Worms may be tiny, but without proper management they can cause significant damage to your horse’s body. From roundworms and tapeworms to red bloodworms – infestations are a reality that every horse owner faces sooner or later.

Of course, your goal is to support your horse’s natural resistance, helping it keep infection pressure under control on its own.

There’s no magical way to eliminate worms completely and that’s not even necessary. Every horse carries worms; only when the population grows, often due to reduced immunity, is treatment needed. Worm prevention is a puzzle made up of many pieces: good pasture management, regular manure testing, hygiene, and… nutrition.

Because while nutrition alone can’t keep worms away, it plays a crucial role in supporting your horse’s resilience and gut health.

1. Did you know…

• A healthy microbiome — the community of good gut bacteria — acts as a natural barrier against worms?
• Worms multiply more easily in an acidic or imbalanced gut environment?

That’s why nutrition is one of the foundations of natural resistance.

2. Healthy nutrition: a powerful piece of the puzzle

A horse that’s fed a natural, fibre-rich, and low-sugar diet develops a stronger immune system and a gut environment that’s less inviting to worms.

At Metazoa Horses, we believe in feeding according to the horse’s natural needs:

• High in fibre (roughage first)
• Low in sugar and starch
• Supplementary feeds that support where needed

Our Metazoa BalanceFit range is formulated to help maintain that balance – from microbiome to metabolism.

Combined with proper pasture management, hygiene, and monitoring, nutrition becomes a powerful ally in your worm prevention plan.

3. The power of Esparcette

Have you heard of esparcette? This remarkable legume is a natural, anti-parasitic powerhouse.

Why Esparcette?

• Contains tannins that help disrupt the development of worms
• Supports the immune system and digestion
• Naturally promotes gut balance

Many horses love the taste, and it’s a wonderful addition to their diet.
Esparcette isn’t a replacement for worm treatments or testing — but it’s a natural reinforcer within a holistic prevention plan.

Our partner Worm & Co also recommends Esparcette to horses with persistent high infection levels — backed by many positive owner experiences.

4. Manure testing: knowledge is power

Nutrition and herbs help, but you’ll only truly know how your horse is doing through regular manure testing.

At Worm & Co, manure is analysed for the presence of worm eggs, so you can know:

• Whether deworming is really needed
• How effective your management and feeding plan are
• Whether additional support might be helpful
• And most importantly — prevent worm resistance

Tip: Have manure tested at least three times a year (ideally four) to track the worm life cycle. This allows for timely treatment, helps avoid unnecessary deworming, and reduces the risk of resistance.

5. Natural tools for a healthy gut

Besides Esparcette, other natural allies can support digestion and immunity:

• Sunflower seeds: rich in omegas to boost immune and gut health
• Herbal blends (like thyme, oregano, wormwood): can make the gut environment less appealing to parasites – always use in moderation and rotation
• Diatomaceous earth: often used for its physical action in the intestines

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This blog was created in collaboration with Worm & Co, specialists in tailored manure analysis for your horse.

Want to know more? Get in touch!