Meadow Mash before turnout!
As a high-fibre, low-sugar hay replacer, Meadow Mash gently fills the gut, helping to:
🌱 Reduce the appetite for frosted grass
🌱 Support stable hindgut fermentation
🌱 Maintain consistent blood glucose levels
🌱 Provide essential fibre without excess starch or sugar
A simple, science-backed way to protect digestion and keep winter feeding consistent.
Most winter mornings bring frosty grass ❄️ Pretty, but frosted grass = higher sugar.
For horses prone to laminitis, metabolic issues, or digestive sensitivity, sudden sugary grass can cause gut upset and blood sugar spikes.
Our top tip: serve a bowl of Pure Meadow Mash before turnout!
As a high-fibre, low-sugar hay replacer, Meadow Mash gently fills the gut, helping to:
🌱 Reduce the appetite for frosted grass
🌱 Support stable hindgut fermentation
🌱 Maintain consistent blood glucose levels
🌱 Provide essential fibre without excess starch or sugar
A simple, science-backed way to protect digestion and keep winter feeding consistent.
🎄 Holiday Hours Reminder! 🎄
Plan ahead for Christmas to make sure your horse doesn’t miss out:
❄️ Last dispatch for online orders: 17th December
❄️ Office open until: 19th December
❄️ Office closed: 20th December - 1st January
❄️ Office reopens: 2nd January
If your needing Pure Feed while we`re closed, remember to check out our stockist map to find the closed stockist to you!
🎄 Holiday Hours Reminder! 🎄
Plan ahead for Christmas to make sure your horse doesn’t miss out:
❄️ Last dispatch for online orders: 17th December
❄️ Office open until: 19th December
❄️ Office closed: 20th December - 1st January
❄️ Office reopens: 2nd January
If your needing Pure Feed while we`re closed, remember to check out our stockist map to find the closed stockist to you!
Did you know the entire Pure Feed range is completely molasses free?
We never rely on sweeteners to make our feeds tasty. Horses naturally prefer fibre-rich ingredients, and our formulations are designed to work with their digestive system, not against it with added sugar.
Many feeds use molasses as a shortcut: it’s cheap, it binds pellets easily, and it guarantees sweetness. But it also increases sugar levels and can make feeds unsuitable for horses with metabolic or digestive sensitivities.
At Pure Feed, we take a different approach.
Our pellets are bound using linseed and we use carefully balanced fibre and oil sources, not molasses. This means:
• Lower sugar and starch levels across the entire range
• Consistent, gut-friendly nutrition
• No artificial sweetness masking poor-quality ingredients
• Suitable for good doers, laminitics, and horses with EMS or digestive sensitivities
Delicious, nutritious, and naturally palatable - that’s the Pure Feed way 🩵
Did you know the entire Pure Feed range is completely molasses free?
We never rely on sweeteners to make our feeds tasty. Horses naturally prefer fibre-rich ingredients, and our formulations are designed to work with their digestive system, not against it with added sugar.
Many feeds use molasses as a shortcut: it’s cheap, it binds pellets easily, and it guarantees sweetness. But it also increases sugar levels and can make feeds unsuitable for horses with metabolic or digestive sensitivities.
At Pure Feed, we take a different approach.
Our pellets are bound using linseed and we use carefully balanced fibre and oil sources, not molasses. This means:
• Lower sugar and starch levels across the entire range
• Consistent, gut-friendly nutrition
• No artificial sweetness masking poor-quality ingredients
• Suitable for good doers, laminitics, and horses with EMS or digestive sensitivities
Delicious, nutritious, and naturally palatable - that’s the Pure Feed way 🩵
We`ve made feeding easy! Know the right amount to feed your horse by following our simple guide.
Pure Condition Pellets have a high oil content to promote weight gain and maintain condition💜
In their pelleted form, they are designed to help tempt fussy eaters and can be fed dry or mixed with water to form a mash. Pure Condition Pellets include our premium natural balancer with the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals that horses require.
