Sweetitch and Marmite Sandwiches

[Reform]

I've heard a couple of times that feeding Marmite sandwiches stops sweetitch. Has anyone tried it? Has it worked? Any advice?

I'm thinking ahead here in anticipation of the spring/summer.

Thanks.

 

[jumpthemoon]

Have heard about it but never tried it! Apparently, marmite causes a smell or taste to be released through the pores which the midges don't like. I'm not sure how effective it is though

 

[sugarnspice]

It certainly does help

. Not a total cure but it does seem to relieve the itching slightly

.

 

[Natch]

Do I know you?!

He he you sound a lot like my friend who swore that becuase she ate marmite on toast she didn't get bitten by mossies... and was wondering for most of last summer if feeding it to her itchy ponies would help. I will watch this post with interest!

I immediately thought no surely marmite isn't good to give to horses on a regular basis but cant put my finger on exactly why?!

I think its supposed to make your skin smell or taste bad to all things small and buzzy. How much would you give them?

Sorry, post hijack!

 

[FestiveFuzz]

Yep we fed all the horses on the yard a marimite sandwich a day during the summer, sure kept the buggy wugs at bay

 

[WFL]

I suppose there are 2 types of flies. Those that like marmite and those that hate it!

 

[loobiloo]

Roll on summer I want my mare to try it

 

[welshies]

Have heard good reports about it, unfortunatley my boy won't eat it. It's something to do with the yeast. Try googleing it! I use sulphur tablets with great effect!

 

[Sugarplum Furry]

Start feeding it now before the spring, like any other supplement it takes a little while to work. I think I remember reading that it's the vitamin B12 in Marmite that's the active ingredient that keeps the mozzies off.

Whatever it is, it works on my horse.

 

[flyingfeet]

I'd suggest brewers yeast powder - does the same thing.

The problem with feeding marmite sandwiches is a) its a irregular dose, b) bread isn't great for horses!

 

[wizzi901]

and if your horse doesnt like marmite.....??

 

[flyingfeet]

Brewers yeast is not such a strong flavour and easily hidden in a feed. Use honey / glucose / molasses if they don't like it without.

 

[PennyJ]

Marmite on toast was my breakfast of choice on business trips in the Caribbean (my previous life lol). It certainly helped me, I'm one of those people who always gets eaten alive! It makes you smell repellent to mozzies apparently.

As I am about to take on a mare with sweetitch, I will certainly give it a try.

 

[Sugarplum Furry]

The toast or bread IS optional. You can always mix the marmite with a drop of warm water and and stir it into the feed that way. Or if your horse has a taste for it, he could always just lick it off the spoon...

 

[grandmaweloveyou]

I did this last year and yes it helps for sure!