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:
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:
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.
What we recommend for horses with ulcers
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Do you have a good doer who gains weight just by looking at food, but could do with a little extra oomph in the saddle? 🐎✨
We might have the perfect solution! Combine two of our feeds:
Pure Balance – our low-calorie, high-spec balancer, fed at the full recommended serving.
Pure Performance – add just half a scoop when you ride or whenever extra energy is needed.
The result? Fast-release energy from Pure Performance to get your horse moving, without tipping the calorie balance, plus all the vitamins, minerals and extra goodness from Pure Balance to keep them feeling great inside and out!
🙌 Hands up who else has a good doer that gains weight just by looking at food?
Do you have a good doer who gains weight just by looking at food, but could do with a little extra oomph in the saddle? 🐎✨
We might have the perfect solution! Combine two of our feeds:
Pure Balance – our low-calorie, high-spec balancer, fed at the full recommended serving.
Pure Performance – add just half a scoop when you ride or whenever extra energy is needed.
The result? Fast-release energy from Pure Performance to get your horse moving, without tipping the calorie balance, plus all the vitamins, minerals and extra goodness from Pure Balance to keep them feeling great inside and out!
🙌 Hands up who else has a good doer that gains weight just by looking at food?
⚡ Does your horse need slow-release or fast-release energy? 🐎
Not all energy in horse feed behaves the same way, and it can make a big difference to how your horse feels and performs.
Feeds high in starch and sugar can provide quick-release energy. For some horses, that can mean extra sparkle you weren’t quite asking for.
Energy from fibre and oil, on the other hand, is released more slowly. That means steady stamina, better focus and controlled energy, ideal for horses in work without the unwanted fizz.
At Pure Feed, our complete feeds are built around fibre-based, slow-release energy, so you can fuel performance while helping keep your horse balanced and rideable.
💬 We’d love to know: Have you found certain feeds suit your horse better than others? Let us know below 👇
If you’re unsure what’s best for your horse, you can also get a free personalised recommendation using our online Diet Plan 💙
⚡ Does your horse need slow-release or fast-release energy? 🐎
Not all energy in horse feed behaves the same way, and it can make a big difference to how your horse feels and performs.
Feeds high in starch and sugar can provide quick-release energy. For some horses, that can mean extra sparkle you weren’t quite asking for.
Energy from fibre and oil, on the other hand, is released more slowly. That means steady stamina, better focus and controlled energy, ideal for horses in work without the unwanted fizz.
At Pure Feed, our complete feeds are built around fibre-based, slow-release energy, so you can fuel performance while helping keep your horse balanced and rideable.
💬 We’d love to know: Have you found certain feeds suit your horse better than others? Let us know below 👇
If you’re unsure what’s best for your horse, you can also get a free personalised recommendation using our online Diet Plan 💙
Your horse’s gut does a lot more than just “digest feed” ➡️ it’s responsible for nutrient absorption, immune support, behaviour, condition, performance… everything starts there.
The horse’s digestive system is designed for a near-constant intake of fibre, with fermentation in the hindgut supplying a significant proportion of their energy. When diets are high in starch or contain unnecessary additives, we can disrupt that delicate microbial balance and that’s when we start to see issues with condition, behaviour and consistency.
At Pure Feed, every formulation is built around supporting optimal digestive function. Our feeds are:
• Molasses free
• Cereal free (bar our Pure Performance)
• Alfalfa free
• Mould inhibitor free
Instead of relying on cereals for energy, we use highly digestible fibre sources and oil to provide slow-release energy that works in harmony with the hindgut. Each feed is fully balanced with vitamins and minerals, so you’re not layering multiple products on top.
The result? A more stable energy profile, efficient nutrient utilisation, and support for the microbiome. All from a feeding system designed to reflect how horses are meant to eat.
Every horse is different; let us build a diet plan that actually suits yours. Comment PLAN below to recieve a link to our diet plan service 🩵
Your horse’s gut does a lot more than just “digest feed” ➡️ it’s responsible for nutrient absorption, immune support, behaviour, condition, performance… everything starts there.
