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FEED ADVICE – HEALTH

Understanding Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome

The high number of horses afflicted with gastric ulcers has only become truly apparent in the last 20 years, as long endoscopes have become common in equine veterinary practices. Sadly, most horses will suffer from gastric ulcers at some point in their lives. This means that all horse owners should be clued up to the threats that this unpleasant condition poses.

Key Highlights

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a common condition in horses characterised by the development of ulcers in the stomach lining.

It is associated with factors such as stress, diet, and the use of certain medications. Clinical signs include poor performance, and behavioural changes.

Immediate actions during an episode of EGUS include providing pain relief, modifying the diet, and possibly using medications to reduce stomach acid.

Long-term management and prevention strategies for EGUS include dietary adjustments, stress reduction, and regular veterinary care.

Understanding EGUS

EGUS is essentially the erosion of the stomach lining due to prolonged exposure to stomach acid. It is characterised by lesions or ulcers in the stomach lining, leading to pain and discomfort. This condition is often triggered by factors such as stress, irregular feeding schedules, sugary diets, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

EGUS arises from a combination of genetic predispositions, environmental triggers, and management factors, including:

Stress

Horses under stress, whether from training, transport, or competition, are more likely to develop ulcers due to increased stomach acid production.

Diet

High-sugar diets and prolonged periods without forage can increase acid production, leading to ulcers.

Medications

Certain medications, particularly NSAIDs, can disrupt the stomach lining and promote ulcer formation.

Recognising clinical signs of EGUS

Recognising the signs of EGUS is essential for prompt intervention and management. Early recognition can improve outcomes and minimise long-term complications:

Poor Appetite

Horses with EGUS often show a decreased interest in food, particularly hard feed.

Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss is common due to reduced feed intake and poor nutrient absorption.

Behavioural Changes

Irritability, reluctance to work, and a general decline in performance may indicate discomfort from ulcers.

Colic Symptoms

Mild, recurrent colic episodes, especially after meals, can be a sign of EGUS.

Diagnosis of EGUS

Diagnosis of EGUS involves several diagnostic approaches. Veterinary examination focuses on observing clinical signs such as poor appetite, weight loss, behavioural changes, and any history of colic episodes. A detailed history covering the horse’s diet, management practices, and any recent stressors is essential.

Gastroscopy

The gold standard for diagnosing EGUS is gastroscopy, which involves using an endoscope to visually examine the stomach lining for ulcers.

Faecal Blood Test

A faecal occult blood test can detect hidden blood in the stool, indicating gastrointestinal bleeding, though it is not specific to EGUS.

Blood Tests

Blood tests can help rule out other conditions and assess the horse’s overall.

Treating a Horse with EGUS

Treatment for a horse with EGUS focuses on relieving pain, promoting healing, and preventing recurrence. If your horse is diagnosed with EGUS, the following steps should be followed:

Dietary Changes

Increase access to forage, reduce sugar intake, and provide small, frequent meals to buffer stomach acid.

Medications

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole are commonly used to reduce stomach acid and promote healing. Antacids and coating agents can also be beneficial.

Stress Management

Minimise stress by providing a calm environment, consistent routines, and regular turnout.

Recommend Dietary Changes

Effective management and prevention strategies can help minimise the occurrence of EGUS in horses and promote overall gastrointestinal health.

Dietary Adjustments:

Forage-Based Diet: Providing a forage-based diet with constant access to hay or pasture helps buffer stomach acid and prevent ulcers.

Small, Frequent Meals: Feeding small, frequent meals can help maintain a more constant stomach pH and reduce ulcer formation.

Balanced Diet: Ensure the diet is balanced with appropriate levels of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support overall health.

Avoid Sugary Diets: Limit high-sugar and starch feeds, which can increase stomach acid production and risk of ulcers. Did you know all of our feeds (apart from our Pure Performance) are suitable for horses with ulcers!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can help modulate inflammatory responses and support gastrointestinal health.

Developing a Sustainable Routine

Developing a sustainable management routine is crucial in managing and preventing EGUS in horses. Consistent feeding schedules, adequate forage, and stress reduction are key components.

Stress Reduction

Implement practices to minimise stress, such as regular turnout, social interaction, and a stable routine.

Regular Veterinary Care

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help detect early signs of EGUS and implement preventive measures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding EGUS is crucial for the well-being of horses. Recognising the signs, implementing effective management and prevention strategies, and providing a balanced diet are essential steps in managing this condition. By taking immediate actions during an episode and making long-term adjustments to diet and routine, you can help minimise the risk and ensure your horse’s health and performance.

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Tap the link in bio to learn more!

Struggling to help your horse maintain weight? Feeding more isn’t always the answer 👉 it’s about the right type of calories!

Pure Condition Mix is high in digestible fibre and energy-dense nutrients, giving extra calories safely without sugar spikes. It supports the gut, provides steady energy, and helps maintain weight, muscle tone & overall wellbeing.

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Fibre Balance – handful of chaff + balancer

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Give us a call: 01458 333333
Email: info@purefeed.com
Or simply send us a DM - we’d love to hear from you!

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Give us a call: 01458 333333
Email: info@purefeed.com
Or simply send us a DM - we’d love to hear from you!
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👉  https://www.purefeed.com/free-personalised-diet-plan/

Hello 2026! 🎉
A new year is the perfect moment to reset your horse’s routine, review their diet, and make sure they’re getting exactly what they need for the season ahead.

