Ulcers in Our Horses

We need a movement for preventative measures for the well-being of our animals.  

Quick take away points from this video:

• Feeding 20-25% alfalfa in the diet may buffer acids that cause ulcers.
• Feeding oils may help with the healing of ulcers
• Heavy grain diets will increase the risk of ulcers due to increase of volatile fatty acids.
• Stalled horses at increased risk.
• Endurance horses at high risk.
• The use of electrolytes exacerbates existing ulcers/ unclear if they cause them.

Signs of ulcers:

• Irritability, cranky, withdrawn
• Finicky eater
• Rough hair coat
• Sub-optimal performance (fatigue, pulls, metabolic issues)

Prevention

• Majority of the diet in good quality grass hay
• Buffering acids by adding alfalfa hay during heavy training and competition
• Using a product such as Ulcer Guard before and after hauling/ competition (costs about $8 per daily dose) This is on the banned substance list if you are competing AERC.
• Relying less on grain based feeds