Garlic has been around for ages, mostly used to flavor food. But did you know it also has a multitude of health benefits? This holds true for both people and animals, including horses. Whether you’re trying to combat fly season or reduce inflammation, a garlic supplement might be the perfect addition to your feeding routine.
Benefits of Garlic for Horses
Garlic is one of the most used herbs in the horse industry. Like its scent, this herb packs a powerful punch of beneficial properties. Garlic is rich in selenium and sulfur, providing antioxidant and blood-cleansing properties. It is also a natural source of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), commonly known for its joint health and anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, these nutrients can boost the immune system, improve appetite, and lower blood pressure.
Due to its effect on blood pressure, always consult your vet before feeding garlic to any horse with a history of anemia or blood clotting issues.
Garlic as Fly Repellant
All these benefits make garlic a good supplement to feed at any time of year. But with Iits natural insect-repelling properties, garlic has become a favorite for horse owners to feed during the summer.
As you well know, garlic has a potent odor. When horses who have eaten garlic sweat, they give off an odor that repels the flies, ticks, and other pesky insects. Luckily for you, the odor is not so overwhelming that we can’t stand the smell of our horses. But for the insects, it is!
How to Feed Garlic to Horses
Now that these garlic benefits for horses have become well-known and researched, there are quite a few options on the market that make feeding the supplement simple. So, no, you don’t need to bother with crushing fresh gloves into your horse’s feed. (Actually, we specifically do not recommend doing this due to potential dosing inaccuracies.) Instead, choose from one of these prepared garlic supplements.
Pure Garlic Supplements
If you’re looking for pure garlic to add to the feeding routine, Animed Pure Garlic Powder is a great option. It contains only 100% pure garlic in a simple-to-feed powder option. It provides all of those good garlic benefits without any fillers or unnecessary ingredients.
Ingredients: 100% garlic
If your horse prefers eating (or you prefer feeding) pellets instead of powder, check out Wendals Herbs Garlic Granules. This supplement also contains pure garlic, but in a granule form, so you don’t need to worry about powder being left at the bottom of your horse’s feeding trough.
Ingredients: Dehydrated Garlic
Garlic Supplements (+ some extras)
If you’re looking for a supplement containing garlic plus other nutrients and vitamins, Horse First Garlic & More or Manna Pro Nature’s Force Bug Clear are excellent options.
Garlic & More contains a unique blend of ingredients to help the horse maximize its nutritional intake, aid digestion, and boost the immune system.
Ingredients: Garlic, Seaweed Meal, Salt, Thyme, Mint, and Fenugreek
Nature’s Force Bug Clear contains additional minerals to promote healthy skin and a healthy inflammatory response.
Ingredients: Garlic, Thiamin, Niacin, Turmeric and Grape Seed Extract
Shop Now
You can shop for more natural fly solutions for your horse here. You can also shop all our products at FarmVet.com 24/7. You can also call one of our friendly Sales Associates at 1-888-837-3626 or email your order to [email protected].
Learn More
Looking for more fly protection tips? Read our post on 4 Ways To Gear Up For Fly Season.