Stomach issues, including gastric ulcers, occur in horses more often than previously assumed. Sport and racehorses, leisure horses, broodmares, and even foals can be affected. Gastric ulcers are very painful for horses, and even mild stomach issues can reduce their overall well being. Veterinary treatment can be costly, so prevention through appropriate feeding is essential. Stress plays a key role in the development of gastrointestinal problems. Feeding is also often involved, it can be a cause, but it can also support improvement.
Understanding stomach issues
If the stomach system or its protective mechanisms are disrupted, stomach acid can come into direct contact with the stomach lining. This may lead to irritation known as gastritis. With ongoing irritation, gastric ulcers can develop, also referred to as Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, EGUS.
Symptoms are often not very specific, making it difficult to immediately identify a stomach issue. Possible signs include frequent yawning, flehmen, interrupted or hesitant feed intake, belching, bad breath, looking at the abdomen, or increased sensitivity when grooming, saddling, or riding. Over time, weight loss and a decline in general condition may occur. A definitive diagnosis of gastric ulcers can only be made via gastroscopy. In practice, a diagnostic treatment is often used, if symptoms improve with certain medications, a gastric ulcer is assumed.
Addressing feeding related causes
Gastric ulcers are often linked to feeding errors, but can also be influenced by other illnesses, housing conditions, training, and especially stress. In natural conditions, horses spend most of the day foraging and eating. Continuous intake of fiber rich grasses and herbs in small portions keeps the relatively small stomach, about 18 liters, consistently filled. This promotes continuous saliva production, which helps balance stomach acid.
In modern housing systems, the situation is often different. Feeding breaks of more than four hours are common, for example to reduce energy intake, but such long pauses do not occur in nature. Insufficient roughage, long feeding intervals, and concentrate feed that is not adjusted to the horse’s needs, especially if high in starch or given in large portions, can contribute to stomach issues.
Grain free feeding as an approach
In cases of stomach discomfort or gastric ulcers, feeding should focus on grain free and reduced starch diets over a longer period. Studies show that switching to a diet rich in fiber and with a higher fat content can already support improvement. Using Mifuma Müsli Getreidefrei as the sole concentrate feed can support veterinary treatment and overall management.
However, not only in case of problems, but at all times, feeding and feeding management should be adapted to the species specific and performance related needs of the horse. The foundation is an adequate supply of roughage and fiber, offered throughout the day or available continuously. This helps avoid long feeding breaks and supports constant saliva production.
Energy and nutrient supply should always match the horse’s actual needs based on maintenance, growth, and performance. Concentrate feed should only provide as much starch as necessary. If needed, it should be divided into several smaller portions to avoid exceeding recommended amounts per meal. Additional energy can be provided through oils if required.
After longer feeding breaks, it is beneficial to offer fiber rich feed first. During fasting periods, stomach acid levels increase, and when high starch feed is consumed quickly, saliva production may not be sufficient to balance this. For stomach friendly feeding, even in horses without visible issues, Mifuma Müsli Getreidefrei has proven effective, either as a complete concentrate feed or as a supplement. Its structured composition encourages thorough chewing, promoting saliva production and proper mixing of the feed. The feed reaches the stomach well processed and moistened, supporting a balanced digestive environment. Linseed included in the mix provides valuable mucilage components that support the stomach and intestinal lining. When prepared with warm water like a mash, these properties can be further enhanced.
For more information and an overview of Mifuma horse feeds, please visit our product overview page.
