Feeding rules for gastric ulcers
Ulcers can be managed if you make a few diet tweaks, as Emma Short BSc (Hons), equine nutritionist at Baileys Horse Feeds, explains
THE V ERY M ENTION of gastric ulcers is almost guaranteed to send horse owners into a panic. However, with the right care, this condition can be satisfactorily managed. The equine stomach continuously produces hydrochloric acid in the bottom part of the stomach (the lower glandular region) as part of the digestive process when a horse eats. This acid is produced to help digest the constant flow of fibre (grass) as the horse grazes throughout the day. This lower area of the stomach is protected by mucus and saliva that’s produced when the horse chews. The upper region of the stomach, however, has no built-in protection because it relies on the physical barrier of the continuously ingested fibre.
“Look at the whole diet, rather than focusing on one aspect or nutrient”
Ulcers occur in the upper region of the stomach when the acid from the lower region splashes up. This is either because there is insufficient fibre in the stomach, or through the physical effects of exercise. Ulcers in the glandular region are less common, but can occur when the protective barrier is compromised — for example, through stress or continued use of drugs such as bute. Applying the following four tips is the best way to manage ulcers.
1 AN AD-LIB DIET
Diets for horses suffering from gastric ulcers should be as low in starch as possible, as starch, generally from cereals, causes the gastric environment to become more acidic. A great starting point for all horses is to feed ad-lib forage (so your horse can eat as and when he wants) to ensure there’s always fibrous matter in the stomach that can mop up the acid. The constant chewing will also help to produce acid-buffering saliva.
2 LIMIT STARCH AND SUGAR
Cubes tend to be lower in starch than a mix with an equivalent energy level, but they’re not the only option. The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) has introduced a feed accreditation mark to help customers identify those feeds suitable for horses prone to gastric ulcers. This means their starch and sugar contents are low enough that, when fed according to recommendations, they will deliver very low levels, according to parameters identified by specific research. When looking at feed labels, ‘low starch’ would probably be 1012% and below; ‘reduced starch’ 1222%; and typical competition mixes around 30% starch. As with so many aspects of equine nutrition, it’s important to look at the whole diet, rather than focusing only on one aspect or nutrient. This is when talking to an experienced nutritionist can prove invaluable.
3 CALORIE COUNTING
For horses with moderate to high-calorie requirements, highly digestible fibre sources, such as beet pulp, alfalfa and soya hulls, along with elevated levels of oil, are used in feeds. Good doers should be fed a balancer to provide essential nutrients without unwanted calories. Calorie requirements can then often be met with forage alone. If a horse is overweight, his forage ration will need to be controlled, so use small-holed nets to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Lengthy periods without forage present a high risk of ulceration.
4 PROVIDE A PREWORKOUT SNACK BARRIER
Horses in harder work, especially those who are galloping and jumping, are at risk from acid splash to the upper part of the stomach, no matter what their concentrate feed contains. To help provide some protection, ensure your horse has eaten some forage before exercise, or give him a small feed of alfalfa chaff. This has natural acid-buffering properties, as well as providing the necessary physical fibre barrier.