Itchy horse - does seaweed help?

[Theo108]

Hi does anyone have any experience of using seaweed to deal with itchyness? Thanks

 

[Darlabean]

No, but there are some studies indicating magnesium can help with itchiness.

 

[Noble]

Have you looked into what is causing the itching? For me it was alfalfa, with this removed from his diet the itching/self harming stopped and he now with the addition of micronised linseed has a glorious coat too
.

 

[Theo108]

Hi thanks for the responses- we haven't got anywhere with what's causing it, seems to come and go as well. I'm trying the seaweed and a anti bac/anti microbial wash, so I'll update if he's any better

 

[JillA]

Whereabouts is he itching? All over or just mane/tail? Mine is a summer itcher (not actually sweetitch, he is allergic to black flies) and reducing all sugars/starches in his diet helps, as does micronised linseed. Mine do have seaweed for the iodine but I'm not sure it reduces his itching at all - we have a multi angle management to keep it down

 

[RHamilton]

No, but there are some studies indicating magnesium can help with itchiness.

Is there a natural food solution that would have the proper amount of magnesium, or is this something that would need to be done with supplements?

 

[Theo108]

Hi he tends to itch all over but he hasn't done any other year and its all seasons on and off.

 

[ester]

I wouldn't feed seaweed, it is high in iodine and inconsistent in mineral content. What have you done to investigate what is causing it? what treatments have been tried?

Rhamilton, I am not aware of anything that would deliver a significant quantity of magnesium, or anything that is being fed to do so by those that like to stick natural, you need to feed either a good spec vit/min supplement or a magnesium salt. I feed my own Magnesium oxide (pretty natural anyway )