29/04/2026
Allergy- Health management through food.
Digestive health is key a large part of the immune/lymph system sits around the gut, so whatever the horse eats has a direct impact on the immune system. This is why allergies often start from within.
When the gut is healthy, it acts as a strong barrier, breaking down food properly, absorbing nutrients, and keeping unwanted substances out of the bloodstream.
But when the system is under pressure, things start to change.
This pressure can come from many places:
physical, emotional, chemical, metabolic, or nutritional stress.
Over time, this stress irritates the gut and leads to inflammation.
Once inflammation starts:
digestion becomes less efficient, nutrients aren’t properly absorbed, and unwanted substances can pass into the bloodstream, leading to allergies, infections and other issues.
Modern diets don’t help. Many horses are fed heavily processed feeds, synthetic minerals, and foods lacking live enzymes. Feeding inflammatory by-products will not help the gut to heal.
Try adding more wholefoods into the diet and look closely at what may be causing inflammation.
Supportive foods:
1. Antioxidants (phytonutrients)
Natural compounds found in plants that help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Best sources: sprouted seeds including sprouted lentils, sprouted mung beans, wheatgrass, barley grass
• Soaked h**p – excellent protein (1 cup daily)
• Chia seeds – omega support (2–4oz daily)
• Spirulina – mineral rich, helpful for allergies (1–2 tsp daily)
• Nettle – dried or strong tea over feed (start small)
• Chamomile tea – calming, soothing
2. Digestive enzymes
Found in sprouted seeds and grasses – help improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
3. Pro/Prebiotics
Support gut balance and reduce toxins.
Think plenty of forage and natural environment.
4. Support the nervous system
Use calming herbs like chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm.
Always try to remove the stress where possible, not just manage it.
Other things to consider:
Limit oils
Avoid soy & corn
No molasses
Watch sugar levels
Support the liver – milk thistle seed (10–40g daily for 4–6 weeks)
Forage should always be the foundation of the diet.
Processed feeds are part of modern horse life, but if you are feeding them, choose good quality and think about what you can add in to support the gut.
Even small changes can make a big difference.
Keep it simple. Heal the gut, support the system, and the body will do the rest.
Rachel Kelly