The horse’s digestive system is designed for a near-constant intake of fibre, with fermentation in the hindgut supplying a significant proportion of their energy. When diets are high in starch or contain unnecessary additives, we can disrupt that delicate microbial balance and that’s when we start to see issues with condition, behaviour and consistency.
At Pure Feed, every formulation is built around supporting optimal digestive function. Our feeds are:
• Molasses free
• Cereal free (bar our Pure Performance)
• Alfalfa free
• Mould inhibitor free
Instead of relying on cereals for energy, we use highly digestible fibre sources and oil to provide slow-release energy that works in harmony with the hindgut. Each feed is fully balanced with vitamins and minerals, so you’re not layering multiple products on top.
The result? A more stable energy profile, efficient nutrient utilisation, and support for the microbiome. All from a feeding system designed to reflect how horses are meant to eat.
Every horse is different; let us build a diet plan that actually suits yours. Comment PLAN below to recieve a link to our diet plan service 🩵
Not too much, not too little – just right. 🐴
Pure Working sits perfectly in our Pure Feed range as a medium-calorie, medium-level feed, ideal for horses in regular work or those on box rest who need extra support gaining weight. Balanced, gut-friendly, and designed to keep your horse in top condition without overdoing it.
Not too much, not too little – just right. 🐴
Pure Working sits perfectly in our Pure Feed range as a medium-calorie, medium-level feed, ideal for horses in regular work or those on box rest who need extra support gaining weight. Balanced, gut-friendly, and designed to keep your horse in top condition without overdoing it.
Your feed board shouldn’t look like a chemistry lab 🧪
Yet here we are: tubs, balancers, 3 chaffs, multiple supplements… and still guessing if your horse is actually getting what they need.
With Pure Feed, it’s simple:
✅ One feed
✅ One scoop
✅ Everything your horse needs — perfectly balanced, every time
Less clutter, less guesswork.
🔗 Click the link in bio for our free diet plan tool to make feeding this easy.
Your feed board shouldn’t look like a chemistry lab 🧪
Yet here we are: tubs, balancers, 3 chaffs, multiple supplements… and still guessing if your horse is actually getting what they need.
With Pure Feed, it’s simple:
✅ One feed
✅ One scoop
✅ Everything your horse needs — perfectly balanced, every time
Less clutter, less guesswork.
🔗 Click the link in bio for our free diet plan tool to make feeding this easy.
Many horse owners focus on feed labels and see “<10% sugar + starch” and assume it’s automatically safe for any horse. But the truth is, percentage values alone don’t give the full picture. What really matters is the actual grams of sugar and starch a horse consumes per meal relative to their bodyweight.
Here’s an example:
Feed A: 10% sugar + starch, fed at 500g → 50g sugar + starch
Feed B: 10% sugar + starch, fed at 2kg → 200g sugar + starch
Even though both feeds have the same percentage, Feed B delivers four times more sugar and starch in one meal. That’s a huge difference for your horse’s digestion, energy levels, and risk of conditions like laminitis or colic.
Breaking feed into smaller, more frequent meals keeps sugar and starch intake lower at any one time, supporting stable energy levels and better digestive health. Nutritionists always calculate sugar and starch per kg of bodyweight per meal, not just per day, and consider the whole diet, including forage, treats, and grazing.
💡 Try calculating your horse’s sugar + starch intake this week
Many horse owners focus on feed labels and see “<10% sugar + starch” and assume it’s automatically safe for any horse. But the truth is, percentage values alone don’t give the full picture. What really matters is the actual grams of sugar and starch a horse consumes per meal relative to their bodyweight.
Here’s an example:
Feed A: 10% sugar + starch, fed at 500g → 50g sugar + starch
Feed B: 10% sugar + starch, fed at 2kg → 200g sugar + starch
Even though both feeds have the same percentage, Feed B delivers four times more sugar and starch in one meal. That’s a huge difference for your horse’s digestion, energy levels, and risk of conditions like laminitis or colic.
