Have you ever had that gut feeling when something just doesn’t seem right? Horses experience this same gut instinct, but even more strongly. Not only are they instinctively responsive to stress, but their digestive systems are far more sensitive than ours, and changes to diet or poor nutrition easily disrupt equine gut health.

That’s why supporting equine gut health is an essential part of overall horse care. From fine-tuning their diet to adding targeted equine gut supplements, there are many ways to protect and strengthen your horse’s digestive health.

In this article, we’ll cover basic equine gut health information, highlight the warning signs of poor gut health, and share the top 15 equine gut supplements to help keep your horse healthy and happy. 

Equine Gut Health Basics

Learning about basic equine gut health can help a horse owner determine the best diet and nutrition plans for their horse. 

via GIPHY

Understanding the Equine Digestive System

Digestion is the process of breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. While every animal’s digestive process serves the same function, many animals have different digestive systems with unique parts suited to their diets. The equine digestive system is specially designed to handle a diet of mostly fibrous plant material, like forage, grass, and hay.

An equine digestive system and a human digestive system share similarities, but there are three main differences:

1. Enzyme vs. microbial digestion

2. Stomach size and function

3. Hindgut fermentation

Refer to the chart below for a comparison of gut health for equine vs gut health for humans.

Like humans, horses are monogastrics, meaning they have one stomach, like humans, opposed to the compartmentalized stomach of ruminants, like cows. The key difference between a human stomach and an equine stomach is its size compared to the body. Horses have relatively small stomachs that empty more quickly than humans.

The equine gastrointestinal tract is comprised of two main sections: 

1. The foregut: Mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

2. The hindgut: Cecum, large colon, small colon, and rectum.

The role of a horse’s foregut includes the following:

• Chewing food in the mouth and mixing it with saliva.

• Using stomach acid and enzymes to begin protein digestion.

• Breaking down starches, sugars, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals in the small intestine for absorption into the bloodstream.

The role of a horse’s hindgut includes the following:

• Digesting the fibre-rich parts of the diet.

• Breaking down fibre in the cecum and large colon with the help of microbes, which produce fatty acids that supply energy.

• Absorbing water and electrolytes.

The role of digestion is very different in humans versus horses, as you can imagine. In equine gut health, hindgut fermentation allows horses to break down otherwise indigestible plant material, such as forage, allowing them to extract energy and nutrients. Humans are not classified as either foregut fermenters or hindgut fermenters; they are simple-stomached omnivores with digestion taking place in the stomach, small and large intestine.

Fibre and microbial balance are the foundation of equine gut health because horses are hindgut fermenters. A horse’s large intestine relies on billions of microbes to break down the fibre from hay and grass into energy-rich fatty acids. Fibre keeps food moving through the equine digestive tract to prevent colic while providing a stable source of energy.

A healthy microbial balance is equally as important in a horse’s diet. Horses require a certain amount of good microbes for their digestive system to function. Too much grain, starch, or sugar can disrupt the microbial balance, leading to digestive problems like colic or laminitis. Maintaining a fibre-rich diet and adequate hydration are key for equine gut health. 

Signs of Poor Gut Health in Horses

As humans, we know that when our tummy is off, we are off. It’s very much the same in horses. An upset stomach and poor equine gut health can impact every aspect of a horse's well-being, from their behaviour and performance to visible physical symptoms.

Refer to the chart below for an overview of the signs of poor gut health in horses:

When equine gut health is off, you’ll likely notice several behavioural signs that seem abnormal. A calm horse may become unusually irritable, even during something as routine as grooming. They may bite, nip, or kick in response to belly or flank sensitivity, and saddling can become uncomfortable— a reaction commonly called girthiness.

Physical signs of poor equine gut health are similar to those in humans, such as diarrhea, weight loss, and possibly a reduced appetite. Horses are also prone to colic when they have equine gut health problems. Problems with gut health can also result in a dull coat by disrupting the horse’s ability to absorb and utilize the nutrients needed for a shiny, healthy appearance. 

