Feeding horses prone to gastric ulcers
Gastric ulcers are an increasingly recognised problem in horses, but correct daily nutrition and thoughtful management can play an important role in reducing the risk and supporting long-term digestive health.
The foundation (step 1) should always be a suitable, forage-based provision.
Supported by the correct balancer option (step 2) to suit your individual horse's needs.
Why are horses prone to gastric ulcers?
- Horses are naturally trickle feeders
- Their digestive system is designed for many hours of grazing and chewing rather than a few large meals each day
- Unlike humans, horses produce stomach acid continuously even when they are not eating
How can we help buffer stomach acid and limit the occurance of gastirc ulcers?
- Provide access to forage for a minimum of 18 hours a day, 24 ideally
- Limit calorie intake (if necessary) without overly restricting forage by soaking hay, using a grazing muzzle, a track system, small holed haynets and/or feeding straw
- Limit stressful situations such as incompatible yard routines, excess travelling and restricted turnout which is needed for both movement and social interaction
- Avoid unnecessarily cereal-based, high-starch feed options
- Limit regular, intensive exercise which ccan ause acidic stomach contents to splash onto the less-protected upper portion of the stomach
- Feed smaller and more frequet meals rather than larger meals less often
- Offer additional digestive support when on certain medication
- Introduce dietary changes gradually
Chewing forage stimulates saliva production. Saliva helps to buffer stomach acid. When horses experience prolonged periods without forage, the protective effect of saliva is reduced.
Want to stop acid splash? Feed fibre before exercise - The Fibre Fix
Exercise and movement can encourage acidic stomach acid to move/splash and therefore come into contact with the squamous mucosa (the upper unprotected part of the stomach lining). Known as "acid splash".
Providing forage (hay or chaff) around 30 minutes before exercise helps create a fibrous mat in the stomach and stimulates saliva production. A double whammy!
This helps:
- Absorb stomach acid
- Prevent acid splash
- Reduce the risk of gastric ulcers
- Keep horses more comfortable during work
This simple routine is especially helpful for horses prone to ulcers, with poor or girthy behaviour.
Keep meals small - balancers are ideal
If your horse is prone to digestive sensitivity they don't need large bucket feeds as they have a small stomach capacity.
If additional calories aren't required, a balancer can be a useful way of supplying vitamins, minerals and other nutritional support alongside a forage-based diet.
Frequently asked questions
Q - How long can a horse go without forage?
A - Ideally, horses should have continuous access to forage, as this best reflects their natural trickle feeding behaviour. Horses have evolved to forage for up to around 18 hours a day, where ad-lib provision isn't possible, horses should not be left without forage for longer than 4–6 hours.
Q - Should I feed my horse before exercise?
A - Yes. Providing forage before exercise is an important management strategy for horses prone to gastric ulcers. Offer fibre such as hay, haylage or chaff before exercise so your horse has forage in their stomach. This helps reduce acidic stomach contents splashing onto the sensitive and unprotected upper part of the stomach.
Q - How much chaff should I give before exercise?
A - 1/2 to 1 normal stubbs scoop of chaff. The exact amount should be appropriate for the individual horse and their overall diet.
Q - Is a balancer suitable for a horse prone to gastric ulcers?
A - A balancer can be a useful option when a horse doesn't need additional calories but still needs vitamins, minerals and supporting ingredients alongside a forage-based diet.
Q - Does a balancer replace good-quality forage?
A - No. A balancer is designed to complement the forage diet; it doesn't replace the need for appropriate forage.
Q - Should I avoid cereal-based feeds for an ulcer-prone horse?
A - It's sensible to review the amount of cereal/starch being fed, this is a recognised risk factor for gastric ulcers.
Q - Can gastric ulcers be cured by changing the diet?
A - Diet and management are important, but diet alone should not be relied upon to treat existing gastric ulcers. If you suspect your horse has gastric ulcers please speak to your vet.
Q - What are the signs of gastric ulcers in horses?
Signs can be subtle and vary between individuals. Possible signs include: Reduced appetite, weight loss, poor performance, resistance when ridden, girthiness or changes in behaviour, dull coat, teeth grinding, colic-type signs, crib biting.
If you suspect your horse has gastric ulcers, consult your vet. Feeding changes can support good digestive management but shouldn't replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
