How to support a horse with sensitive intestines?

Horses have a unique digestive system, which is sensitive to changes in feed, poor quality forage, too much sugar, weather changes, and stress. What can you do as a horse owner if your horse has sensitive intestines and regularly suffers from cramps, mild colic, or diarrhea?

Actually, all horses have a sensitive digestive system, but it is more pronounced in some animals than in others. Horses need a lot of fiber to optimize their digestion. Fiber is the basis of a horse's diet. Sufficient forage, with plenty of fiber and of good quality, is therefore the first requirement for horses with sensitive intestines. Check for mold in the forage and supplement any shortage of good forage with high-quality forage substitutes. For example, alfalfa, (soaked) grass pellets, or sugar-free beet pulp.

Supporting gut flora

Fiber is the basis and ensures a good development of the gut flora. However, you can also support gut flora with herbs. This can be done by picking herbs or by giving an herbal extract. The latter is a supplement to be added to feed or in water at a mineral buffet. Then your horse can choose what it needs. Read more about the mineral buffet here.

Worms and sand under control

For proper digestion, it is also important that your horse is not affected by parasites or sand in the intestines. Regularly test your horse's manure for worm eggs and administer a customized deworming treatment if necessary. If your horse ingests sand in a sandy paddock, dusty hay, or because the grass in the pasture is very short, regularly give a psyllium cure.

Be cautious with concentrated feed

Too much sugar and starch in the diet can also cause digestive problems. If you provide concentrated feed, do not give too much at once because a horse's stomach is small. Also, do not train immediately after feeding concentrated feed, as it is uncomfortable for your horse and not good for digestion or training effectiveness. Check the ingredients of your concentrated feed. You want to provide all minerals and vitamins, without too many burdensome fillers and sugars. Especially if your horse is not highly active in sports (eventing, endurance, jumping) or is a broodmare, he or she often has little need for extra energy on top of roughage.

Also consider teeth, water, and exercise

Other important factors for good digestion are teeth, water supply, and sufficient exercise. Have your horse's teeth checked regularly by an equine dentist or dental caregiver. Digestion begins with good chewing and sufficient saliva production. If this does not go well, more gas or other problems may occur in the intestines. Fresh drinking water is also crucial. A horse should be able to drink clean water all day to keep digestion going. Free movement is also important. This supports the peristalsis (movement) of the intestines. A horse that stands in the stall all day and only comes out for an hour to train gets unhealthy little exercise.

Support immune system and prevent stress

Finally, you can support a horse with sensitive intestines by preventing stress and supporting the horse's resistance. Stress has a negative impact on the digestive system. Therefore, ensure good management with sufficient forage, social contact, and free movement. You can support the immune system with, for example, a nettle cure or a semi-annual detox (not for all horses!).

How do you support a horse with sensitive intestines?