As expected, a horse with poor gut health will not perform to their best ability. Upset stomachs lead to reduced stamina and a lack of focus when you ride your horse or during horse training.

The Role of Gut Health Supplements

A horse’s digestive system is highly sensitive, and imbalances in the gut can lead to colic, poor nutrient absorption, behavioural changes, and a weakened immune system. Horses rely heavily on their hindgut microbial population to break down fibre and extract nutrients. Equine gut supplements can help to maintain a healthy microbial balance and digestive performance. 

The most common equine gut health supplements include:

1. Probiotics (Beneficial Microbes): Live microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria that help maintain microbial stability.

2. Prebiotics (Microbial Food Sources): Feed the fibre-digesting bacteria in the hindgut to encourage the breakdown of hay and pasture. 

3. Digestive Enzymes: Help break down grains and concentrates earlier in the gut, reducing hindgut disruption.

4. Buffering Agents: Maintain acidity in the hindgut and prevent ulcers.

Choosing equine gut health products that combine probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and buffering agents ensures you cover the essentials of a healthy digestive system. 

Equine gut health supplements are an important part of your horse’s nutrition plan. In addition to a well-balanced horse diet, horse health supplements provide additional support to the different organ systems. When choosing any supplements for your horse, it is important to select products with clinically backed formulas and active ingredients. 

TRI-ACTA for Equine is a preventative supplement for joint issues in horses that contains a potent blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM with 100% active ingredients. TRI-ACTA is a perfect supplement to use in conjunction with equine gut health products to ensure your horse performs to their best ability. 

Top 10 Equine Gut Health Supplements

A healthy horse is a happy horse, and a happy horse makes for a happy rider! Maintaining optimal equine gut health is essential for a horse’s overall well-being, longevity, and performance. Whether you’re an experienced equine owner or considering buying a horse, it is wise to know about basic equine gut health and the benefits of equine health supplements.

Equine gut health supplements play the following roles:

• Combine prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other basic equine gut health ingredients.

• Encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria.

• Stabilize microbial populations in the hindgut.

• Enhance nutrient absorption.

Some supplements focus on soothing the gastrointestinal lining, while others optimize fibre fermentation or regulate sugar release to prevent metabolic stress. Fortunately, there are plenty of equine gut health supplements available on the market.

Here is a list of the top 10 equine gut health supplements to directly or indirectly support your horse’s digestive system and overall health.

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Equine

Our maximum strength formula is perfect for horses that are ageing, experiencing arthritis and stiffness, are in training and competition, or under a heavy workload.

Learn More

Platinum Performance GI

$161.90 CAD per 4.5 kg: 61 servings

Platinum Performance GI is a comprehensive supplement designed to support the horse’s gastrointestinal, immune, and metabolic health. It features Bio-Sponge to help maintain healthy gastrointestinal function by binding and removing toxins from the gut. Prebiotics are included to promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, supporting a balanced and resilient gut microbiome.

Kentucky Equine Research EquiShure

$57.95 CAD per 1.25 kg: 20 servings

EquiShure is a time-released hindgut buffer specifically formulated to help manage and prevent hindgut acidosis in horses. It works by gradually neutralizing excessive lactic acid that can accumulate in the hindgut due to high-starch diets, abrupt feed changes, or stress. By stabilizing pH levels, EquiShure helps maintain a healthy digestive environment, supporting proper microbial balance, nutrient absorption, and overall gut function. 

Equine Choice Probiotic + Prebiotic Paste

SUCCEED Digestive Conditioning Program

$207.41 CAD per 30 x 27g oral syringes: 30 servings

SUCCEED Digestive Conditioning Program is a daily oral paste supplement specially formulated to support and maintain optimal equine digestive health. It features oat flour rich in beta-glucan, which helps regulate the digestive process and provides a steady release of sugars, supporting consistent energy levels and metabolic balance. The inclusion of oat oil helps reinforce the gut lining, while the supplement contains the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is known to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the hindgut.

