askHELTIE HELTIEhorse® What are mycotoxins in horses?

What are mycotoxins in horses?

Health problems like a disturbed immune system, an overloaded liver can be caused by mycotoxins. This can then cause vague symptoms such as reduced resistance, skin problems, poor hoof growth and behavioural changes. But what are mycotoxins, how do horses ingest them and what are natural ingredients to get rid of mycotoxins in horses?

Feeding

Diseases

Welfare

8 April '25 • 2 min reading time

What Are Mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins and endotoxins are toxic substances produced by molds. Hay (especially silage and haylage), grass (that has been turned and may have heated), straw, grains, concentrates, and other types of feed can contain these mycotoxins. Especially when stored improperly, there's a risk that mycotoxins are present.
Mycotoxins are not visible to the naked eye, but their impact on your horse's health can be significant. They disrupt the immune system and place a heavy burden on the liver. As a result, many vague or unexplained symptoms in horses may be caused by mycotoxins.

Removing Mycotoxins from Your Horse’s Body

Fortunately, you can support your horse naturally if there is a suspicion (or confirmation) of mycotoxin exposure. This can be done with a combination of the following ingredients:

  • Beetroot: Beetroot is a true powerhouse for the blood and liver. It contains betanin, an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and supports liver function. A healthy liver is essential for processing and eliminating mycotoxins.
  • Oregano and Rosemary: These potent herbs are not only aromatic but also highly antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Oregano contains carvacrol, a compound that inhibits molds and bacteria. Rosemary supports liver function, which is crucial in removing mycotoxins from the body.
  • Anise and Fennel Seeds: These seeds have been known for centuries for their calming effect on the digestive system. They reduce gas formation and support peristalsis, contributing to the smooth elimination of harmful substances. They also help maintain natural gut balance, which is important when a horse is under stress due to toxin load.
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon acts as a powerful antioxidant and supports blood sugar levels. When dealing with mycotoxins, it's essential to prevent the body from experiencing additional stress from energy fluctuations or inflammatory responses. Cinnamon helps maintain that balance.
  • Chicory: Chicory is rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It also supports the liver’s detoxifying role. Chicory pellets are a great addition for horses that are sensitive to mycotoxins or are in need of recovery.
  • Yeast (Brewer’s Yeast): Yeast, especially brewer’s yeast, contains β-glucans and mannans—compounds that can bind mycotoxins in the digestive tract. This prevents toxins from entering the bloodstream. Brewer’s yeast also positively influences the gut flora, which is essential for proper nutrient absorption and a strong immune system. A healthy gut is the first line of defense against harmful substances.

In Conclusion: Prevention Is Key!

Of course, you can support your horse in eliminating mycotoxins after exposure. However, prevention is even more important. This starts with proper storage and especially careful selection of forage. Since you can never 100% exclude the risk of mycotoxins, supporting your horse with a natural supplement is definitely a wise choice.

Also interesting:

Digestion

Feeding

Does your horse frequently have a dirty tail and does a lot of water come out with the manure? This is usually the result of disrupted gut flora. Not all horses can handle the slight acidification that occurs with packaged hay or pre-cut silage. The fermentation process in this packaged hay then leads to poor digestion and the formation of manure water. What is the solution?

Packaged hay/pre-cut hay is often the cause of manure water in horses.

Does your horse frequently have a dirty tail and does a lot of water come out with the manure? This is usually the result of disrupted gut flora. Not all horses can handle the slight acidification that occurs with packaged hay or pre-cut silage. The fermentation process in this packaged hay then leads to poor digestion and the formation of manure water. What is the solution?. Many horse owners try everything when their horse walks around with a dirty tail and constantly has manure water coming out. Unfortunately, supplements usually have little (or only a temporary effect) on this problem. By the way, manure water is not the same as diarrhea. Difference between unpackaged and packaged (pre-cut) hay A good bale of roughage smells fresh, is nicely stemmy, and the grass inside it is in bloom. It is important that the grass is dry enough at the time it is baled, otherwis...

Digestion

Feeding

Roughage for horses comes in different forms. From small bales of dry herbal hay to large packages of plastic-wrapped silage or pre-cut silage. What are actually the differences in nutritional value between these various types of 'packaged grass'? And: what is the best for your horse?

# The difference between hay, pre-cut, and silage

Roughage for horses comes in different forms. From small bales of dry herbal hay to large packages of plastic-wrapped silage or pre-cut silage. What are actually the differences in nutritional value between these various types of 'packaged grass'? And: what is the best for your horse?. Roughage is vital for horses. The fibers from roughage are the main source of energy for the digestive system. In the large intestine of your horse, a wide range of microorganisms convert the fibers into volatile fatty acids. These are then absorbed by the intestines and used for energy supply, heat production, building materials, and vitamins. Fiber-rich roughage is therefore super important for the health of a horse. From ryegrass to natural hay Most of the roughage we give to horses in the Ne...

Feeding

Concentrate feed became the standard in horse feeding in the last decades of the previous century. Concentrate feed contains vitamins and minerals, to which fillers have been added. The idea behind it is to provide horses with their daily needs. From a different perspective, 'the new feeding,' mineral balancers have been introduced to the market in recent years. But what exactly is the difference between concentrate feed and such a balancer? We have listed it for you.

Concentrate feed or mineral balancer for horses, do you know the difference?

Concentrate feed became the standard in horse feeding in the last decades of the previous century. Concentrate feed contains vitamins and minerals, to which fillers have been added. The idea behind it is to provide horses with their daily needs. From a different perspective, 'the new feeding,' mineral balancers have been introduced to the market in recent years. But what exactly is the difference between concentrate feed and such a balancer? We have listed it for you.. What is a balancer? A balancer is a pellet containing minerals, vitamins, and trace elements. There are no additional substances such as starch, grains, or fillers. That's why you often only give 100 to 300 grams of a balancer per day. That's enough because the concentrations of vitamins and minerals are high. All essential elements are in that small amount of balancer. Furthermore, your horse only needs roughage. The invention of balancers is related to the desire of many horse owners to feed t...

Questions? AskHELTIE!

Are you looking for advice about your dog or horse? Or do you want to know more about conditions or ingredients? Feel free to contact AskHELTIE, and we will be happy to assist you! .