best feed to prevent horse colic

Horse colic, a term that strikes fear into every horse owner’s heart, refers to abdominal pain often linked to digestive issues. While colic can be life-threatening, prevention through proper nutrition is your strongest defense. In this guide, we’ll explore the best feed to prevent horse colic, delve into its causes, symptoms, and treatments, and provide actionable steps to safeguard your equine companion.

Understanding Colic: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Prior to prevention, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of colic.

• Causes of Colic in Horses:
  • Abrupt dietary changes.
  • Dehydration or insufficient water consumption.
  • Low-forage, high-grain diets.
  • Parasites or intestinal obstruction.

• Stress or lack of exercise.

• Symptoms of Equine Colic:

• Pawing, rolling, or looking at the flank.
• Loss of appetite and reduced manure output.
• Elevated heart rate or sweating.
• Lying down excessively.

• How to Treat Colic in Horses:

• Give pain relief (e.g., Banamine) under veterinary supervision.
• Administer laxatives or mineral oil through nasogastric tube.
• Surgery for severe cases.

For an in-depth look at these subjects, read our guides to causes of colic in horses, symptoms of equine colic, and how to treat colic in horses.

The Best Feed to Prevent Horse Colic

The digestive system of a horse is very sensitive, adapted to constant foraging on high-fiber forage. A science-formulated, perfectly balanced feeding program can reduce the chances of colic. The five dietary steps given below support good gut health:

1. High-Quality Forage (Hay & Pasture)

Forage should make up the majority of a horse’s diet, preferably 60-70% of total intake. The appropriate type and quality of forage prevent impactions and provide healthy gut motility.

• Grass hays (timothy, orchardgrass, brome) should be preferred over legume hays (alfalfa, clover), which are richer in protein and calcium and could lead to gas colic in some horses.
• Soaked hay (10-30 minutes soaking in water) benefits horses that are susceptible to impaction by introducing moisture and removing dust.
• Pasture access, if feasible, promotes grazing and reduces colic risk. According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, pastured horses had 30% lower colic incidence compared to stalled horses.

2. Controlled Starch Intake

High-starch diets disrupt hindgut fermentation, leading to gas production and acidosis. To minimize risk:

• Limit grain-based concentrates (oats, corn, barley) and employ low-starch commercial feeds (less than 15% starch).
• Split large grain meals into smaller amounts (no more than 2-4 lbs per meal) to prevent rapid fermentation.
• Employ fat-based energy sources (rice bran, vegetable oils) as alternatives to high-carbohydrate feeds.

3. Prebiotics & Probiotics

A healthy gut microbiome is required to prevent digestive upset.

• Probiotics (live friendly bacteria) help with microbial balance, particularly following antibiotic use or stress. A 2020 study published in Veterinary Sciences found that horses supplemented with probiotics had 25% fewer colic episodes.
• Prebiotics (fermentable fibers like FOS and MOS) provide food for beneficial gut bacteria, helping maintain stable digestion.

4. Beet Pulp (Soaked)

A great source of fiber that aids hindgut function:

• Very digestible and less likely to impaction than dry hay.
• Needs to be soaked (1-2 hours in warm water) to avoid choke and provide adequate hydration.
• Offers slow-release energy, which is perfect for older horses or hard keepers.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These anti-inflammatory nutrients enhance gut motility and overall digestive health.

• Flaxseed (ground or oil) and chia seeds contain good amounts of omega-3s.
• Studies show omega-3s reduce inflammation of the intestines, lowering the risk of spasmodic colic.
• Dosage: 1-2 oz of flaxseed or chia per day for a horse of average size.

Additional Prevention Tips

• Hydration: Make fresh, clean water available. Heated buckets during winter will prevent ice formation.
• Gradual Diet Changes: Implement feed regimens slowly over 7–10 days to avoid microbial imbalances.
• Regular Deworming: Target parasites with a vet-designed program.
• Exercise & Turnout: Horses on pasture have improved gut motility and mental health.

Conclusion

Prevention of colic starts with nutrition specific to your horse’s needs. Provide high-fiber forage, limit starch, and supplement with things like probiotics. By understanding the causes of colic in horses and recognizing early symptoms of equine colic, you can intervene early to save your equine companion. Always keep in mind, early intervention and preventive management, like those outlined in how to treat colic in horses, save lives.

By optimizing your horse’s diet and staying informed, you’re not just feeding them you’re building a foundation for a healthier, colic-resistant life.