Diet for Equine Indigestion

It is very common for horses to experience indigestion and other digestive problems because of their small stomachs. Some horses may have weak digestive organs and may be susceptible to the condition. Anything that aggravates the animal̵7;s stomach may cause indigestion, such as sudden changes in diet, imperfectly cured foods, consuming food too fast or working too soon after eating. Common symptoms your horse may display if he has indigestion are irregular appetite, restless behavior and kicking his belly. If your horse is experiencing these symptoms, put him on a special diet to help prevent indigestion from occurring.

  1. High-Quality Hay

    • Feed your horse high-quality hay at regular intervals throughout the day. Hay should make up most of your horse̵7;s feed, around 15 to 20 pounds. Give your horse only sweet-smelling, green hay that is not moldy or musty. Slow your horse̵7;s feed consumption by putting large stones at the bottom of the feed container or by placing the container at ground level.

    Free-Choice Salt Block

    • Provide a free-choice salt block for your horse to obtain his recommended daily salt intake. Horses need at least .25 percent of their diet in salt, and most feeds provide only .1 percent. The salt block contains salt as well as other trace minerals that are good for his digestive health.

    Omega Fatty Acids

    • Introduce omega fatty acids such as sunflower or corn oil into your horse's diet. They decrease fatty acids in your horse̵7;s stomach, which will help prevent indigestion. Add the supplements to your horse̵7;s diet gradually, so he has time to adjust.

    High-Quality Grains

    • Give your horse high-quality grains to prevent indigestion. Divide the grain into two or three equal feedings and give them at the same time each day. Grains should make up around 2 to 5 pounds of your horse's daily feed. Spit the feedings into at least two separate meals per day.

    Water

    • Make sure your horse has access to plenty of fresh, clean water to drink at all times. Water is a vital part of an equestrian diet. Horses need 5 to 10 gallons of fresh water per day to avoid indigestion and maintain an overall healthy digestive system.