Feed for horses with gastric ulcers

Whist historically associated with performance horses, gastric ulcers are now much more commonly and widely diagnosed in horses of all breeds, types and workload, even those at rest.

There are three main types:

1. Glandular or mucosal ulcers that occur in the lower part of the stomach and are typically associated with stress.

2. Squamous ulcers that occur on the upper part of the stomach and are mainly due to acid splash, more common in working horses.

3. Pyloric ulcers that occur at the junction with the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) and are more likely when the horse has not had access to feed for several hours.

If a horse has been diagnosed with ulcers or is showing signs of digestive discomfort, we would recommend addressing potential underlying causes and applying the following management practices:

• Provide constant access to forage and fresh water, ensuring the horse is never without something to eat
• Use feeds that help buffer acid, such as lucerne or sainfoin
• ‘Target Feed’ prior to work with a Simple System forage feed
• Maximise turn out, ideally with company and provide ad lib forage if grazing is limited
• Reduce stress in the stable by making sure they always have sight of another horse or consider using a stable mirror
• Remedy overgrazed or acidic pasture with Natural Grazing Mix and Natural Paddock Recovery
• Reduce the number of days the horse is worked for and break up longer spells of work with short snack breaks
• Limit travelling and ensure forage is available throughout any necessary journeys
• Use Instant Linseed and/or a Simple System forage blend or balancer for a soothing effect in every feed, including the Target Feed given before work
• Avoid any feed containing cereals (or their by-products; straw,  oatfeed and wheatfeed), pulses, soya and molasses