A healthy digestive system is important for a horse’s condition, comfort and performance. However, modern routines can make it harder for the gut to work as nature intended.
Horses evolved to spend around 16 hours a day grazing, eating small amounts of fibre while moving. Longer periods stabled, reduced turnout, travel, exercise and changes to feed, forage or routine can all present additional digestive challenges.
Signs to look for:
Signs associated with digestive or gastric stress can vary between horses and may include:
• Reduced appetite or picky eating
• Weight loss or poor coat condition
• Reduced performance or lethargy
• Changes in behaviour or mood
• Sensitivity when girthing
• Bloating or digestive discomfort
• Loose or poorly formed droppings
These signs can have several possible causes, so any clinical change or concern should be discussed with a veterinary surgeon.
Supporting digestive health
Feeding and management should always come first. Owners can help by:
• Making forage the basis of the diet
• Avoiding long periods without fibre
• Feeding a high-fibre, low-starch ration
• Introducing dietary changes gradually
• Maximising turnout where practical
• Feeding a small fibre-based meal before exercise
As an absolute minimum, horses should receive forage equal to 1% of their bodyweight each day on a dry-matter basis, with a higher proportion being preferable for most animals.
Everyday total gut support with NAF GastriAid
GastriAid is designed to support total gut health, including the stomach and hindgut. It is suitable for long-term digestive support and during changes in diet, season, routine or environment. Its formulation combines:
• Psyllium and bentonite to support the condition of the gut and regulate the rate of passage
• Sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate to help maintain healthy stomach acid levels
• Prebiotics, probiotic yeast and postbiotics to support a healthy microbiome throughout the gastrointestinal tract
Targeted stomach support with NAF GastriVet
GastriVet provides targeted nutritional support for the stomach. It is clinically proven and can be fed alongside veterinary treatment or used as follow-up nutritional support. Its formulation helps to:
• Maintain healthy acid levels in the stomach
• Support the stomach lining and gut barrier
• Support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory pathways
• Provide antioxidant support
• Support the microbiome with prebiotics, probiotic yeast and postbiotics
Support your horse’s digestive health with RB Equestrian
Choose from NAF GastriAid for everyday total gut support or NAF GastriVet for more targeted stomach support.
Not sure which option is right for your horse? The RB Equestrian team can help you compare digestive support products and choose an option that fits your horse’s routine, diet and needs.
Shop online at rbequestrian.co.uk or visit the RB Equestrian Milton Keynes superstore. You can also earn 4% back*, with RB Equestrian Customer Rewards (*Ts & Cs apply).
This blog was written by Kate Hore, RNutr, BETA ENFAR, R.Anim.Technol (Cert), Head Nutritionist at NAF.
