Garlic can be found in many kitchens worldwide and there’s no denying its potent taste and smell. While some may be reluctant to consume it, it has been proven to aid in human health for generations. But do you know it can also be a staple in your horse’s diet, too?
I’m going to break down two ways garlic can aid your horse year-round!
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Repelling Insects
When a horse consumes garlic the smell of its sweat changes, and that pungent odor can keep flies, ticks, and mosquitos at bay. I’m not sure about you, but I’m all ears for anything that keeps the flies away from my mares! Especially during the summer and monsoon months when flies seem to be in every nook and cranny.
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Nature’s Antibiotic
Garlic is high in selenium and sulfur. Selenium is important for horses because it aids in their antibody production which is key to supporting their immune system. The sulfur in garlic is believed to contain many germ-killing compounds and is known for having blood-cleansing properties that are useful in treating and preventing many equine diseases such as respiratory diseases. So by supplementing with garlic on the daily, you can boost both their immune and respiratory systems.
Garlic isn’t meant for everyone, or every horse for that matter, so when should you NOT supplement it into your horse’s diet? If your horse has a history of blood clots or anemia, you should consult your vet before adding garlic to their diet. If you are unsure if your horse has either of those issues, you should consult your vet before adding garlic to their diet.
Lastly, how should you feed your horse garlic? There are tons and tons of products on the market, but I like to simplify everything. I purchase this bag from Starwest Botanicals, off of Amazon and it works great for what I need. I like to toss in one heaping spoonful once a day in their evening-soaked grain and it’s worked wonders!
I hope this has helped you and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. I love reading all of your messages! You can find me on my personal Insta at @unbridledmama.
Love this blog post? We think you will like Equine Health: Should You Be Supplmenting With Sodium? by Emily Griffin.
