Can Alfalfa Cause Allergies In Horses?

We often find that Barley, Molasses and Alfalfa are ingredients that can cause unwanted reactions in some horses. For some horses, allergies and intolerances can take weeks, months or years to develop, meaning that their once favourite food could begin to cause unwanted and adverse reactions.

How do I know if my horse is allergic to alfalfa?

Symptoms including itchiness, over-excitable or irritable behaviour and loose droppings are often described as allergies by horse owners and are attributed to various different ingredients including molasses and alfalfa.

Can alfalfa cause allergies?

Regardless of its medicinal uses, alfalfa can still elicit an allergic reaction in some. Sensitivities to the plant are not common, but if you’re allergic to other plant foods, you should consume alfalfa cautiously. Allergic reactions to the plant could vary from eyes and lungs to gastrointestinal distress.

Can horses get hives from alfalfa?

Food allergies are rare in horses, but some cases have been reported. These types of allergies can cause itching of the skin, with or without hives. They can also affect other parts of the body, such as the lungs. Foods that are most commonly suspected include potatoes, wheat, alfalfa, buckwheat, barley, bran and St.

What are the symptoms of a horse allergy?

Some of the horse allergy symptoms include: itchy, watery eyes. runny nose. sneezing.
Symptoms include:

• dizziness.
• hives.
• low blood pressure.
• nausea.
• swollen throat and tongue.
• vomiting.
• weak, fast pulse.
• wheezing.

Why is alfalfa not good for horses?

Alfalfa is a good source of nutrients for sport horses, but owners might want to avoid offering it when horses are working hard in hot weather, says Duren. Protein metabolism creates more heat than fat or carbohydrate metabolism. This added heat can impair the horse’s ability to dissipate heat.

What is a natural antihistamine for horses?

Quercetin, a natural antihistamine, belongs to a group of beneficial plant antioxidants known as flavanoids. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster and has been said to be similar to, or more effective than, common NSAIDs in reducing inflammation.

What are the side effects of alfalfa?

Alfalfa seed products may cause reactions that are similar to the autoimmune disease called lupus erythematosus. Alfalfa might also cause some people’s skin to become extra sensitive to the sun. Wear sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned.

What do you feed a horse with hay allergies?

If changing the type and manner that hay is fed to your horse doesn’t improve his condition within one week, your horse is likely a candidate for a hay substitute. Feeding shredded beet pulp to a horse with hay allergies is common.

Is alfalfa good for allergies?

There are claims that alfalfa may help allergies, thyroid problems, blood and liver toxicity, asthma, and how the pituitary works. It’s also said to reduce the risk of heart attacks. It may also help with an inflamed prostate, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach problems, and diabetes.

Can alfalfa make horses itchy?

The more common ingredients known to cause allergic reactions and sensitivities in some horses include alfalfa, wheat, corn, and soy. Less common foods that could trigger a reaction include lucerne, barley, beet pulp, bran, buckwheat, molasses, chicory, clover, malt, oats, potatoes, and St. John’s Wort.

Can horses eat alfalfa every day?

Alfalfa is not good for all horses.
Alfalfa will fatten horses not burning the excess calories in alfalfa. You shouldn’t feed horses with liver or kidney problems high protein diets, including alfalfa. It’s is also not a good idea to feed endurance horses too much alfalfa.

Why is my horse breaking out in hives?

The most common causes of hives in horses are insect bites or stings, medications, and exposure to allergens. Other potential causes include vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels of the skin), food allergy, ringworm.

What are most horses allergic to?

Insect bites By far the most prevalent equine allergy is hypersensitivity to the saliva from insect bites. The most severe form of this allergy is sweet itch (also known as summer itch and equine insect hypersensitivity), a reaction to tiny biting midges (Culicoides spp.).

What do you do for a horse with allergies?

Once an allergy is diagnosed, treatment usually involves avoiding the allergen, if possible, and use of corticosteroids to control the inflammatory reaction. If a horse is allergic to dust in the environment, you may consider keeping it outside rather than stabling it.

Does Benadryl help with horse allergies?

Summary. Over the counter diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or comparable antihistamines can be used in an emergency for horses with severe hypersensitivity or allergy.

How much is too much alfalfa for a horse?

Alfalfa Hay Feeding Limits – Alfalfa hay (bale, cube, or pellet) should not exceed more than 50% of the total forage consumed per day.

Which is better for horses timothy or alfalfa?

Alfalfa hay is typically higher in protein and essential nutrients than timothy hay, making Alfalfa a better option for more active animals that need a high-protein diet. Alfalfa also has more calories per pound than timothy, so it’s generally the preferred choice of sport horse owners.

Can alfalfa cause stocking up in horses?

Alfalfa Hay Can Contribute To Excess Protein
It’s easy to overwhelm the horse with too much protein when feeding alfalfa hay because on average, alfalfa has more than twice the amount of protein as grasses.

What is the best antihistamine for horses?

Antihistamines:
Antihistamines are often prescribed for the allergic horse as a safer alternative to steroids for longer term control of symptoms. The most common antihistamine we choose is hydroxyzine, but other options include doxepin, amitriptyline, chlorpheniramine, and diphenhydramine.

What stops itching in horses?

Commonly prescribed anti-itching medications include corticosteroids and essential fatty acids. A program that stresses preventive control of parasites in the horse’s environment—including insect control and regular deworming programs—can help eliminate or reduce some causes of itching.