What is Pig Oil for Horses? And Pig Oil with Sulphur?

Understanding Pig Oil and Its Composition

Pig oil has two primary origins – agriculture and hunting. In agriculture, it coats a hog’s skin to protect it from cracking. It’s a long-term moisturizer. This version is the same formula for horses.

In the world of sport hunting, there’s another version of this oil, which is an attractant that will lure hogs to an area. The ingredients in these products need to be clarified, and they are likely very different from grooming products. Since they come in many “flavors” like strawberry and soybean, it’s safe to say that you should NOT use these on your horse.

Basic pig oil for horses

Mineral oil is a main ingredient in pig oil. I can assure you that not a single piggy contributed to the creation of this oil. The oily nature helps protect hair and skin from mud and the microbes that live in mud. For horses with feathers or sensitive skin likely to develop equine pastern dermatitis (mud fever), pig oil is a great first line of defense.

Depending on the brand, paraffin may also be in the mix to help the oil coat the feathers.

Pig oil and sulphur

Pig oil with sulphur is similar, with a boost of anti-microbial sulfur. This yellow substance has antibacterial and anti-fungal capabilities and can help a horse fight and prevent mites. Many feathered draft breeds are particularly susceptible to feather mites, those horrid little creatures with zero business feasting on your horse. It’s rude!

Sulphur is a primary ingredient in many topical and oral antibiotics, but it may trigger allergic reactions in some horses and their people. There may be anti-inflammatory properties, too, which are great for horses with sensitive skin.

You may see yellow flakes in sulfur products that settle to the bottom if not shaken regularly.

Muddy horse legs are more likely to develop mud fever.

Benefits of Using Pig Oil Beyond Muddy Legs

There are many things this oil and the sulfur variety can do for your horse:

Adds shine

Detangles manes and tails

Provides a mud barrier on lower legs

Helps fight mud fever and mites

Soothes the skin

It may also help the hooves, as the oil creates a water barrier, which, for some horses, helps prevent cracks. 

Horse Feather Care – Shampoo, Dry, and Apply

Before using any oil product on your horse’s feathers, they must be clean and dry for the initial application. Start with a shampoo with soothing ingredients that won’t strip away sebum. Tea tree oil is an excellent ingredient for that. Rinse well to ensure no product residue could irritate the skin.

If your horse has feather mites or other apparent skin infections like scratches, your choice of shampoo may be a prescription variety from your vet. You may also need to

After the skin and hair are dry, you can apply the product. “Apply” is an understatement; think of this process as DROWNING the feathers.

You can apply pig oil by:

Pouring the oil down the leg

Using a brush or sponge to paint the feathers

Combing the pig oil through

Using your fingers to massage it in

In all probability, you will need to do all these things to coat the feathers.

This video has a great demo:

You may need to reapply the pig oil for horses every few days, depending on your horse and how muddy their paddocks are. Rinse any mud out of the feathers before adding another oil layer.

The most crucial step is to get your fingers and eyes into the feathers. Mud fever starts as a tiny spot, and you’ll only catch it early if you inspect the feathers thoroughly with your hands.

Clipping feathers is an option, but not necessary for all horses. 

Pig oil application for manes and tails

You can put a few dollops or capfuls into your hands, then massage into manes and tails to add shine and detangle. Add more if your horse likes to bury themselves in mud.

You probably won’t need the sulphur pig oil for manes and tails unless you are treating the skin on the tailbone or at the mane’s base.

Gloves are always a good idea when working with oils, as some have distinct smells that are hard to eliminate.

Do a patch test before use

Patch testing is an easy way to check for product sensitivities and should be done before using any topical product on your horse. It’s crucial for sulfur ingredients, as more horses tend to be reactive to it.

Place a few drops of the new product on your fingertips and massage it into the skin on your horse’s upper, inner forearm. Wait 24 and observe the area for reactions like swelling, heat, hair loss, blistering, itchiness, or anything new that wasn’t there yesterday.

Similar Pig Oil and Sulfur Products in the US

In the States, look for grooming oils like No. 1 Light Oil. This product is a conditioner, shine booster, and protector of feathers.

For oils with sulfur, use MTG or MTG plus. These famous bacon-y oils support skin health and help new hair grow.

Can pig oil for horses be used on all breeds?

Indeed, pig oil is good for horses of every kind. If your horse has issues with lice or mites, this could help. But before you try it out for the first time, do a small patch test and watch your horse to ensure they don’t have a bad reaction.

How long does pig oil take to work?

This varies! Pig oil used to protect feathers from mud works immediately when applied thoroughly. Pig oil with sulfur helps the skin but depends on factors such as the extent of the infection or mite population, how often you treat your horse, and how well your horse responds. It’s a moving target with infections, so your vet’s help is best.

Will pig oil test at horse shows?

It might! It’s always a good idea to check with your show organization’s rules and regulations before you enter. Their guidelines will outline substances and their withdrawal times. Your vet can help you make sense of it all.

Can you use pig oil in the sun?

Yes, but it’s not a super idea if the skin is vulnerable. Your horse should be fine for horses using pig oil on feathers in the winter. For horses using pig oil and sulfur on bald patches in the summer, it’s best to apply at night and then cover the area with fly sheets or boots during the day.

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