Breaking feed into smaller, more frequent meals keeps sugar and starch intake lower at any one time, supporting stable energy levels and better digestive health. Nutritionists always calculate sugar and starch per kg of bodyweight per meal, not just per day, and consider the whole diet, including forage, treats, and grazing.
💡 Try calculating your horse’s sugar + starch intake this week
At Pure Feed, we believe performance starts with the right nutrition. Jam is usually fuelled by Fibre Balance, but Meg choses to switch to our Pure Performance right before a big competition to make sure Jam has the energy she needs 💪
Want to learn how Pure Feed can make a difference to your horse’s routine ? Tap the link in our bio to take our free diet plan!
At Pure Feed, we believe performance starts with the right nutrition. Jam is usually fuelled by Fibre Balance, but Meg choses to switch to our Pure Performance right before a big competition to make sure Jam has the energy she needs 💪
Want to learn how Pure Feed can make a difference to your horse’s routine ? Tap the link in our bio to take our free diet plan!
Low-calorie feeding, science-backed 🧬
Managing condition doesn’t mean compromising nutrition. Our low-calorie complete range gives targeted, balanced nutrition while keeping calories controlled:
🔹 Pure Balance – High-spec balancer pellet for muscle, topline & metabolic health
🔹 Pure Fibre Balance – Balancer + fibre chaff for gut support & slow-release fibre
🔹 Pure Easy – Higher-energy, low calorie complete feed
💻 Take the guesswork out 👉 try our Free Diet Plan & get a tailored programme for your horse:
🔗 Link in bio
Low-calorie feeding, science-backed 🧬
Managing condition doesn’t mean compromising nutrition. Our low-calorie complete range gives targeted, balanced nutrition while keeping calories controlled:
🔹 Pure Balance – High-spec balancer pellet for muscle, topline & metabolic health
🔹 Pure Fibre Balance – Balancer + fibre chaff for gut support & slow-release fibre
🔹 Pure Easy – Higher-energy, low calorie complete feed
💻 Take the guesswork out 👉 try our Free Diet Plan & get a tailored programme for your horse:
🔗 Link in bio
With the event season starting soon, many horses’ work has started increasing, but have you thought about how your feeding can limit your horse’s performance? Here’s what to watch out for:
❌ Too much cereal → spikes blood sugar, increases excitability, and stresses digestion
❌ Too little fibre → reduces chewing time, gut motility, and microbiome health
❌ Imbalanced protein / amino acids → slows muscle repair and topline growth
✅ Science-backed feeding fixes:
• Balanced calories for energy without fizz
• Fibre to support gut health and slow-release energy
• Correct amino acids for muscle repair and strength
With the event season starting soon, many horses’ work has started increasing, but have you thought about how your feeding can limit your horse’s performance? Here’s what to watch out for:
❌ Too much cereal → spikes blood sugar, increases excitability, and stresses digestion
❌ Too little fibre → reduces chewing time, gut motility, and microbiome health
❌ Imbalanced protein / amino acids → slows muscle repair and topline growth
✅ Science-backed feeding fixes:
• Balanced calories for energy without fizz
• Fibre to support gut health and slow-release energy
• Correct amino acids for muscle repair and strength
We’re increasingly choosing less processed food for ourselves because we understand how additives can impact our digestive system and overall well-being. The same principle applies to our horses.
That’s why Pure Feed is mould inhibitor free.
Instead of relying on chemical preservatives, we prioritise ingredient quality, controlled storage, and specially produced porous bags to maintain freshness and nutritional integrity. This helps support the hindgut environment and avoids unnecessary exposure to additives that can disrupt the delicate balance of the equine microbiome.
👉 Switch to evidence-led feeding; discover the Pure Feed range now
We’re increasingly choosing less processed food for ourselves because we understand how additives can impact our digestive system and overall well-being. The same principle applies to our horses.
