How do horses digest?

Horses are hindgut fermenters; this means that most feed digestion occurs in the hindgut, through the process of fermentation. Billions of naturally occurring bacteria and protozoa live in the hindgut and help to break down fibre, producing nutrients that fuel the horse. Normally a balanced gut has a mixture of good bacteria, with only a few harmful bacteria, however this can be easily disrupted. Factors such as low or no grass and hay intake, undigested starch entering the hindgut, sudden changes in diet, excessive workload, dehydration and stress can all upset the delicate gut balance. When this happens, horses can suffer from gas, acidosis, colic, ulcers and other health problems.

The way that a horse is managed can have an impact on gut function and levels of good and bad bacteria. Feeding two large feeds a day, or starchy processed food, goes against the way the horse’s gut works.

What and how to feed?

There are many pre and probiotic supplements available that can support the equine gut and re-balance good and bad bacteria. However, there are some simple feeding tips and methods that can help to prevent and re-balance alongside additional supplements and veterinary care.

Forage – little and often

Fibre rich foods are easily digested and can provide the majority of the horse’s energy. Alfalfa is a great choice as it increases chewing time thereby encouraging more saliva production to neutralise acidity.

Grass chops or chaff, high fibre cubes and hay are also great fibre foods. As the well-known rule goes, feed little and often. This helps to maintain a healthy stomach acid balance, keeps the horse busy and supports his biology.

Trickle feed

‘Trickle’ feeding is important. By trickle feeding fibre, a horse will always have food in his stomach, so the acids that initiate the breakdown of food remain within normal, healthy levels. The amount of food that passes through the small intestine is also smaller and the digestive tract is kept functioning normally.

Feed low amounts of concentrate or starchy food

A horse that is trickle fed is unlikely to be very hungry and is less likely to bolt down food. The more quickly a horse eats, the faster food moves from the stomach and small intestine. The result is twofold: a horse won’t be able to properly digest all that is on offer nutritionally, and undigested starch reaches the hindgut. Starch in the hindgut interferes with the digestive processes and imbalances the natural digestive cycle.

Of course, performance horses and those in hard work often require an extra energy source in their diet. This can come from grains (as straights or mixes) or fats like oils. Just do your best to add these in a sympathetic manner and keep up the amount of forage you feed.

Ultimately horses may suffer from gut issues for all sorts of reasons and if you have concerns you should always seek a vet’s advice. However, following these simple rules will help your horse to maximise their digestion and means the money you invest in feeds isn’t wasted.