Myth busting! SOYA

Soya has long been a topic of debate in equine feeding. Much of the information circulating is based on myths rather than scientific evidence.

Soybean meal - One of the best plant sources of essential amino acids available, used to provide quality protein.

Soya hulls - The fibrous outer coating of the soya bean is an excellent source of digestible fibre that supports your horse’s healthy digestive function.

Soya oil - An excellent source of starch free fat, which is high in energy.

Let's separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: Soya is inflammatory for horses and causes ulcers

For the vast majority of horses, soya products, DO NOT trigger inflammation. Soya is one of the highest-quality protein sources available, providing essential amino acids like lysine, which are crucial for muscle repair, tissue maintenance and recovery.

Some studies have found that soybean meal may even have a protective effect on the stomach lining. Containing proteins and phospholipids that can help support the stomach's natural defence mechanisms. Equine feeds often include soya-derived ingredients for this exact reason.

Myth 2: Soya makes horses "hot"

One of the most common misconceptions is that soya causes horses to become excitable or difficult to handle. In reality, soya is a high-quality protein source, NOT a high-energy ingredient.

Protein supports muscle development, tissue repair, and overall health; it doesn't increase your horse's energy levels or temperament.

Excess calories from any feed (including forage options such as grass and/or hay) are what contribute to excess energy.

Myth 3: Lots of horses are allergic to soya

One of the most common claims in equine nutrition, but the evidence DOES NOT support it.

A true food allergy in horses is actually very rare. While individual horses can develop sensitivities or intolerances to a wide range of ingredients, this is very different from a diagnosed allergy which only affects 2-3% of the equine population. 

If soya were a common allergen in horses, it wouldn't be one of the most widely used ingredients in equine nutrition worldwide.

Allergy vs. intolerance

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things:

Food allergy - An immune system response that's confirmed through veterinary investigation. This is uncommon in horses.

Food intolerance or sensitivity - A non-immune reaction that may cause digestive upset or other signs in some individuals. These are also considered relatively uncommon.

The biggest risk factors for equine gastric ulcers are:

• Long periods without forage
• Low-forage provision diets
• Intense exercise
• Stress (travel, competition, management changes)
• NSAID use (e.g. phenylbutazone "bute")

These factors, NOT SOYA are the primary drivers of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS).

Soybean meal is valued because:

✅ It is a highly digestible, quality protein source

✅ It is rich in essential amino acids for muscle and topline, especially lysine

✅ It is consistently high quality

✅ It is extensively researched and safely fed to millions of horses every year

✅ Research suggests it helps support gastric health.

✅ It does not cause inflammation in healthy horses.

Soya IS NOT something to fear.

While any horse can have an individual sensitivity to almost any feed ingredient, soya allergy is considered uncommon. Decisions to remove soya from a horse's diet should be based on veterinary advice and careful dietary investigation, not internet myths.

As always, whole diet (including forage and grazing options), daily management and exercise options determine a horse's overall health, not a single ingredient.

• Feed plenty of forage
• Keep starch levels low/appropriate - A super concentrated balancer is great for this!
• Reduce stress
• Balance the diet tailored to your horses indvidual needs
• If your horse is sensitive in thier digestion, Ulsa-Cool is a balancer to consider

These choices will have a far greater impact on your horse's overall health rather than avoiding soya which is a safe, nutritious, and highly digestible protein source that has earned its place in many quality horse feeds.

Remember to base your feeding decisions on sound nutritional science and advice from qualified BETA ENFAR equine feed advisers and nutritionists.