That’s why Pure Feed is mould inhibitor free.
Instead of relying on chemical preservatives, we prioritise ingredient quality, controlled storage, and specially produced porous bags to maintain freshness and nutritional integrity. This helps support the hindgut environment and avoids unnecessary exposure to additives that can disrupt the delicate balance of the equine microbiome.
👉 Switch to evidence-led feeding; discover the Pure Feed range now
Feeding your horse doesn’t have to be so confusing💡
A complete feed gives your horse everything they need in one scoop: gut-friendly fibre, energy, protein, vitamins & minerals, without the stress of juggling multiple buckets.
We have a complete feed for every horse:
✔ Good doers
✔ Poor doers
✔ Leisure or competition horses
✔ Sensitive or digestive-prone types
💬 Got a friend who overcomplicates feeding? Tag them!
Feeding your horse doesn’t have to be so confusing💡
A complete feed gives your horse everything they need in one scoop: gut-friendly fibre, energy, protein, vitamins & minerals, without the stress of juggling multiple buckets.
We have a complete feed for every horse:
✔ Good doers
✔ Poor doers
✔ Leisure or competition horses
✔ Sensitive or digestive-prone types
💬 Got a friend who overcomplicates feeding? Tag them!
Did you know that all of our complete feeds contain Vitamin A? 🧬
Essential for your horse’s health, vitamin A supports:
👀 Vision
🛡️ Immune system
✨ Skin, coat & mucous membranes
📈 Growth & reproduction
Even with good forage, intake can vary, our complete feeds provide consistent, bioavailable vitamin A every day.
💬 Questions about vitamins in your feed? Drop them below!
Did you know that all of our complete feeds contain Vitamin A? 🧬
Essential for your horse’s health, vitamin A supports:
👀 Vision
🛡️ Immune system
✨ Skin, coat & mucous membranes
📈 Growth & reproduction
Even with good forage, intake can vary, our complete feeds provide consistent, bioavailable vitamin A every day.
💬 Questions about vitamins in your feed? Drop them below!
Forget juggling powders, syrups, and electrolytes after every ride; Refuel makes recovery simple and effective in one complete feed.
Here’s what it does:
🔹 Replenishes electrolytes lost in sweat to support hydration and muscle function
🔹 Supports muscle repair with high-quality, digestible protein
🔹 Packed with antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and speed recovery
Tap the link in bio to learn more about Refuel today!
Forget juggling powders, syrups, and electrolytes after every ride; Refuel makes recovery simple and effective in one complete feed.
Here’s what it does:
🔹 Replenishes electrolytes lost in sweat to support hydration and muscle function
🔹 Supports muscle repair with high-quality, digestible protein
🔹 Packed with antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and speed recovery
Tap the link in bio to learn more about Refuel today!
🧬 Protein isn’t just protein 👉 it’s what builds muscle, improves topline & fuels recovery.
🔹Low levels of limiting amino acids like lysine, methionine & threonine can slow muscle repair
🔹 Highly digestible plant proteins fuel growth without overloading the gut
🔹 Optimised blends minimise metabolic stress and maximise efficiency
👉 Tap the link in bio to see how Pure Feed fuels performance at the molecular level 🐴💪
🧬 Protein isn’t just protein 👉 it’s what builds muscle, improves topline & fuels recovery.
🔹Low levels of limiting amino acids like lysine, methionine & threonine can slow muscle repair
🔹 Highly digestible plant proteins fuel growth without overloading the gut
🔹 Optimised blends minimise metabolic stress and maximise efficiency
👉 Tap the link in bio to see how Pure Feed fuels performance at the molecular level 🐴💪
BCS 101 with Meg & Jam 🐴💪 Watch as we give a quick body condition score check and show you how to keep your horse in tip top shape!
With @horseandcountrytv, we’re excited to help Meg reach the top 🏆
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #purefeeddietplan #equinenutrition
BCS 101 with Meg & Jam 🐴💪 Watch as we give a quick body condition score check and show you how to keep your horse in tip top shape!
