How to choose feed for a horse prone to gastric ulcers
A sport horse, a regular horse, a weight-loss horse or a horse that needs to gain weight – each requires different feed for gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). List of feed and supplements by type of horse.
We work closely with experts in nutrition, research and veterinary medicine. This allows us to not only offer research-proven products that help manage and support horses with gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) but also understand and pass on important care principles. They can make a real difference not just for these horses, but for horses in general.
Explain what stomach ulcers are and why feeding is so important Gastric ulcers in horses: why feeding matters.
Select by type of horse
The feeds are divided according to which horse you're feeding that is prone to ulcers.
A racehorse prone to ulcers
RE-LEVE® MIX
RE-LEVE® MIX is a low starch grain free feed. It is designed to replace all cereal-based nuclear feed in working horses that have a poor tolerance for high starch feeds or are prone to stomach ulcer syndrome. Alternative energy sources support both performance and regeneration, providing controlled power from highly digestible “superfibres” and oils. The mixture is based on a gluten-free formula and contains BMCTM, a comprehensive buffer for the entire digestive tract, and recommended amounts of live yeast to support intestinal microflora and stabilize pH in the gastrointestinal tract. The taste of blackcurrants makes them a delicacy.
BMCTM – the new research component. RE-LEVE® MIX newly contains BMCTM, a highly bioavailable source of marine calcium essential for healthy skeletal development and balance in the digestive tract. Studies at Kentucky Equine Research have shown that BMCTM significantly increases natural bone density in high performance horses. BMCTM also promotes digestive health by neutralizing excess acid in the stomach and large intestine.
RE-LEVE® CUBES
RE-LEVE® CUBES are versatile granules with a low starch and sugar content. They are specifically designed to support healthy digestive tracts and normal muscle function in all horses. They use highly digestible “superfiber” and oil as an alternative energy source, making them ideal for horses prone to stomach ulcers. The granules provide a balanced feed dose and are fully fortified with the full spectrum of vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants including natural vitamin E together with live yeast to support optimal digestion. The taste of black currants will also appeal to picky eaters.
COMPETITION-FIT BALANCER
COMPETITION-FIT BALANCER is a nutritionally dense, low-dose performance balancer suitable for horses and ponies prone to ulcer syndrome. The mixture is based on digestible “superfibres” and oils, which provide continuous energy. A small amount of grain helps replenish glycogen, delays the onset of fatigue, and provides strength for performance. It contains the recommended amount of live yeast and Acid Buf, which promote an optimal environment in the stomach and digestive tract.
Horse prone to ulcers in the normal regime
ESSENTIAL BALANCER
ESSENTIAL BALANCER is low in sugar, starch and calories, making it suitable for horses and ponies that gain weight easily. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and high-quality protein sources, helps maintain muscle tone and upper body shape, and promotes overall health and vitality. The source of omega-3 fatty acids helps keep the horse's coat nice and shiny, healthy inside and out.
Do you know that...? It's called biotin. Biotin is a B vitamin that is essential for normal metabolism. Horses cannot make their own B vitamins – they get them from microbial fermentation in the colon or from feed. The effects of biotin on hoof health have been well studied: a statistically significant improvement in the condition of hooves has been observed with supplementation of 15 – 25 mg daily. But biotin only affects the newly growing cornea, so improvement is likely to occur in 6-9 months.
A horse prone to weight-loss ulcers
SHAPE-UP®
SHAPE-UP® is a mixture with low starch and sugar content and high fiber content. It is intended to be fed in small doses while providing a high level of nutrients to support good health and immunity. This grain-free diet is ideal for horses that gain weight easily, as well as those prone to irritable or anxious behaviour.
Do you know that...? Acid buff. Acid Buf helps maintain a healthy environment in the digestive tract of horses and ponies, especially those with limited feed supply. It is a unique dead seaweed that releases biologically available calcium and magnesium in the digestive tract gradually over a period of 6 to 8 hours. Calcium and magnesium help promote optimal environments in the stomach and large intestine.
An ulcer-prone horse that needs to gain weight
EQUI-JEWEL® (for weight gain)
Equi-Jewel® is a granulated supplement made from stabilised rice bran with high oil content. It increases the energy density of the entire feed batch, thereby reducing dependence on grains. It is an ideal supplement for improving the horse's upper line and condition when fed alongside a balanced diet. In addition to improved fitness, research has shown its benefits for optimal performance. Equi-Jewel® is fortified with the right amount of vitamin E and provides an optimal calcium to phosphorus ratio.
Supplementary aid for horses susceptible to ulcers
KER RiteTrac®
KER RiteTrac® is a scientifically proven supplement to support the entire digestive tract. It affects the anterior and posterior digestive tracts of horses in two different ways. When fed with proper care and the right bulking regimen, RiteTrac® helps to maintain an optimal stomach environment. RiteTrac® also contains EquiShure®, which helps maintain optimal pH in the colon and normal fermentation.
KER EquiShure®
EquiShure® is an encapsulated form of sodium bicarbonate that acts specifically in the horse' s large intestine. This supplement is suitable for horses with signs of indigestion and for horses diagnosed with acidosis of the colon. When horses are fed high-starch foods or get a lot of sugar from rich pastures, the pH in their colon drops and bacteria that digest fiber are suppressed. Lower pH creates an unfavourable environment for the microorganisms of the colon, which is reflected in digestion and function of the colon. The unique gradual release mechanism has been shown to promote stable pH in the colon by targeting sodium hydrocarbonate directly into the colon.
RE-COVERY MASH®
RE-COVERY MASH® promotes optimal rehydration and regeneration of sport horses and ponies in training, racing and on the road. The porridge contains a mixture of superfiber, which is known for its excellent digestibility and provides calories that the horse does not need, so it's practical to feed it as needed. It also contains live yeast to support intestinal microflora and stabilize pH in the digestive tract, and vitamin E to promote normal muscle function and regeneration. The porridge has a banana flavor that appeals to picky eaters, and it contains electrolytes that help keep you optimally hydrated and thirsty during travel, hot weather, sweating, and strenuous exercise.
Why is it suitable for horses prone to gastric gland disease (EGGD)? Lack of water can increase the risk of stomach gland disease by up to three times. RE-COVERY MASH® is low in starch and sugar and can be prepared as a liquid mash so that even horses who drink little will get fluids on the road or outside the home.