When you first discover your horse has ulcers, one of the first things to come to mind is their diet going forward. Is what im feeding now safe? What changes will I have to make? But do not panic! Feeding a horse with ulcers does not have to be a stressful experience.
Want to learn more about Equine Gastric Ulcers? Read our previous blog now.
Low Starch, High Fibre
High-fibre feeds, such as hay, have a buffering effect on stomach acid. Feeding fibre, especially before exercise, provides a mat of fibre in the stomach helping to minimise the risk of acid splash in the stomach and its associated side effects.
Diets high in starch, especially rapidly fermentable starches, can lead to an increase in stomach acidity. High levels of starch can result in rapid production of volatile fatty acids, which can contribute to ulcer formation. By reducing starch intake, the risk of ulcer development is reduced.
A low-starch diet can also help prevent hindgut acidosis, a condition where the hindgut becomes too acidic. Hindgut acidosis can contribute to ulcer formation and cause discomfort.
Chaff
Did you know that, unlike humans, horses do not produce saliva continuously? They will only produce saliva when they are physically chewing. Being slightly alkaline, saliva also has a beneficial effect, buffering the stomach against acid splashback alongside fibre. Enhancing your horse’s feed with chaff extends chewing time, leading to increased production of saliva and a higher intake of fibre.
For optimal results, opting for unmolassed chaff is recommended, with alfalfa-based chaff proving particularly advantageous. The high calcium content in alfalfa contributes to a noteworthy buffering effect on stomach acid. Studies have demonstrated that horses following an alfalfa hay-grain diet experience a reduction in both the frequency and severity of non-glandular squamous gastric lesions, further underscoring the beneficial impact on stomach acid regulation.
Hard Feed
As mentioned above, you want to feed horses with ulcers a high-fibre, high-forage diet which contains little or no cereals. A feed balancer can provide a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals to the diet without the excess starch that cereal-based feeds provide (e.g. mixes). If your horse is in work and requires more energy, it is best to provide this in the form of fats and oils as opposed to sugars and starch.
Supplements
Gastric supplements play a crucial role in maintaining optimal acidity levels and safeguarding the stomach lining in horses. Typically, these supplements include essential components such as calcium, magnesium, probiotics, and prebiotics, available in various forms like liquid, powder, and pellets.
It’s worth noting that incorporating gastric supplements into a horse’s diet can be the priciest aspect of a dietary adjustment. Drawing from my personal experience, I currently administer Ponease Ulc Maintenance and EquiNectar to my mare, and though it’s still early days, the combination appears to be yielding positive results. Reflecting on my expenses, in March 2024, a month and a bit’s supply of these supplements amounted to £100. To enhance cost-effectiveness, I plan to invest in larger bottles during my next purchase.
If you found these tips helpful or have additional insights to share, would love to hear from you! Join our community of horse enthusiasts on socials and share your experiences in managing ulcers and promoting digestive health.
Pushing On Daisy 