We are delighted to announce that Dengie have been granted the Royal Warrant of supplier of horse feed to His Majesty King Charles III. The awarding of the King’s Warrant follows that granted by her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which was first awarded to Dengie in 2007.  

Royal Warrant

The Royal Warrant is given in recognition of companies’ continuous supply to the Royal Household, a tradition dating back to the 15th century. More recently there has been greater focus on a company’s sustainability credentials and this fits with our ethos of producing sustainable feeds and supporting local farmers and businesses.  

Dengie’s alfalfa is grown within 20 miles of where it is made into the finished feed and so has one of the lowest ‘feed miles’ of any horse feed ingredient and provides the best traceability possible. It is one of the few ingredients used in horse feeds that is produced specifically for horses ensuring that everything the company does is with the horse and the environment in mind.  

“We are delighted to have received the King’s warrant” says Ian Hassard, Managing Director at Dengie. “It really reflects the effort our team put in on a daily basis. We are very proud that this has been recognised by the King!” 

For further information about sustainability at Dengie click here 

We are excited to be supporting Essex Wildlife Trust’s Nature Neighbours campaign, encouraging people to invite wildlife including pollinators, toads and hedgehogs into their gardens or green spaces by following their easy DIY guides and then plotting their actions on virtual maps.

Bees, butterflies, beetles, ants and many other bugs are busy pollinating flowers but also our food crops. Without them, our ability to produce food would be significantly impacted. Over the last year, the very wet weather has badly impacted numbers of pollinators and so it is vital we try to give them extra support in the coming months. This is why we are supporting Essex Wildlife Trust’s Nature Neighbours campaign as there is more we can do at our stable yards and in our gardens or outside space, however small.

Essex Wildlife Trust - Nature Neighbours

Over the winter months, bugs search for hiding places and food sources to keep them going until spring. An undisturbed habitat pile made of logs, twigs, fallen leaves and other natural materials is ideal for providing a safe space for pollinators to lay their eggs and hide away for the winter. Selecting a sheltered area of the garden or yard, ideally near a hedge will help protect the pile from more extreme weather conditions. Building a bug hotel is easy and can be made out of items already found around the home or yard such as twigs and old supplement tubs. For those who aren’t handy with DIY, bug and bee hotels can also be purchased through nature discovery centres.

Not only do pollinators have to deal with harsher conditions over the winter months, their food source of nectar rich flowers become much harder to come by. Although pollinator activity is much lower over the winter, some species will still remain active. Providing autumn or winter plants in the garden such as ivy, snowdrops and crocuses can help support pollinators with vital food resources.

bee pollinating flower

Although a spring and summer flowering plant, the alfalfa which we grow for our horse feed produces abundant floral nectar which is excellent forage for bees and other pollinators. The Lattice Heath Moth is particularly partial to alfalfa and can be seen in great numbers around our farmers fields. As we leave the alfalfa in the ground over winter, it also provides excellent winter ground cover for birds and insects. Alfalfa is recognised worldwide as being a great habitat for an enormous diversity of insect species and buying feeds that include alfalfa is another way you can help support biodiversity; scientists have observed over 1000 species of insects living or feeding in alfalfa fields.

For further information on Essex Wildlife Trust’s Nature Neighbours campaign or to pledge your support click here.

We are excited to welcome Emma Vennard to the Dengie team who will be taking on the role of Farm Feeds Sales Manager. Emma studied Agricultural Business Management at Harper Adams University, following a Diploma in Equine Studies at Reaseheath College. Her career has taken her to Australia where she worked on dairy farms and in farm machinery sales. Now she’s delighted to be back in the world of ruminants! “I am really looking forward to getting stuck into a new challenge” says Emma, “Dengie’s ethos of producing sustainable, high-quality feeds really resonates with me”.

Emma Vennard

Emma’s new role at Dengie involves managing the sales of the alfalfa-based products for ruminants, poultry and other livestock, as well as offering nutritional and product support for both new and longstanding customers. She will also be attending industry shows and events and developing new business across the livestock sector.

In her spare time, Emma enjoys country sports such as shooting and training her 1-year-old cocker spaniel Winnie, who she hopes to take out shooting with her this year.

More information on our ruminant, poultry and livestock feeds can be found here.

Professor Jacqui Matthews BVMS PhD FRSE FRCVS recently joined Dr Katie Williams (Dengie Technical & Product Development Manager) and Katie Reeve (Dengie Equine Nutritionist) to discuss recent updates on dealing with the threat of increasing anthelmintic resistance in horse parasites. If you missed the webinar, the recording can be found on our YouTube Channel or viewed below.

Professor Jacqui Matthews is an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Parasitology and has been passionate about parasites for over 30 years. Her research has generated over 150 research papers and reviews, as well as some patents. In 2022, she moved to Austin Davis Biologics as Vet Science Director, supporting use of innovative diagnostics for evidence-based worm control to improve equine health.

