Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) encompasses a range of mucosal changes in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, from inflammation to ulceration. This syndrome has attracted increasing attention due to its high prevalence and significant impact on the performance of sport horses.
Nutritional management is a key ally in controlling EGUS, both during treatment and in the long term, as it contributes to the prevention of new lesions.
What should be considered when feeding horses with ulcers?
1. Increase chewing time and reduce periods without feed
Extending the time horses spend chewing and minimizing feed-free periods is crucial in the dietary management of horses with EGUS. This can be achieved by:
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Allowing access to pasture
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Providing hay ad libitum
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Using slow-feeding systems (e.g., small-hole hay nets) for stabled horses
This continuous access to forage promotes constant saliva production. Saliva contains minerals and bicarbonate, which acts as a natural buffer (neutralizing stomach acid). In addition to lubricating feed, it protects the gastric mucosa and aids in digestion.
As the horse’s stomach continuously produces acid, long intervals without food can worsen or trigger ulcer formation.
2. Consider forage type
In addition to increasing forage intake (≥1.5% of body weight in dry matter — e.g., for a 500 kg horse, ≥7.5 kg DM), it’s essential to choose the right type of forage. High-quality hay is crucial, while straw should not be used as the sole or main forage, as studies show it’s associated with higher ulcer scores.
The use of alfalfa hay or mixing alfalfa with concentrate feed has been shown to be beneficial due to its calcium and protein content, which provide a protective effect.
3. Reduce starch intake
Also important are the quantity and composition of concentrate feed. Most concentrates (oats, corn, wheat) are high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) like starch and sugar, and are consumed quickly, reducing saliva production and its protective buffer effect. In addition, they lead to greater production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which can damage the gastric lining and increase susceptibility to ulcers.
Current recommendations suggest:
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Do not exceed 2 g of starch per kg of body weight per day
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Do not exceed 1 g of starch per kg of body weight per meal
In sport horses, which have higher energy demands, concentrate feed is often essential, but should be divided into multiple small meals to comply with the limits above.
Fortunately, low-starch and low-sugar feeds are now available for sport horses.
You can also feed alfalfa hay alongside concentrates to enhance the protective effect, and this may even allow for reduced concentrate amounts thanks to the nutritional value of alfalfa.
4. Use fat as a calorie source
Using fat as a partial source of calories is beneficial. It’s best to opt for fats naturally rich in Omega-3, since diets of stabled horses often already contain high levels of Omega-6.
5. Supplementation
Using nutritional supplements designed for horses with gastric ulcers (or suspected ulcers) is a viable option, but it should always be done under the advice of a veterinarian or qualified equine nutritionist. Supplements are not a replacement for the basic dietary recommendations outlined above.
EGUS is highly prevalent, with sport horses being especially at risk. Proper feeding practices can help reduce the risk, recurrence, and severity of gastric ulcers.