 

Omega Alpha Gastra-FX

$139.99 CAD per 4 litres: 60+ servings

Omega Alpha Gastra-FX is a gentle herbal formula designed to soothe and protect the horse’s stomach lining. It contains a blend of herbs, including licorice root, slippery elm bark, ginger root, and marshmallow root, all known for their natural ability to support gastrointestinal health. This formula helps relieve common digestive issues such as gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and colic-like symptoms.

 

Redmond Daily Gold

$32.99 CAD per 2kg: 30 servings

Redmond Daily Gold is a natural, bentonite clay-based equine gut health supplement formulated to support digestive health by buffering excess stomach acid and promoting a more balanced gut environment. Its unique mineral content helps to soothe and prevent ulcers, making it especially beneficial for horses under stress or prone to gastric irritation. 

 

Smart Earth Camelina Oil

 

$67.49 CAD per 2.27 kg: 1 month supply

Smart Earth Camelina Oil is an equine gut health supplement that helps reduce the symptoms of ulcers in horses, featuring a carefully formulated blend of natural ingredients including camelina, turmeric, ginger, licorice, and black pepper. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, it supports the protection of the gastrointestinal system during stressful periods, when ulcers are more likely to occur. 

 

Adored Beast Apothecary Equine Gut Soothe

$169.99 CAD per 530 grams: 30- 120 day supply (based on horse’s weight)

Equine Gut Soothe is a proprietary blend of herbs, prebiotics, and probiotics designed to soothe and restore the gut lining, defend against harmful pathogens, and strengthen immune function. Formulated to help protect against ulcers, colitis, gastrointestinal inflammation, and excess acidity, while supporting the management of leaky gut. 

 

Purina Digestive Balance

$49.95 CAD per 20 kg: 15-50 servings (based on horse’s weight)

Purina Digestive Balance is a pelleted oral equine gut health supplement formulated to support equine gastrointestinal health by helping maintain normal gastric pH and a balanced gut microbiome. Enriched with postbiotics for valuable intestinal and microbial support, it also contains zinc and marine-source calcite to promote optimal digestive performance. Dehydrated alfalfa meal is included to enhance palatability, ensuring horses readily consume this gut health formula.

 

Bonus: TRI-ACTA for Equine

 

$89.99 CAD per kg: 50 servings

TRI-ACTA for Equine is an equine joint supplement containing a potent combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to promote joint mobility and flexibility, decrease stiffness and reduce inflammation. The product is formulated with 100% active ingredients and contains no fillers, ensuring that every component serves a purpose. 

TRI-ACTA for Equine supports gut health indirectly by promoting joint function and helping to manage inflammation, contributing to overall well-being. 

Horse joint supplements and horse digestive supplements complement each other in several ways:

1. Reduce Overall Inflammation: Joint supplements contain anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce inflammation in the joints, and digestive supplements regulate systemic inflammation in the gut.

2. Improved Nutrient Utilization: Equine gut health supplements aid in breaking down feed and absorbing nutrients; joint supplements rely on optimal absorption of these nutrients.

3. Immune System and Stress Support: Joint supplements increase mobility and reduce discomfort factors that can be directly stress-related gut issues.

Designed to work alongside equine gut health supplements, TRI-ACTA for Equine complements existing routines for a more holistic approach to your horse's health. For senior horses, or horses with pre-existing joint concerns, TRI-ACTA H.A. for Equine contains the added benefit of hyaluronic acid to help lubricate articulating joints.

Final Thoughts

A healthy digestive system is the foundation of your horse’s overall well-being, influencing everything from energy levels to behaviour and performance. Supporting equine gut health with the right balance of probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes helps ensure optimal nutrient absorption and digestive health. 

For a holistic approach to your horse’s nutrition plan, complement equine gut health supplements with horse joint supplements. TRI-ACTA for Equine contains a potent blend of active ingredients to reduce inflammation, protect joints, and keep your horse performing their best. 

Purchase TRI-ACTA online or learn where to buy at a store near you.

TRI-ACTA H.A. for Equine

Our maximum strength formula is perfect for horses that are ageing, experiencing arthritis and stiffness, are in training and competition, or under a heavy workload.

Learn More