The recent webinar discussed the threat of increasing wormer resistance in horse parasites and why drug resistance has developed, summarising the steps horse owners can take to try to avoid further wormer resistance. Jacqui also gave an overview of the management measures that can be taken to effectively reduce transmission of worms to horses from their environment, such as regular poo picking. Jacqui recommended using the various tests available, such as faecal egg counts, saliva and blood tests, to identify if the horse actually needs a worming treatment rather than blanket worming.

Austin Davis has recently launched a ‘What’s Your Worm Risk’ calculator, a free online tool designed to risk assess worm infections in horses based on a series of questions relating to transmission and control. Once the risk level is determined via the calculator, appropriate management, testing, and treatment steps can be recommended to minimise worm infection in the environment. These approaches break transmission cycles and ensure that monitoring tools, such as faecal egg counts and antibody tests, are used effectively to ensure that treatments are only given to those horses that genuinely need them. The risk of resistance is therefore reduced which helps maintain the long-term effectiveness of the available wormers.

Equine Nutritionist Katie Reeve also gave a presentation on factors influencing equine digestive health. “There were so many questions for Jackie and often relating to the constraints that livery yard owners impose on their clients. More has to be done to help spread the word about resistance to anthelmintics and so I was delighted we could host this webinar with Jacqui”.

For more information about gut health or for help and advice on all aspects of feeding call the Dengie Feedline: 01621 841188 or complete our Feed Advice Form.

Win £150 giveaway for dengie vouchers

**COMPETITION CLOSED**

At Dengie we are devoted to creating the best and healthiest horse feeds because we love your horse as much as you do! Fibre is vital for the healthy function of your horse or pony’s digestive system and satisfies their need to chew – it’s what they’re meant to eat! With our full range of products, from the Alfa-A and Hi-Fi ranges through to our Grass range and specialist fibre feeds, Dengie can help you formulate the right diet for your horse or pony whatever their age or work load.

This month TWO lucky winners will each receive £150 of Dengie Feed vouchers to go towards their horse or pony’s feed bill!

How to Enter

Simply fill out the form and answer the following question about Dengie Cool, Condition & Shine

Terms & Conditions: This competition will close at 11.59pm on 31st January 2025. One entry per person. Two lucky winners will be selected from the correct entries and be notified via email within 7 days of the competition closing. Prize consists of £150 of Dengie Feed vouchers plus a nutrition consultation via email or phone. No cash alternative available. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Open to UK and Republic of Ireland residents only.  Click here for full Terms & Conditions.

December 2024 Competition

**COMPETITION CLOSED**

Enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning a Winter Hamper full of seasonal goodies for you and your horse plus a Red Gorilla Feed Room set and £50 of Dengie Feed Vouchers!

**COMPETITION CLOSED**

If you would like further information on any of the Dengie products or a personalized diet plan for your horse please call our feedline on 01621 841188 or click here to fill in our feed advice form.

Terms & Conditions: This competition will close at 11.59pm on 31st December 2024. One entry per person. One lucky winner will be selected from the correct entries and be notified via email within 7 days of the competition closing. Prize consists of: £50 of Dengie Feed Vouchers, 80L Red Gorilla Feed Bin in Red, a Red Gorilla small shallow 15L in Red, a Red Gorilla Scoop, bucket brush, Dengie feed stirrer, Dengie Meadow Lite Bucket Cover, NAF Minty Treats, Lincoln Christmas Treats, Christmas Tree Stable Toy, Haylage Net, Dengie Product Guide, Dengie Weight Management Guide, Dengie Weightape, Salt Lick, Ezigroom Long Bristle Dandy Brush, Body Brush, Mane and Tail Brush, Hoof Pick, Lincoln Cactus Grooming Mitt, Curry Comb, Lincoln Mud Screen and Hoof Klense, Stain Master, Silky Mane and Tail D-Tangler, Leadrope, Aubrion Thermalknit Yard Gloves, 2 x Funky Welly Socks, Dengie Bobble Hat, Dengie Ear Warmer. No cash alternative available. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Open to UK mainland residents only.  Click here for full Terms & conditions

We are delighted to welcome back Jason Millman who has returned to take on the role of QC Manager. Jason has had a varied career with previous roles in finance, project management and insurance as well as being an Infanteer in the army. He has also previously worked at Dengie in the grain division and is delighted to be back, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Dengie and so I am really looking forward to getting stuck into a new challenge.”

Jason Millman standing next to Dengie sign

Jason’s new role spans across both finished goods production and the field operations which reflects our ‘Field to Feed’ ethos of growing the crops we use in our feeds.

“I am very aware of Dengie’s high quality reputation having grown up around horses,” Jason adds. “My mother was a riding instructor and so I spent a lot of time with the horses, riding and on the farm. I can still ride although I don’t get chance to do so very often, although I do enjoy checking in on my sister’s foal and ex racehorse!”

In his spare time, Jason still serves in the Army Reserves where he is a physical training instructor and he also enjoys spending lots of time outdoors with his dog Elvis, often visiting the Lake District and Wales.

November 2024 Competition

**COMPETITION CLOSED**

Win an Equi Light Horse & Rider bundle worth £127.97 plus £50 of Dengie Feed Vouchers!

