How to Feed Probiotics to Horses

Probiotics -- the term means "for life" -- have been used for decades in horses. They are dietary supplements that include live, beneficial bacteria. A 2006 study by Veronique Julliand of the National Establishment of Agronomic Higher Education (ENESAD), in Dijon, France, found that probiotics can "potentially prevent the development of pathogens during their passage through the intestinal tract." Probiotics are versatile and can be fed as powders, granules, pastes, or gels. If you don't want to measure, you can feed them to your horse with premixed grains or horse treats.

Things You'll Need

  • Preloaded tube
  • Powder or granules with scoop measure
  • Bucket
  • Premixed grains or horse treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the dosing instructions for pastes or gels. Smaller or younger horses may only use part of a tube. Larger horses may use a full tube. Adjust the calibration device on the handle and snap it into the correct setting. Check to make sure your horse's mouth is clear of hay or feed, otherwise he'll be able to spit out the probiotic along with any contents of his mouth.

    • 2

      Uncap the preloaded tube and part your horse's lips at the corner of his mouth. Then slide the tube tip in between your horse's lips. Depress plunger to calibrated dose in one smooth motion. Coating the tip of the tube with applesauce or molasses may make your horse happier to accept it in his mouth. Gels and pastes are usually given very short term -- not for more than a few days.

    • 3

      Measure powders and granules with the included measuring scoop. Your instructions may be in grams or ounces. Typical dosages are 5 to15 grams, or 1/2 to 1 oz. Read the instructions for the size and condition of the horse you're feeding and measure the dosage.

    • 4

      Prepare the feed that you normally give your horse in the bucket, then pour the probiotic powder or granules on top of the feed. Some powders can be mixed with liquids, which is good for horses eating soaked rations or are on soft mashes. Probiotic powders or granules may suggest feeding daily, or only during times of stress or hard work, so read the instructions.

    • 5

      Purchase feeds with probiotics already mixed in them to avoid the need for measuring, mixing, or squirting gels and pastes. Follow the instructions on the feed to ensure that your horse is getting the correct amount.

    • 6

      Give probiotic horse treats as a fun change of pace. They come in apple and other flavors. The package will tell you how many treats a day your horse can have.