If you`re uncertain about their nutritional requirements, leave it to the pros—claim your free diet plan from our expert nutrition team. Got questions? We`re always here to help!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #purecompetitionpellets #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
We`ve made feeding easy! Know the right amount to feed your horse by following our simple guide.
Pure Condition Pellets have a high oil content to promote weight gain and maintain condition💜
In their pelleted form, they are designed to help tempt fussy eaters and can be fed dry or mixed with water to form a mash. Pure Condition Pellets include our premium natural balancer with the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals that horses require.
If you`re uncertain about their nutritional requirements, leave it to the pros—claim your free diet plan from our expert nutrition team. Got questions? We`re always here to help!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #purecompetitionpellets #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
Supporting your horse`s condition shouldn’t mean compromising on behaviour, digestive comfort, or metabolic support.
Pure Condition Mix, designed as a high-calorie, nutritionally complete feed, which provides slow-release calories from fibre and oil rather than cereals and molasses. That means:
✔ Condition without fizz
✔ Digestive comfort and steadier energy
✔ A genuinely balanced feed with every vitamin and mineral included
Because it’s cereal and molasses-free, and naturally low in sugar and starch, it’s also a smart choice for horses who are metabolically sensitive or who simply feel better on fibre-first nutrition.
Why owners love it:
• Helps build condition and topline with calm energy
• Supports weight and topline through winter
• Gentle on the gut and highly palatable
• No need for extra balancers or feeds
If you’re looking for a feed that delivers condition and keeps your horse level-headed, this is the feed for you!
Supporting your horse`s condition shouldn’t mean compromising on behaviour, digestive comfort, or metabolic support.
Pure Condition Mix, designed as a high-calorie, nutritionally complete feed, which provides slow-release calories from fibre and oil rather than cereals and molasses. That means:
✔ Condition without fizz
✔ Digestive comfort and steadier energy
✔ A genuinely balanced feed with every vitamin and mineral included
Because it’s cereal and molasses-free, and naturally low in sugar and starch, it’s also a smart choice for horses who are metabolically sensitive or who simply feel better on fibre-first nutrition.
Why owners love it:
• Helps build condition and topline with calm energy
• Supports weight and topline through winter
• Gentle on the gut and highly palatable
• No need for extra balancers or feeds
If you’re looking for a feed that delivers condition and keeps your horse level-headed, this is the feed for you!
Even in Winter, horses lose electrolytes through sweat - especially during schooling, jumping or fast work ❄️
Pure Refuel replaces what’s lost, fast, supporting hydration, muscle function and recovery when your horse needs it most!
@swintonequestrian shows us her routine: tack up, train, Refuel 🩵
Even in Winter, horses lose electrolytes through sweat - especially during schooling, jumping or fast work ❄️
Pure Refuel replaces what’s lost, fast, supporting hydration, muscle function and recovery when your horse needs it most!
@swintonequestrian shows us her routine: tack up, train, Refuel 🩵
Have you noticed your older horse struggle with chaff? Our Veteran Pellets deliver all the benefits of a chaff-based feed squished into a pellet! Even better they soak down into an easy to eat mash, perfect for horses who struggle with chewing!
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Have you noticed your older horse struggle with chaff? Our Veteran Pellets deliver all the benefits of a chaff-based feed squished into a pellet! Even better they soak down into an easy to eat mash, perfect for horses who struggle with chewing!
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Ever wondered how we can save you money? It’s all down to Pure Feed being a complete feed. That means every bag contains everything your horse needs: fibre, energy, vitamins, minerals, and oil. No need to buy multiple feeds or top up with extra supplements to balance their diet! #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Ever wondered how we can save you money? It’s all down to Pure Feed being a complete feed. That means every bag contains everything your horse needs: fibre, energy, vitamins, minerals, and oil. No need to buy multiple feeds or top up with extra supplements to balance their diet! #purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
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