Always limit stress with your horse

Giving supplements against gastric ulcers for an extended period is not recommended. There may still be details in the overall approach that work against this, such as grains in the diet. Always ensure that the basic conditions for your horse are good. Every horse is different and has individual needs. Limiting stress is a big part of this, and it varies for each horse. Some horses get stressed if they have to stay outside 24/7, while others get stressed if they spend too much time in the stable. Training and competitions are also points to consider. However, standing for too long without food or social contact can cause stress. Therefore, always make sure to identify and eliminate these stress factors! Always look at the individual horse and consider seeking help from a therapist if needed.

Psyllium seeds for horses with sensitive stomachs

Does your horse have a sensitive stomach or often suffer from gastric ulcers? Or is your horse going on (long) transport or participating in an intense training/competition weekend? Then give psyllium seeds to prevent gastric ulcers and to provide extra protection for the stomach. The mucilage from psyllium seeds is formed in the stomach, creating a protective layer that shields the gastric mucosa from the effects of stress and gastric acid. Giving psyllium seeds is preferred over supplements that claim to protect the stomach or increase its acidity. The stomach needs a certain level of acidity to start digestion, and by giving products like calcium carbonate, you increase this acidity. This can lead to digestive issues and a disrupted acidity level in the entire body. Of course, there are exceptions, but if so, do it in consultation with your veterinarian and for the shortest possible period.

For early-stage gastric ulcers (which can develop within a day), psyllium seeds work very well without disrupting acidity. Use a dosage of around 200 grams per day for a horse weighing 500-600kg. If you notice a decrease in stomach sensitivity in the horse, you can gradually reduce the dosage. If you know that a stressful period is coming up (e.g., moving) for your horse, start giving psyllium seeds a week beforehand to maintain the mucous layer in the stomach.

When to use which type of psyllium?

There are different types of psyllium available, and each form has a slightly different effect. The timing of when the mucilage is formed is a crucial difference and determines the reason for using a particular type.

• Psyllium husks: these are the casings of the psyllium seeds and contain many fibers. Husks are often used to support digestion due to their high fiber content. The disadvantage of husks is that mucilage formation occurs immediately upon contact with moisture. Many will recognize that the mash becomes a sort of wallpaper paste, which is because the mucilage from the husk begins as soon as it is added to the mash. Many horse owners prefer to give it dry over the feed, but then it reacts directly with the horse's saliva. Unfortunately, much of the mucilage's effect is lost by the time it reaches the stomach.

• Psyllium seeds: the seeds of the psyllium are most commonly used due to their broad effect and relatively low cost. Mucilage formation from seeds occurs later (in the stomach), making them tastier for many horses to eat. The seeds can also be used against sand, but because mucilage formation in the stomach occurs, a significant portion of the effect is lost before reaching the intestines.

• Psyllium pellets: this form is ideal for intestinal sand. Mucilage formation occurs later, making the effect most effective in the intestines. Many horses eat the pellets without problems, either with feed or mash (added at the last moment). The only downside is that they are expensive and many pellets contain additional ingredients, so be careful in your selection. Preferably choose a sugar-free option that consists almost entirely of psyllium (such as Psyllium pellets from Floris Pharma). For sand issues, maintain a high dosage of at least 0.5 grams per kilogram of body weight.

Psyllium seeds are the right choice for a sensitive stomach because mucilage formation occurs in the stomach. Of course, psyllium seeds alone will not be the solution. It is part of a comprehensive approach to dealing with a sensitive stomach. If you need help managing gastric ulcers, the specialists at HELTIE are happy to assist you.