Feeding advice for a horse prone to ulcers.

J

JamesTaylor

New User
Joined
29 October 2009
Messages
4
Visit site
Could anyone out there offer any advice on what is best to feed a horse that has had gastric ulcers?

He is a 14 year old ITB gelding (ex racehorse) who finds it hard to maintain topline. He is a fussy eater and has had gastric ulers (though has been recently scoped and there are non showing). I am currently feeding him D&H topline cubes, Alpha A and Speedibeat. He is recovering from a slight tendon injury but will be back in medium work soonish (i hope)

Any advice would be helpful. thanks

J <font color="black"> </font>
 
Hi there

ideally your horse needs to have access to ad lib hay/haylage (pref hay) day and night. Ulcers occur because of a build up of acid in the gut, by giving your horse the above you will help to stop this acid build up.

I would also use a very low starch high oil feed for him such as Allen and Page Calm and condition (much lower in starch than topline cubes) and Alpha a oil. Speedibeet is good. You can also add (progressively) up to a cup full of good quality oil to his feed which is a superb way of safely putting o n condition.

Also keep feeds small and regular ( again to stop the acid build up)

You can also buy supplements such as ulsereaze by NAF which will also help.
 
I'd immediately put him on Coligone (the peppermint powder) for as long as is necessary and review his turnout/management. Coligone is fabulous for dodgy bellies and a low level maintenance dose works out at just pence per day.
 
QR- Ad lib hay, even in the field in winter.
Alfalfa is good because it is calcium rich to buffer stomach acid.
Long soak unmollassed SB would be better than speedibeet because it has better fibre quality for the gut.
Then a very low starch cube such as topspec cool condition cubes or a high fat feed such as coolstance copra or triple top up. Even calm and condition is 19% starch, and you can get much lower starch feeds with similar energy levels.

Basically minimise starch and avoid cereals. Plenty of fibre. Feed from the floor, not a net and even give a small amount of hay before riding. Aim to have no longer than 3 hours without food. The stomach empties in an hour to an hour and a half and acid is continually produced sothe horse must be trickle fed.

Mint can help too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top