A horse’s digestive system is designed around frequent intake of fibre rather than large, infrequent meals. Modern management can sometimes work against that natural pattern, which is why feeding routine, forage, hydration and gradual changes are so important for everyday gut health.
The British Horse Society explains that forage should form the basis of the diet for most horses and that fibre is important for healthy digestive function. It also recommends making changes to diet and routine gradually over around 10–14 days so the gut can adapt.
1. Start with forage
Horses evolved to spend much of the day grazing and browsing. Good-quality forage such as grass, hay or haylage should therefore be the foundation of the feeding plan for most horses.
Forage encourages chewing, which increases saliva production, and provides the fibre needed by the hindgut. Long periods without forage may be unsuitable for many horses, although feeding plans sometimes need to be adapted for weight control, metabolic concerns or veterinary reasons.
If your horse needs calorie restriction, the answer is not simply to remove forage for long periods. Lower-calorie forage, soaking where appropriate and slow-feeding methods may help extend eating time while controlling intake. A nutritionist or vet can help tailor this safely.
2. Make changes slowly
Sudden changes in feed, forage or management can disturb the digestive system. The British Horse Society recommends introducing changes gradually over approximately 10–14 days. That applies not only to concentrates but also to a new batch of hay, changes in turnout or a move to a different routine.
If you are introducing a new complementary feed from our Horse Digestive Health collection, follow the supplier’s feeding guidance and avoid changing several parts of the diet at the same time unless there is a clear reason to do so.
3. Keep clean water available
Fresh water should be available at all times. Hydration supports the normal movement of feed through the digestive tract, and horses may drink more during hot weather or after exercise.
Cold weather matters too. Horses may drink less when water is very cold, and frozen supplies can obviously reduce access. Regularly checking troughs and buckets is one of the simplest ways to support digestive health.
4. Avoid oversized concentrate meals
Where hard feed is required, smaller meals are generally more in keeping with the horse’s digestive physiology than one large feed. The British Horse Society advises feeding concentrates little and often and keeping starch and sugar appropriate to the individual horse.
Many leisure horses do not need large amounts of concentrate feed at all. For horses maintaining weight well on forage, a suitable balancer may sometimes be enough to help cover vitamins and minerals without adding unnecessary energy.
5. Understand the role of herbs and straights
Horse owners often use individual herbs, oils and nutritional straights as part of a feeding routine. Products such as psyllium, mint, fennel and flax oil may be included for different nutritional reasons, but they should still sit within a balanced overall diet.
Our Horse Herbs & Straights collection brings these single-ingredient products together so you can compare them more easily. Always check the product label, serving instructions and suitability for your horse.
6. Know the warning signs of colic
Colic is a general term for abdominal pain and can range from mild to life-threatening. Signs vary, and some horses show very obvious discomfort while others are much more subtle.
Possible warning signs can include pawing, looking at the flank, repeated lying down or rolling, reduced appetite, fewer droppings, sweating, restlessness or unusual quietness. If you suspect colic, contact your vet promptly rather than trying to diagnose the cause yourself.
The British Horse Society describes colic as one of the most important equine emergencies and stresses that different types of colic require veterinary assessment.
7. Routine matters
Digestive health is influenced by more than feed alone. Turnout, exercise, dental care, parasite control, stress levels and routine all play a part. A horse that suddenly moves yards, changes forage, starts box rest and changes workload at the same time is dealing with several changes at once.
Where possible, introduce changes one at a time and keep the rest of the routine steady. This makes it easier for the horse to adapt and easier for you to notice if something is not agreeing with them.
8. Supplements should complement the diet
Digestive supplements can be useful in some feeding plans, but they are not a replacement for forage, water or appropriate veterinary care. Look at the whole diet before adding multiple products, especially where several supplements contain overlapping ingredients.
For the wider range, visit Horse Wellness. You can also browse Horse Vitamins & Minerals if you are reviewing the nutritional side of your horse’s routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should I change my horse onto a new feed?
As a general rule, introduce feed and forage changes gradually over roughly 10–14 days unless your vet has told you otherwise. This gives the digestive system time to adjust.
Should horses have constant access to forage?
Many horses benefit from regular access to forage because it reflects their natural trickle-feeding behaviour. However, overweight horses or those with certain health conditions may need carefully controlled intake, so the feeding plan should be individualised.
Can a supplement prevent colic?
No supplement can guarantee prevention of colic. Good management can help reduce some risk factors, but colic has many possible causes. If your horse shows signs of abdominal pain, contact your vet.
When should I speak to an equine nutritionist?
Professional advice is particularly useful when a horse has ongoing digestive issues, needs significant weight change, has a medical condition, is in hard work or is receiving several complementary feeds at once.
Further reading
For independent guidance, read the British Horse Society’s information on feeding horses, reducing colic risk and changing routine and diet. World Horse Welfare also has an accessible overview of the horse’s digestive system.
This article is general information and does not replace veterinary or professional nutritional advice. Contact your vet if your horse shows signs of colic, persistent digestive upset or a sudden change in appetite or droppings.