Ulcers and The Equine Microbiome - Equidae Botanicals

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May 22, 2025 3 min read


The Gut Is More Than Just the Stomach

 

A horse’s digestive system is remarkably complex — and beautifully designed for one thing above all else: slow, steady forage intake.

At the centre of this system sits the gut microbiome. A living ecosystem of beneficial bacteria that supports digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall wellbeing. When it’s in balance, horses tend to feel settled, comfortable, and resilient. When it’s not, the signs can be subtle — or suddenly very obvious.

Modern horse management doesn’t always mirror what the equine gut evolved for. Travel, competition schedules, intermittent feeding, stress, medication, and dietary changes can all place pressure on this delicate internal environment.

And that’s often where digestive discomfort begins.

 

 

 

Ulcers Aren’t Always Where We Think They Are

 

Equine ulcers are widely recognised, particularly in performance horses. Gastric (foregut) ulcers — those affecting the stomach — are well researched and commonly diagnosed via gastroscopy. They’re often linked to excess acid exposure, especially when horses go for long periods without forage.

But the stomach makes up only a small portion of the digestive tract.

The hindgut — where fibre fermentation occurs — represents the majority of the system. It’s also home to trillions of beneficial bacteria that work constantly to extract energy and nutrients from forage.

Research suggests that many horses with diagnosed gastric ulcers also experience irritation or ulceration further along the digestive tract. These hindgut challenges are harder to identify, but no less important — and they are closely tied to the health of the microbiome.

Supporting digestive comfort means looking beyond the stomach alone.

 

 

 

Why the Microbiome Matters

 

The hindgut microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining gut integrity. Beneficial bacteria ferment fibre, produce volatile fatty acids for energy, and help maintain a stable gut environment.

When this microbial balance is disrupted — a state known as dysbiosis — the gut lining may become more vulnerable. Sudden feed changes, high starch intake, antibiotic use, stress, or illness can all shift the microbial population.

Even small imbalances can affect how efficiently nutrients are absorbed and how comfortable the digestive tract feels.

A supported microbiome is a more resilient one.

 

 

 

Supporting Digestive Balance, Gently

 

Digestive support doesn’t need to be aggressive to be effective. In many cases, consistency, forage access, and thoughtful nutritional support are key.

Prebiotics help nourish beneficial bacteria already present in the gut.

Probiotics help introduce additional beneficial strains to support microbial diversity.

Herbal ingredients can offer nutritional support to the gut lining itself.

Together, these elements help maintain digestive balance across both the foregut and hindgut — supporting comfort, function, and overall wellbeing.

 

 

 

Inside GUTonic: Ingredients That Support the Whole Gut


GUTonic was formulated to support the entire equine digestive tract, not just one section of it. Each ingredient has been selected to work gently and synergistically, supporting digestive comfort and microbial balance.

 

Key Ingredients & Their Role

 

Slippery Elm Bark

A traditional botanical known for its mucilaginous properties. Slippery elm forms a soothing gel when mixed with water, helping to support the gut lining and promote digestive comfort.

Turmeric Root

Provides natural antioxidant support and helps maintain a healthy inflammatory response within the digestive tract.

Aloe Vera

Traditionally used to support digestive soothing and gut lining integrity, particularly during periods of digestive sensitivity.

Prebiotics

Provide nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria, helping to support microbial balance and resilience within the hindgut.

Probiotics

Introduce beneficial bacterial strains to help support digestion, nutrient utilisation, and overall gut function.

Hemp Meal

A natural source of fibre, amino acids, and omega fatty acids, supporting gut health, coat condition, and overall nutritional balance.

 

 

 

A Whole-Gut Approach to Digestive Support

 

GUTonic isn’t designed to mask symptoms or override the body’s natural processes. Instead, it works alongside good management and veterinary care to support digestive balance from the inside out.

Because when the gut is supported — quietly, consistently, and respectfully — horses have the space to feel more comfortable in their bodies.


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