A horse is not a human, and a horse is also not a cow. That's obvious, but it's sometimes forgotten when we talk about digestion and the gastrointestinal system. However, it's an important fact because horses need to be fed differently than cows or humans.

'Hind gut fermenter'

A horse is a so-called 'hind gut fermenter.' With this English term, scientists indicate that the main part of the food digestion process in horses occurs in the hind part of the digestive tract. That is to say: in the large intestine and partly also the cecum. In humans, the stomach and the small intestine play the most important role in digesting food, and these organs are located further forward in the digestive system. The cecum has no clear function in humans, whereas this organ is much larger and more important in horses. In cows, digestion largely takes place in the four stomachs, while a horse has only one stomach. Also important: a large part of the food digestion is actually not done by the horse itself! In its cecum and large intestine, the horse has a whole ecosystem of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, which break down the horse's (rough) feed. Here, all the cell walls of the plant fibers are broken down. Only after this digestion can the nutrients from the feed be absorbed into the horse's blood and transported to all organs.

Feed the bacteria!

To feed a horse properly, you actually need to feed its microbiome well. If the little creatures in the belly are happy, they can do their job well. Your horse's microbiome loves fibers. From these, they produce fatty acids, which can be converted into energy usable for all vital functions. The composition of the microbiome also needs to be good. For example, if you feed moldy hay, you not only bring toxic substances into the intestines but also unfavorable microorganisms that can disrupt the ecosystem in the large intestine.

From mouth to tail

Although the last part of the digestive system plays the most important role, all steps from 'mouth to tail' are important. A horse must be able to chew well with a healthy set of teeth because saliva is released during chewing. Enzymes in saliva take care of the first step of digestion. Then the food passes through the esophagus into the stomach, where stomach acid, together with enzymes and bacteria, further aids digestion. Since a horse continuously produces gastric juices, it should never stand with an empty stomach for more than four hours. The acidic gastric juice can cause stomach ulcers. After the stomach, the duodenum and the small intestine follow. A horse does not have a gallbladder. Therefore, the digestion of fats is also done by the intestines. This is called the gall function of the intestines, which begins in the small intestine. From the small intestine, the first nutrients are absorbed, such as proteins, vitamins, and also fats. However, unlike in humans, the small intestine cannot handle a lot of sugar. Quick carbohydrates and starch are not or insufficiently digested and absorbed in horses. The sugars therefore end up undigested in the large intestine, where they can cause gas formation and other problems.

Back to Basics

When feeding horses, it's important to consider all these special characteristics of their digestive system. That means: regularly or unlimited high-quality hay (preferably unpackaged) with lots of fiber/stems and a limited sugar content and non-dusty. Additionally, providing a balancer pellet with vitamins and minerals eliminates the need for most horses in recreational and basic sports to have extra concentrates. If you do feed concentrates, make them grain-free and low in sugar, as grains are a major source of starch.

Supporting Digestion

Despite a good feeding policy, if your horse still experiences digestive issues, there are various herbs you can use depending on the problem. A good starting point is often a mild detoxification with nettle or dandelion extract. Additionally, an herbal extract containing hawthorn, yellow gentian, wormwood, and cat's claw can stimulate digestion and support gut flora. The Indian herbal blend triphala is also known for its beneficial effects on digestion and metabolism. If you're unsure about the right choice for your horse, feel free to call us for advice anytime.