Benefits of linseed for horses with sweet itch

The Natural Way - specialised in itching and skin complaints and the natural treatment of sweet itch, mud fever and CPL.

The benefits of linseed

Linseed is a source of fibre, protein (18%), zinc and omega-3 fatty acids (40-60%). It aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a particularly good addition to the diet of horses prone to itching.

Research has even found some evidence that linseed can effectively reduce the allergic reaction to midges.

Omega 3

Omega 3 is a powerful antioxidant and therefore promotes overall health, but it is also very important for horses prone to itching because of its anti-inflammatory properties in cases of allergies, among other things.

It is also good for your horse's skin and coat, heart and blood vessels, nervous system and immune system.

Symptoms of Omega 3 deficiency include dull, flaky skin and coat, as is often seen in horses with summer eczema.

A course of treatment or continuous?

You can add 100 grams of uncooked linseed for a short course of 7-10 days to support your horse before and/or during the moulting period. You can mix the whole seeds into the feed or grind them in a coffee grinder just before feeding to promote absorption.

You can also choose to mix a handful of linseed into the feed throughout the entire moulting period. For horses that are prone to itching, it is advisable to give them a regular course of treatment to support the symptoms.

If you are already giving linseed, it is advisable to also include weeks without it. In exceptional cases, some horses may also have an allergic reaction to linseed (e.g. protein intolerance), so don't be afraid to remove it from their diet to eliminate itching triggers.

Always buy organic, unbroken linseed. We recommend avoiding linseed oil as it is difficult for horses to digest.

In summer, you do not need to feed linseed if your horse has sufficient access to grass, which is also a source of omega-3.

Is linseed toxic?

Because of hydrocyanic acid, it is still commonly believed that feeding uncooked linseed to horses is toxic. However, linseed is only toxic at high doses of 1-1.5 kg per day and cannot accumulate in the body because it is broken down during digestion. 100 grams will certainly not cause poisoning. Research has even shown that 500 grams per day has no effect.

NEED HELP?

Laura Cleirens from The Natural Way specialises in the natural treatment of itching and skin complaints in horses, such as sweet itch, mud fever and CPL. 

Discover our 100 % natural range here: Sweet Itch Lotion, Mud Fever Oil, CPL Oil, Nature Shampoo and Zoem Spray, as well as e-books on Primal Food, Itch and Horse Herbs. 

© Laura Cleirens: 2025.03.05
Last update: 2026.01.28