With @horseandcountrytv, we’re excited to help Meg reach the top 🏆
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #purefeeddietplan #equinenutrition
🌾 Did you know our complete feeds contain grass chaff?
It’s not just there for bulk, it’s science-backed fibre that actively supports your horse’s digestive:
🧪 Digestible fibre (NDF) keeps the gut moving efficiently, supporting normal hindgut function.
🧬 Encourages chewing and saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
🦠 Fuels the hindgut microbiome, feeding beneficial bacteria for better fermentation and nutrient absorption.
Including grass chaff means your horse gets consistent, functional fibre every day, even when hay quality or availability varies.
🌾 Did you know our complete feeds contain grass chaff?
It’s not just there for bulk, it’s science-backed fibre that actively supports your horse’s digestive:
🧪 Digestible fibre (NDF) keeps the gut moving efficiently, supporting normal hindgut function.
🧬 Encourages chewing and saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
🦠 Fuels the hindgut microbiome, feeding beneficial bacteria for better fermentation and nutrient absorption.
Including grass chaff means your horse gets consistent, functional fibre every day, even when hay quality or availability varies.
Pure Condition Mix supports steady condition gain, using fibre and oil-based energy that fuels the body without over-exciting it.
🌱 Unmolassed sugar beet
Digestible fibre to help add condition and support the gut, no added sugar spikes.
🌰 Linseed
Supports muscle development, topline and coat condition with quality protein and oil.
💧 Rapeseed oil
Cool, calorie-dense energy to help increase condition efficiently.
⚖️ Non-fizz formula
Slow-release energy, ideal for horses that don’t cope with cereal-heavy feeds.
👉 Perfect for poor doers, horses needing topline support or those in hard work
Pure Condition Mix supports steady condition gain, using fibre and oil-based energy that fuels the body without over-exciting it.
🌱 Unmolassed sugar beet
Digestible fibre to help add condition and support the gut, no added sugar spikes.
🌰 Linseed
Supports muscle development, topline and coat condition with quality protein and oil.
💧 Rapeseed oil
Cool, calorie-dense energy to help increase condition efficiently.
⚖️ Non-fizz formula
Slow-release energy, ideal for horses that don’t cope with cereal-heavy feeds.
👉 Perfect for poor doers, horses needing topline support or those in hard work
What’s really happening inside your horse after exercise?
Work doesn’t just burn energy. It causes
👉 electrolyte loss through sweat
👉 oxidative stress in muscle cells
👉 micro-damage to muscle fibres that must be repaired
That’s why post-exercise recovery nutrition matters 👇
⚡ Electrolytes
Sweat removes sodium, potassium and chloride. Replacing them supports hydration, muscle contraction and nerve signalling; essential for proper recovery.
🧬 Antioxidants
Exercise increases free radicals. Antioxidants help neutralise these, supporting muscles and reducing post-work fatigue.
💪 Limiting amino acids
These are the critical building blocks for muscle repair. Without them, recovery and muscle adaptation are compromised, even if protein intake looks “adequate”.
What you feed after work influences how your horse feels tomorrow, next week and next season.
What’s really happening inside your horse after exercise?
Work doesn’t just burn energy. It causes
👉 electrolyte loss through sweat
👉 oxidative stress in muscle cells
👉 micro-damage to muscle fibres that must be repaired
That’s why post-exercise recovery nutrition matters 👇
⚡ Electrolytes
Sweat removes sodium, potassium and chloride. Replacing them supports hydration, muscle contraction and nerve signalling; essential for proper recovery.
🧬 Antioxidants
Exercise increases free radicals. Antioxidants help neutralise these, supporting muscles and reducing post-work fatigue.
💪 Limiting amino acids
These are the critical building blocks for muscle repair. Without them, recovery and muscle adaptation are compromised, even if protein intake looks “adequate”.
What you feed after work influences how your horse feels tomorrow, next week and next season.
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