Nutrition FAQs
Answers to your common questions
Here, we have put together answers to your most frequently asked questions. Some of the most common include, laminitis, weight management, how to manage excitability, feeding senior horses and how to feed your new horse. Also find out the truth about sugar and protein. Please use our categories belowor if you’re after something specific use our search bar below.
FAQs
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Q:
What should I do if I suspect my horse/ pony has a feed allergy?
A:True feed allergies in horses are rare and unfortunately, allergy testing (skin and blood tests) in horses is unreliable. If you do suspect your horse/ pony has a genuine feed allergy, an elimination diet is the best course of action. Please contact the Care-Line for more information.
Q:Do horses suffer from feed allergies?
A:Yes, although true feed allergies in horses are very rare and when they do occur, are in response to a specific type of protein (normally a cereal protein), not the amount of protein or sugar as commonly thought. It is notoriously difficult to find the root cause of skin complaints such as itching, lumps, bumps and hives (one of the most common reasons that feed allergies are suspected) although changes in temperature, flies, mites in forage or bedding, shampoos or other topical solutions, clipper oil, pollen and detergent used to wash rugs and numnahs are all common culprits!
