Garlic Granules

The studies that flagged this risk used very high doses of freeze-dried garlic; around 200 mg per kg of bodyweight per day or more, fed for many weeks. At sensible feeding rates within our recommended guide, garlic has a long history of safe use in stables. Stick to the feeding guide and don't exceed it.

Published research found measurable changes in blood markers when freeze-dried garlic was fed at around 200 mg per kg of bodyweight per day or more. For an average 500 kg horse, that's roughly 100 g per day or above of freeze-dried garlic; well above our recommended daily guide.

For horses fed garlic year-round at higher rates, an annual or biannual full blood count is a sensible precaution. For horses fed at the guide level for fly-season support only, routine extra testing isn't usually needed.

Garlic itself is not currently classed as a prohibited substance in most disciplines, but rules can change and some natural sulphur compounds appear on extended lists. Check your discipline's current prohibited substances list ahead of competition.

Many horses do develop a slight garlic note in sweat, breath and skin secretions after a few weeks. Anecdotally many owners report noticeably fewer flies once the effect builds, although individual results vary; for best results, start feeding 4 to 6 weeks before peak fly season.

Yes. Garlic is often layered with nettle for circulation, marigold for skin support and rosehip for antioxidant balance through summer. Introduce one new ingredient at a time and watch for changes in palatability or feed acceptance.