Colic and gastric ulcers are two of the most common digestive problems in horses, and both are closely linked to feeding management. Some risk factors, such as age or breed, are out of your hands. Others, like meal size, time without food and sudden diet changes, are things every owner and stable manager can control.
Colic: how common is it?
Colic means abdominal pain, and it has many causes. UConn Extension cites figures from the USDA’s NAHMS Equine ’98 study: about 4.2 colic cases per 100 horses per year in the United States, with around 16% of cases needing surgery and about 11% of affected horses dying or being euthanised. Colic is one of the main health concerns for horse owners for good reason.
Feeding-related colic risk factors
- Large grain meals. Big starch-rich meals can overload the small intestine, so undigested starch reaches the hindgut and disturbs its microbes (eXtension HorseQuest).
- Sudden changes in feed. Changes in hay source or cutting, or in the type of grain, are listed as risk factors that owners can change (UConn Extension). Risk is higher in the 7 to 14 days after a diet change (University of Liverpool).
- Irregular feeding times. A regular feeding schedule is a key prevention step (UConn Extension).
- More time stabled. Increased stabling is linked to higher colic risk; at least one hour of turnout or exercise a day is recommended (University of Liverpool).
Gastric ulcers: a hidden problem
A Utah State University Extension fact sheet estimates that 60% to 90% of performance horses have equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). The horse’s stomach holds only about 2 gallons (around 8 litres), and it secretes acid continuously, whether or not the horse is eating.
Chewing produces saliva, which buffers acid. When a horse goes for long periods without food, there is nothing to buffer the acid, and the upper part of the stomach lining is exposed. Veterinary Medicine at Illinois lists fasting, long gaps without feed and large grain meals as feeding-related causes of squamous gastric disease.
Feeding steps that lower ulcer risk
- Offer forage throughout the day, with pasture turnout or slow-feed hay nets (Utah State University Extension).
- Limit the time horses go without feed (Veterinary Medicine at Illinois).
- Divide concentrates into smaller portions across the day rather than one or two large meals (Utah State University Extension).
- Keep feeding and exercise routines consistent to reduce stress (Veterinary Medicine at Illinois).
Signs to call your vet
Pawing, rolling, looking at the flank, sweating, lack of droppings or loss of appetite can all be signs of colic, which is an emergency. Poor appetite, weight loss, a dull coat or a change in attitude can point to ulcers. Ulcers can only be confirmed by a vet, usually with a gastroscope. If in doubt, call your vet straight away.
How AK Feeder helps: AK Feeder serves smaller, measured meals at fixed times, day and night, which makes it easier to follow the “little and often” advice above. It does not replace forage, water or veterinary care. See how automatic feeding compares.
Sources
- Nadeau, J. Colic: Its Risk Factors and Prevention. UConn Extension, EXT100
- University of Liverpool, Equine. Preventing colic in horses
- eXtension HorseQuest. Feeding Frequency for Horses
- Bell, K. and Hoopes, K. Preventing and Managing Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome. Utah State University Extension, 2024
- Lamp, A. Horses Get Gastric Ulcers. Veterinary Medicine at Illinois, 2023
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.