When choosing a Hi-Vis outfit for horse riding, priortizing safety and visibility is essential. Adding LED Hi-Vis gear to your riding setup greatly enhances safety for both you and your horse. Brighten up and prepare for a season full of unforgettable rides. Equi Light award winning LED products are crafted to:

  • END YOUR FRUSTRATIONS – eliminate the hassle of bulky, uncomfortable head torches.
  • SUPPORT YOU – offering maximum visibility, no matter the conditions.
  • MAKE YOU FEEL CHIC – nothing exudes style like an Equi Light LED headband, beanie, or Hi-Vis garment.
  • STAY DURABLE – rechargeable, made from quality fabrics for repeated use.
  • BE SIMPLE TO USE – a single press of a button, and you’re ready to go.

The lucky winner will an Equi Light Horse & Rider bundle consisting of:

The lucky winner will also receive £50 of Dengie Feed vouchers to go towards their horse or pony’s feed bill this winter!

**COMPETITION CLOSED**

If you would like further information on any of the Dengie products or a personalized diet plan for your horse please call our feedline on 01621 841188 or fill in our feed advice form.

Terms & Conditions: This competition will close at 11.59pm on 30th November 2024. One entry per person. One lucky winner will be selected from the correct entries and be notified via email within 7 days of the competition closing. Prize consists of an Equi Light Horse & Rider bundle worth £127.97 (1 x LED Headband, 1 x LED Hi-Vis Gilet and 1 x LED Neck Strap – sizes and colours of all items are subject to availability) plus £50 of Dengie Feed vouchers. No cash alternative available. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Open to UK mainland residents only.  Click here for full Terms & Conditions

Student Lily Thomas has won the prestigious equine dissertation of the year award at the Royal Agricultural University for her dissertation ‘An Evaluation of Public Opinions and Perceptions on Equine Bodyweight in the Showing Sector’. Dengie have supported the prize for many years providing books and gift vouchers to the winners.

Lily has previously worked at the Horse Trust which is what sparked her keen interest in equine welfare with obesity and behaviour being her key areas of interest. Lily’s dissertation involved her conducting a survey which was completed by 174 participants. “I had to keep sending out the survey and reminding people to complete it” commented Lily. “It was hard work, but I’m really pleased with the number of survey responses I collected in the end!”

Some of the key themes from the survey included the need for judges to take a firmer stance and not place or reward horses that are obese. A few respondents even went so far as to suggest that a vet should inspect horses before they go in the ring and not let those that are obese compete. It was also interesting to note that only 10% of the respondents thought that awarding a rosette for the healthiest weight would be effective in reducing equine obesity in the show ring.

Lily’s survey findings suggest that horse owners are aware of the health risks associated with obesity and can recognise when their horses are overweight which contrasts with some previous studies. It is doing something about it that seems to be the challenge. “The change in behaviour needed to make a difference is an area I found particularly interesting”, comments Lily. “It’s an area that people like Tamzin Furtado have started to explore in studies and I found it fascinating that an awakening event often has to happen before people take action. Sadly, in the case of horses and ponies, that event is often laminitis”.  

Equine obesity is considered to be one of the UK’s most serious equine welfare concerns which is why it is so important that horse owners have support from vets, nutritionists and others to help them take appropriate action. Lily’s key takeaway is for horse owners to know that there is help available and not to be afraid or embarrassed to ask for advice from a reputable professional. The nutritionists at Dengie are practical horse owners and have experienced many of the challenges associated with keeping horses at a healthy weight too.

“There are many different reasons why horse owners struggle to achieve weight loss in their horses” adds Dr Katie Williams, Technical Manager at Dengie. “In some areas of the UK it is increasingly hard to find a good livery yard that will help you to manage your horse or pony’s access to grass. Finding suitable forage can also be a challenge with many being much higher in energy and sugar than is ideal for a horse that is overweight. Studies like Lily’s help to raise awareness of these challenges and explore what is needed for change to happen. I think she’s done a great job tackling a potentially contentious topic!”

Having now successfully completed her degree, Lily is embarking on her career in the equine industry with an exciting opportunity working in Spain.

A seasonal twist on an old favourite, Hi-Fi Original with Cinnamon Spice is naturally high in fibre, but low in calories (8MJ/kg), sugar (9%) and starch (1.5%)! The added cinnamon spice flavour makes the product even tastier and brings a seasonal aroma to your feedroom!

Horse eating Hi-Fi Original with Cinnamon Spice

Dengie Hi-Fi Original with Cinnamon Spice combines nutritious alfalfa blended with soft straw for optimum digestive health and is ideal for horses & ponies in light work or at rest. It has been formulated as a straight feed with no added vitamins and minerals to maximize its flexibility. This means that any amount can be fed according to the horse’s requirements alongside a source of vitamins and minerals such as a balancer or powdered vitamin and mineral supplement to provide a balanced diet.

Dengie Hi-Fi Original with Cinnamon Spice comes in a great value 20kg bale, providing over 66 scoops per bag.

For more information about Dengie’s Hi-Fi Original with Cinnamon Spice or for help and advice on all aspects of feeding call the Dengie Feedline: 01621 841188 or visit the website and complete our Feed Advice Form.

*Available for a limited time only, whilst stocks last!