Feeding horses with suspected digestive issues...

Well for starters, don’t panic! Running around buying every feed you can find containing the word ‘ulcer’ (or something along those lines!) is likely to end up being expensive and potentially cause you more issues.

Here’s a few tips on what do to instead…

• Feed fibre and lots of it! Little and often, particularly before work as this reduces any chance of acid splash. Constant chewing naturally aids the regulation of acidity in the stomach.

• Stick to low starch feeds – avoiding cereals means less chance of acidic conditions in the gut.

• Be wary of supplementary magnesium levels – magnesium oxide is often used in feeds targeted specifically towards uclers, this is because it makes quite a nice antacid for the stomach. The downside is that too much added magnesium in the diet can also cause poor behaviour, due to its ability to impair horse’s brain function. Horses who feel less able to cope with their surroundings, can in some cases become more spooky and unsettled. This unsettled behaviour can then cause further digestive upset, resulting in a vicious circle whereby the very feed being used to help the digestive system, is actually aggravating the issue further.

• Spend your money wisely – if you’re feeding simple fibre sources and a basic calorie source (eg. Something that’s high in oil), the main other additional support you may want to consider is a good digestive support supplement. Often simply comprising of ingredients to balance out the natural flora of the gut and reduce any acidity that may still be present.

• Seek veterinary help - if you’re feeding a suitable diet and not seeing any results from a digestive supplement, next best step is to speak to your vet.

Any questions, or struggling with a horse that has digestive issues? Feel free to contact us and speak to our experienced team.