EGUS - Nutritional and supplemental support

Feeding Horses with Gastric Ulcers: A Science-Based Guide

Gastric ulcers are a widespread problem in the equine world, affecting up to 90% of horses at some point in their lives1. Whether your horse is a high-level competitor or a leisure companion, a diagnosis of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) can be both daunting and frustrating. However, with the right dietary management and targeted supplementation, you can support your horse’s recovery and long-term gut health.

Multiple erosive ulcers and hyperkeratosis along the margin of the margo plicatus (EGUS grade 2/4)

Understanding Gastric Ulcers in Horses

What Are Gastric Ulcers?

Gastric ulcers are erosions or sores that form in the lining of a horse’s stomach, typically due to prolonged exposure to gastric acid. Horses continuously produce stomach acid, regardless of whether they are eating. This constant acid production, combined with management factors such as limited forage, high-grain diets, stress, lameness and back pain, and intensive exercise, increases the risk of ulcer formation3.

Who Is at Risk?

• Performance horses (60–93% prevalence in sports and racehorses)

• Horses with restricted forage intake

• Horses experiencing frequent stress or routine changes

• Stabled foals (up to 50% affected)3.

Science-Based Dietary Management

1. Forage First: The Foundation

A high-fibre, high-forage diet is the cornerstone of managing horses with gastric ulcers. Forage—such as grass, hay, and haylage—requires more chewing, stimulating saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid7,8. Horses should have constant access to forage to prevent periods of fasting, which leave the stomach lining vulnerable to acid attack.

Key Tips:

• Never leave your horse without forage for more than a few hours7,8.

• Use chopped fibre, ideally containing alfalfa, in every meal. Alfalfa is high in protein and calcium, both of which help buffer stomach acid7,8.

• Avoid straw as a sole forage source, as it may increase ulcer risk.

2. Minimise Starch and Sugar

High-starch, high-sugar concentrates (e.g., traditional grains) increase acid production and can worsen ulcers. Instead, choose feeds formulated for ulcer-prone horses, which are typically high in fibre and low in starch7,8.

Recommended Feeds:

• Fibre-Beet: A conditioning feed combining Speedi-Beet and alfalfa, providing highly digestible fibre and quality protein. It produces butyric acid upon fermentation, supporting gut wall health..

• Other high-fibre, low-starch feeds: Many reputable brands in the UK offer feeds specifically designed for horses with or prone to gastric ulcers7.

  
  

3. Small, Frequent Meals

Feeding small, frequent meals mimics the horse’s natural grazing behaviour and helps maintain a steady flow of saliva and buffer in the stomach.

4. Water Access

Ensure clean, fresh water is always available. Dehydration can slow gut motility and worsen ulcer risk.

Supplements for Gastric Ulcer Management

While dietary management is the foundation, certain supplements can provide additional support for horses with gastric ulcers. Below, we review science-backed options available for purchase in England.

1. Synovium Gastrosafe

Gastrosafe is a veterinary-developed supplement containing:

• Calcium carbonate: Natural antacid

• Seaweed (Laminaria hyperborea): Forms a protective gel raft in the stomach, protecting the non-glandular stomach lining from acid splash3.

• Magnesium hydroxide: Replaces magnesium lost during stress

• Fructooligosaccharides: Prebiotics to stimulate beneficial gut bacteria3.

2. GastroKind (Science Supplements)

GastroKind contains nine active ingredients and is designed to rapidly support a healthy stomach, control acidity, and promote healing.

Key Ingredients:

• Prebiotics and probiotics

• Natural buffers

• Herbal extracts

3. Ulsa-Soothe (Pro-Equine)

A blend of seven natural ingredients, Ulsa-Soothe soothes the stomach, lubricates the digestive tract, and supports gut health without inhibiting natural acid production5. It is suitable for horses under stress or those recovering from medication.

4. Gut Balancer (Science Supplements)

A combination of prebiotics, probiotics, and live yeast to support digestion and gut health. Results can be seen in as little as 48 hours2.

Available Forms:

• Gut Balancer powder

• Gut Balancer Express (for rapid support)

• Gut Balancer Instafix Syringe (for acute needs)

Several natural compounds have shown promise in supporting gastric health:

Ingredient	Mechanism of Action	Available in Supplements?
Pectin	Forms a gel to coat the stomach lining, prebiotic effect	Yes4
Lecithin	Phospholipid that supports mucosal protection	Yes1,4
Liquorice Root	Soothes the stomach, supports healing	Yes4
Marshmallow Root	Soothes and protects mucous membranes	Yes1
Slippery Elm Bark	Soothes and lubricates the digestive tract	Yes1
Omega Oils	Anti-inflammatory, supports mucosal health	Yes4,5
Sea Buckthorn	Antioxidant, supports healing	Yes4

What Does the Science Say?

A 2018 study published in a peer-reviewed journal found that oral supplementation can significantly decrease the severity of gastric ulcers in horses, though the number of ulcers may not change6. There were no negative effects on body condition or behaviour, supporting the safety of supplementation as part of a management plan.

However, not all supplements are created equal. Some antacid products may only provide temporary relief and can disrupt natural digestive processes, potentially leading to acid rebound and recurrence of ulcers1. Always choose products with proven efficacy and consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement.

Practical Feeding Plan for Horses with Gastric Ulcers

Step 1: Consult Your Vet or nutritionist before making dietary changes or adding supplements, confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment and management options with your veterinarian1,8.

Step 2: Adjust the Base Diet

• Unlimited access to good-quality forage (hay, haylage, or pasture)

• Add short-chopped alfalfa to meals

• Eliminate or severely restrict cereal grains and high-starch feeds

• Use high-fibre, low-starch commercial feeds if extra calories are needed

Step 3: Add Digestive Support

• Choose a science-backed supplement (see above)

• Consider adding a prebiotic/probiotic product to support hindgut health

Step 4: Manage Stress and Routine

• Minimise changes in routine

• Allow turnout and social interaction whenever possible

• Avoid prolonged stabling and fasting

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use antacids for my horse’s ulcers?Short-term use may provide relief, but long-term use can disrupt digestion and lead to acid rebound1. Focus on dietary management and proven supplements.

Q: How quickly will I see results?Some owners report improvements in behaviour and appetite within days of starting supplements like Ulsa-Soothe or Gut Balancer2,5. However, full healing can take several weeks and should be monitored by your vet.

Q: Are supplements a replacement for veterinary treatment?No. Supplements support recovery but do not replace veterinary-prescribed medications such as omeprazole for severe cases. Always work with your vet to develop a comprehensive plan1,8.

Conclusion

Feeding horses diagnosed with gastric ulcers requires a thoughtful, science-based approach. Prioritise forage, minimise starch, feed little and often, and consider proven supplements to support healing and prevent recurrence. With careful management and the right products—many of which are accessible in England—you can help your horse recover from ulcers and thrive for years to come.

Always consult your veterinarian or a qualified equine nutritionist before making significant changes to your horse’s diet or supplement regimen1,8.