Gentle Feeding Practices for Horses with Sensitive Stomachs

Understanding Sensitive Stomachs in Horses

Horses with sensitive stomachs often exhibit signs such as colic, diarrhea, weight loss, or behavioral changes. These issues can stem from dietary indiscretion, stress, or underlying medical conditions. A gentle feeding approach focuses on minimizing digestive upset through appropriate food choices, feeding frequency, and gradual transitions.

Recommended Diet Types

For horses with sensitive stomachs, the following diet types are often beneficial:

• Forage-based diet: High-quality hay (timothy, orchard grass) or pasture. Forage should make up at least 50-70% of the diet to support hindgut fermentation.
• Soaked hay or hay cubes: Reduces dust and sugar content, easing digestion.
• Low-starch concentrates: Use feeds specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs, such as those based on beet pulp, soybean hulls, or alfalfa. Avoid grains high in starch (e.g., corn, barley).
• Probiotics and prebiotics: Supplement yeast cultures (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or bacterial probiotics to promote a healthy gut microbiome.
• Herbal supplements: Calming herbs like chamomile or slippery elm may soothe the digestive tract.

Avoid moldy or dusty feed, as these can trigger respiratory and digestive issues.

Feeding Amounts and Caloric Needs

Caloric requirements depend on the horse's weight, activity level, and age. Below is a table for maintenance intake:

For sensitive stomachs, split the daily ration into 3-4 small meals to reduce load on the digestive system. Always adjust based on body condition.

Feeding Frequency and Schedule

Horses are natural grazers, so feed at least 3 times per day. A suggested schedule:

• Morning: 1/3 of forage and any grains.
• Afternoon: Forage only.
• Evening: Remaining forage and grains.
• Bedtime: A flake of hay for nighttime grazing.

Allow access to pasture for limited periods if grass quality is appropriate (low NSC).

Essential Nutrients

Ensure the diet provides:

• Protein: 8-12% for maintenance, from alfalfa or soybean meal.
• Fat: 3-6% from vegetable oils or stabilized rice bran (avoid rancid fats).
• Carbohydrates: Primarily from fiber (hay, beet pulp) rather than starch.
• Vitamins: A, D, E (especially if limited pasture) and B-complex from gut fermentation.
• Minerals: Balanced calcium:phosphorus ratio (2:1), plus salt, magnesium, and trace minerals.

Foods to Avoid

Horses with sensitive stomachs should avoid:

• Moldy or dusty hay and grain.
• High-starch grains (corn, oats, barley) in large amounts.
• Rich pastures (high in fructans) especially in spring.
• Sudden diet changes – always transition over 7-10 days.
• Certain plants like red maple leaves, wilted cherry leaves, or yew.
• Excessive treats like apples or carrots (limit to small amounts).

Water Intake Recommendations

Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. Horses drink 5-10 gallons per day depending on weather and activity. Use heated buckets in winter to encourage intake. Electrolytes can be added during hot weather or work, but consult your vet.

Beneficial Supplements

Consider these supplements under veterinary guidance:

• Probiotics: Improve gut flora balance.
• Prebiotics: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or mannanoligosaccharides (MOS).
• Digestive enzymes: For compromised digestion.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Flaxseed or fish oil for anti-inflammatory effects.
• Herbal soothers: Slippery elm, marshmallow root, or chamomile.
• Antacids: Only if prescribed for gastric ulcers.

Avoid over-supplementation, which can overwhelm the system.

Feeding Differences by Life Stage

Foals and Young Horses

Mother's milk is ideal. Weaning should be gradual, starting with small amounts of creep feed (low starch). Young horses have higher protein requirements (14-16%) for growth.

Adult Horses

Maintenance or performance diets as needed. For sensitive stomachs, prioritize forage and minimal concentrates. Monitor body condition and adjust accordingly.

Senior Horses

Older horses may have dental issues and reduced digestive efficiency. Use soaked hay, complete feeds (like senior feed), and provide multiple small meals. Ensure adequate protein and fat for easy chewing and digestion.

Signs of Healthy vs. Poor Diet

Healthy diet signs: Shiny coat, bright eyes, optimal body condition (ribs palpable but not visible), firm manure (even consistency), and consistent energy levels.

Poor diet signs: Dull coat, weight loss or gain, diarrhea or loose manure, colic episodes, lethargy, patchy shedding, or changes in appetite.

If you notice these, consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist.