Don't Let Your Horse Develop an Ulcer this Winter
By Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D.
I never stop urging horse owners to "feed your horse like a horse," for the simple reason that a horse fed according to his physiology and instincts will be healthier. And as winter approaches, this message becomes especially important.
Colder weather often brings changes in management. Pastures become sparse, horses spend more time confined, and feeding routines may change. Unfortunately, these changes can increase the risk of gastric ulcers.
I often speak about free-choice forage feeding as the first line of defense against ulcers, but there are things you can do in addition to always having forage available, to protect your horse from the pain and stress of this condition.
Why forage is so important
Unlike humans, horses secrete stomach acid continuously, even when their stomachs are empty. Chewing produces saliva, which contains bicarbonate, a natural buffer against stomach acid. When horses go for extended periods without forage, acid can irritate the unprotected upper portion of the stomach, increasing the risk of ulcers.
Horses are designed to graze throughout the day and night, consuming small amounts of forage almost continuously. Yet the feeding schedules and management practices we impose on them often interfere with this natural behavior.
The good news is that we can significantly reduce the risk of ulcers through proper feeding and stress reduction
In addition to having forage available 24/7, consider these protective feeding guidelines:
- Limit oats and other cereal grains. Oats, corn, barley, wheat, rice, and other starch-rich feeds can increase ulcer risk, particularly when fed large quantities. Starch fermentation in the stomach produces organic acids that can contribute to irritation of the stomach lining.
- Consider beet pulp instead of cereal grains. Beet pulp is a highly digestible water-soluble fiber source that provides additional calories. It can be an excellent choice for horses needing more energy than forage alone can provide. An organic or non-GMO source is preferable.
- Choose beneficial fat sources. Dietary fat provides extra calories but choose those that offer the right proportion of omega 3s to 6s, such as ground flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, camelina oil, or chia seeds. They contain approximately 4 times more omega 3s than 6s, which help support a healthy inflammatory response.
- Provide high-quality protein. Alfalfa and hemp seeds are excellent sources of high-quality protein, offering a complementary array of amino acids that provide the building blocks needed to maintain and repair tissues throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Alfalfa is particularly beneficial because its calcium and protein content help buffer stomach acid. Including some alfalfa in the diet may be especially helpful for horses prone to ulcers.
- Support the hindgut microbial population. A forage-based diet promotes healthy microbial fermentation in the cecum and large colon. Yeast cultures and certain fermentation products may also support digestive efficiency and microbial balance.
- Pay attention to B vitamins. B vitamins play important roles in metabolism and tissue maintenance, and healthy hindgut microbes synthesize them. Supplementation is useful for horses who are under stress, or in compromised health.
Winter brings its own sources of stress
You know what stresses your horse. An unfamiliar environment, separation from a companion, forage-restriction, stall confinement, training, travel, and competition can all contribute to ulcer risk.
Winter can introduce additional challenges. A horse accustomed to spending most of his time on pasture may suddenly find himself confined for longer periods because of cold temperatures, ice, mud, or limited grazing.
Even a horse who appears calm can be experiencing stress
Whenever possible, maintain a consistent routine, provide companionship, and allow plenty of opportunities for movement. If stall confinement is necessary, make sure your horse has forage available throughout the day and night.
And don't overlook water! Horses sometimes drink less during cold weather, particularly when water is icy or uncomfortably cold. Provide continuous access to clean, palatable water, preferably warmed during freezing weather.
The best way to avoid an ulcer is to allow your horse to be a horse
And the best way to do that is to give him plenty of space to roam -- the more time, the better. Turnout allows him to move freely, interact with other horses, and engage in the natural behaviors that contribute to his physical and emotional well-being. Horses naturally enjoy cold weather, and their winter coats are designed to keep their bodies insulated. Only blanket them if they do not have an adequate coat.
Bottom line
During the winter months, horses may not have the ability to move around as much as before because of icy conditions. But keeping forage available, minimizing stress, providing companionship, and respecting your horse's natural need to roam and consistently chew can go a long way toward protecting his digestive health.
Remember, prevention is always preferable to treatment. And when we feed and manage our horses according to their natural physiology, we give them the best opportunity to stay comfortable and healthy -- not just this winter, but all year long.
For Permission to Reprint
For permission to reprint this article, in part or in its entirety, or arrange for a private consultation, please contact Dr. Getty directly at gettyequinenutrition@gmail.com.