Tips to assist with natural digestion for ulcer prevention in mind.
- Chip Kohser
- Mar 4
- 1 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Understanding equine digestion leads to several important feeding management practices:
1. Feed little and often: This mimics natural grazing behavior and helps maintain a healthy digestive environment.
2. Prioritize forage: The equine digestive system is designed to process high-fiber diets. A high alfalfa hay may contain a high amount of protein instead of fibers. Horses prefer a mix of grasses in hay if pasture is not available.
3. Limit grain meals: Large grain meals can overwhelm the small intestine's starch digestion capacity. Also high protein grains can cause more acid to be produced for digestion which in turn causes more acid to be buffered.
4. Ensure consistent feed times: Sudden changes in routine can disrupt digestive balance. 5. Provide constant access to clean water: Essential for proper digestion and overall health. 6. Keep the oral health strong: Digestion starts in the mouth so check the lips, teeth, and tongue often for problems.
By aligning our feeding practices with the horse's natural digestive physiology, we can promote optimal health and prevent many common digestive issues that could lead to ulcers.



