What to feed a horse with sweet itch?
Sweet Itch is one of the most common allergic skin diseases in horses. Estimates suggest that the condition affects around 5% of the UK’s horse population. Sweet Itch is a seasonal allergy caused by hypersensitivity to the saliva of biting midges. It can cause intense itching and skin irritation, which can result in broken skin and hair loss.
There are many topical remedies and lotions on the market to help manage Sweet Itch and other skin conditions. Whilst feeds and supplements can’t treat Sweet Itch, can what you feed your horse or pony help promote good skin and coat condition from the inside out?
Our team of Horse Insurance experts here at SEIB Insurance Brokers turned to the specialists over at Dengie Horse Feeds to find out more about how we can feed our horses and ponies to help support their skin and coat condition.
Feeding to Support Skin and Coat Condition
A horse’s skin and coat condition often act as a visible indicator of overall health. Good nutrition forms the foundation for a glossy coat and helps maintain healthy skin, especially in horses with underlying allergies. Just like we prioritise essential bills before luxuries, the horse’s body uses nutrients first for vital functions. Only when those needs are met can it allocate resources to producing a sleek, healthy coat. A balanced diet is therefore key if we want our horses looking and feeling their best.
Maintaining a Balanced Diet
UK pasture and conserved forage are often low in trace minerals such as copper, selenium and zinc. Although required only in small amounts, these minerals play vital roles in numerous bodily functions, including the maintenance of skin and coat condition.
You can help maintain a balanced ration by:
- Adding a broad‑spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement or balancer, for horses on forage‑only diets, those fed straights or those receiving less than recommended of a feed with added vitamins and minerals
- Feeding a complete fibre feed fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as Dengie Healthy Hooves Molasses Free, which when fed at the recommended rate of 500g per 100kg bodyweight, provides a fully balanced ration. Healthy Hooves Molasses Free also contains biotin and MSM which not only support hoof condition, but skin and coat condition too.
- Provide additional quality protein—especially lysine—for horses on restricted diets, such as those with limited grazing, soaked forage, or higher‑straw rations. Lysine is vital for skin and coat health and is included in many balancers and fortified feeds.
Oils for Coat Shine and Skin Health
Adding oil is a simple and effective way to enhance coat shine. Feeds like Dengie Alfa‑A Oil supply around 100ml of oil per kg, or you can top‑dress the ration. Because oil is highly conditioning, good doers should only receive small amounts—even 25ml daily can improve shine.
For horses needing extra skin support due to allergies, the type of oil matters. Omega‑3 fatty acids offer natural anti‑inflammatory properties. Fish oil is the richest source of EPA and DHA, the forms horses can use most efficiently. If you prefer plant‑based options, hemp oil is the next best choice. However, hemp oil should be avoided for competition horses as it contains cannabinoids, a prohibited substance.
Linseed oil is another plant-based source of omega-3 essential fatty acids and can be found in Dengie Meadow Lite with Herbs, along with rapeseed oil to promote coat shine, but at only 5MJ/kg DE, it is ideal for those who are watching their weight.
For feeding advice, visit www.dengie.com or phone
With thanks to the team at Dengie Horse Feeds.
About SEIB
SEIB Insurance Brokers has been providing insurance for Horses for over 60 years. We provide a flexible range of policies to suit your needs. Our experienced team of horse owners can help provide you with advice on what cover you might need.