Whether your goals are condition, performance, weight control, or simply keeping things consistent through winter, the Pure Feed range is designed to make feeding easier; complete, molasses free, high fibre, and built around slow-release energy.

If you want help planning your horse’s nutrition for the year ahead, try our free personalised diet plan to start 2026 on the right hoof 😉
👉 https://www.purefeed.com/free-personalised-diet-plan/
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As we wrap up 2025, we just want to say a huge thank you to our Pure Feed community; every horse, every owner, every yard that’s chosen to feed the fibre-first way this year.

From good doers to performance horses, golden oldies to cheeky youngsters, you’ve trusted us to keep their diets simple, balanced, and molasses-free… and we couldn’t be more grateful.

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Start your plan now via the link in our bio 🩵
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Pure Refuel is designed to make recovery simple. It provides a balanced combination of electrolytes, amino acids, antioxidants, and pre- and probiotics to support hardworking muscles, hydration, and overall wellbeing after work.

Whether your horse is training, competing, hunting, or hacking, Refuel helps them bounce back effectively.

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Wishing all our wonderful customers, horses and supporters a very Happy Christmas! 🎁✨
Thank you for being part of the Pure Feed family this year 🩵

Wishing all our wonderful customers, horses and supporters a very Happy Christmas! 🎁✨
Thank you for being part of the Pure Feed family this year 🩵
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What people say about Pure Feed

A much easier way of feeding
We bought a bag the day after I received the diet plan after she completely refused to eat her previous feed anymore and was practically starving herself. I have been slowly increasing the amount of the pure easy I've been ...
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Cerys
We bought a bag the day after I received the diet plan after she completely refused to eat her previous feed anymore and was practically starving herself. I have been slowly increasing the amount of the pure easy I've been giving her and so far she's loving it! It's a much easier way of feeding, very impressed!
A much easier way of feeding
Cerys
Loving Pure Feed and his tummy is too!
Herbert has been on the Pure condition pellets for a week now and is loving it. His tummy is too, as no faecal water at all - rear end lovely and clean. I'm ordering a pure linseed with my next ...
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Sue
Herbert has been on the Pure condition pellets for a week now and is loving it. His tummy is too, as no faecal water at all - rear end lovely and clean. I'm ordering a pure linseed with my next order. He's having some time off to get some weight on and is out on some grass in the middle of the tracks during the day. Thanks so much Pure Feed!
Loving Pure Feed and his tummy is too!
Sue
A huge improvement in her temperament and skin!
Bonnie is doing amazing on it! I started using it around 3 weeks ago and already there is a huge improvement in her temperament and skin! She still has enough energy for hacking 4 days a week and hunting every weekend too!
Sabrina
Bonnie is doing amazing on it! I started using it around 3 weeks ago and already there is a huge improvement in her temperament and skin! She still has enough energy for hacking 4 days a week and hunting every weekend too!
A huge improvement in her temperament and skin!
Sabrina
My pony has never looked or moved better!
I have been using your feed for 3 years now and I can say that my 25 year old pony has never looked or moved better. He really struggles with the winter so we have him your micronised linseed alongside his pure ...
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Polly
I have been using your feed for 3 years now and I can say that my 25 year old pony has never looked or moved better. He really struggles with the winter so we have him your micronised linseed alongside his pure veteran and his coat and weight maintenance was superb. With the two new ponies we have started to transition them over to the feeds recommended in the diet plan and they seem very happy. It is so reassuring to know that the ponies are getting everything that they need from your feed. So thank you and for all of your advice and knowledge.
My pony has never looked or moved better!
Polly
All look marvellous!
Everything marvellous they are all doing great. Just like it even better when your feed is on offer the gang are looking great with lovely shiny coats
Joyce Simpson
Everything marvellous they are all doing great. Just like it even better when your feed is on offer the gang are looking great with lovely shiny coats
All look marvellous!
Joyce Simpson
I can see a huge difference and improvement
I can see a huge difference and improvement, body and muscle are looking so much better, nearly too good, and I have noticed he's not hungry all the time as before and eats a bit less hay so saving on ...
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Sophie Ferragut
I can see a huge difference and improvement, body and muscle are looking so much better, nearly too good, and I have noticed he's not hungry all the time as before and eats a bit less hay so saving on money al around. Loving your product!
I can see a huge difference and improvement
Sophie Ferragut
A brilliant system
Absolutely over the moon with it, a brilliant system and perfect for my good doer 10000/10 love it and won't be swapping
Aletheia Gardiner
Absolutely over the moon with it, a brilliant system and perfect for my good doer 10000/10 love it and won't be swapping
A brilliant system
Aletheia Gardiner
Genuinely really impressed with Pure Feed!
I am genuinely really impressed with PureFeed. We have been using Pure Easy for around 2 months now - it's very palatable and my horses energy levels have been good, shiny coat etc! It's very reasonably priced which is one of ...
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Emma McFarlane
I am genuinely really impressed with PureFeed. We have been using Pure Easy for around 2 months now - it's very palatable and my horses energy levels have been good, shiny coat etc! It's very reasonably priced which is one of the main reasons I decided to try it!
Genuinely really impressed with Pure Feed!
Emma McFarlane
Wish I'd found it sooner!
It's so simple!.
Leah William
It's so simple!.
Wish I'd found it sooner!
Leah William
Pure Feed transformed my horse!
My old horse did amazing on it. My new horse is now on your feed too, and I have to say it has transformed him
Sara Constable
My old horse did amazing on it. My new horse is now on your feed too, and I have to say it has transformed him
Pure Feed transformed my horse!
Sara Constable