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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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.
Consistency = results.
Pure Feed complete feeds are built on the same foundation; Pure Balance + chaff + controlled energy, but tailored for every type of horse.
✅ Better digestion
✅ Steady, fibre-first energy
✅ Reliable results
No guesswork. No fillers. Just smart, simple feeding your horse will love.
🔗 Tap our bio to create your horse’s personalised diet plan today!
Consistency = results.
Pure Feed complete feeds are built on the same foundation; Pure Balance + chaff + controlled energy, but tailored for every type of horse.
✅ Better digestion
✅ Steady, fibre-first energy
✅ Reliable results
No guesswork. No fillers. Just smart, simple feeding your horse will love.
🔗 Tap our bio to create your horse’s personalised diet plan today!
As horse owners, we know just how expensive it’s becoming to source good quality hay 🌾 When forage is limited (or costly!), Pure Meadow Mash helps keep fibre intake consistent, with no compromise.
It’s a high fibre hay replacer with a natural mint flavour, it’s easy to soak, high palatable and ideal for fussy eaters, veterans, poor doers or those on box rest.
Feed alongside or in place of hay to make every bale go further 🩵
As horse owners, we know just how expensive it’s becoming to source good quality hay 🌾 When forage is limited (or costly!), Pure Meadow Mash helps keep fibre intake consistent, with no compromise.
It’s a high fibre hay replacer with a natural mint flavour, it’s easy to soak, high palatable and ideal for fussy eaters, veterans, poor doers or those on box rest.
Feed alongside or in place of hay to make every bale go further 🩵
Just because it`s Winter, your horse still needs their salt! Even in the cold, horses lose electrolytes through sweat, urine, and natural body processes. Salt is essential for hydration, healthy muscles, and proper nerve function, all key to keeping your horse feeling strong, comfortable, and performing at their best.
That’s why all Pure Feed complete feeds include the right amount of salt – taking the guesswork out of winter feeding. Simple, balanced, and formulated to support your horse every day of the year 💡
Just because it`s Winter, your horse still needs their salt! Even in the cold, horses lose electrolytes through sweat, urine, and natural body processes. Salt is essential for hydration, healthy muscles, and proper nerve function, all key to keeping your horse feeling strong, comfortable, and performing at their best.
That’s why all Pure Feed complete feeds include the right amount of salt – taking the guesswork out of winter feeding. Simple, balanced, and formulated to support your horse every day of the year 💡
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.
Completely free from molasses, alfalfa & fillers. It`s science-backed nutrition your horse deserves.
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.
Completely free from molasses, alfalfa & fillers. It`s science-backed nutrition your horse deserves.
Tap the link in bio to learn more!
Thousands of owners have switched to Pure Feed, and now it’s your turn!
Fill out our diet plan form, and we’ll send you a personalised feed plan tailored to your horse’s weight, condition, and workload. Simple, science-backed, and designed to help your horse thrive 👉 link in bio 🩵
Thousands of owners have switched to Pure Feed, and now it’s your turn!
Fill out our diet plan form, and we’ll send you a personalised feed plan tailored to your horse’s weight, condition, and workload. Simple, science-backed, and designed to help your horse thrive 👉 link in bio 🩵
Horses with sensitive digestion or high energy levels need steady, balanced energy 🌿
Condition Mix is a slow-release energy feed that relies on fibre and oils, not sugar or cereals. Completely free from molasses and soya, it supports:
✅ Steady hindgut fermentation
✅ Stable blood glucose levels
✅ Topline and overall condition
Perfect for fizzy or sensitive horses, giving digestible, sustained energy while keeping the gut happy.
Science-backed nutrition your horse can thrive on. 🐴
Learn more in our link in bio!
Horses with sensitive digestion or high energy levels need steady, balanced energy 🌿
Condition Mix is a slow-release energy feed that relies on fibre and oils, not sugar or cereals. Completely free from molasses and soya, it supports:
✅ Steady hindgut fermentation
✅ Stable blood glucose levels
✅ Topline and overall condition
Perfect for fizzy or sensitive horses, giving digestible, sustained energy while keeping the gut happy.
Science-backed nutrition your horse can thrive on. 🐴
Learn more in our link in bio!
Minty, mashy goodness your horse won’t say no to 🌿✨
Pure Meadow Mash, our tasty, high-fibre hay replacer that makes even the pickiest eaters lick the bowl clean.
Perfect for warm mashes, replacing hay, boosting fibre, and tempting fussy horses.
Tap the link in our bio to find out more 🩵
Minty, mashy goodness your horse won’t say no to 🌿✨
Pure Meadow Mash, our tasty, high-fibre hay replacer that makes even the pickiest eaters lick the bowl clean.
Perfect for warm mashes, replacing hay, boosting fibre, and tempting fussy horses.
Tap the link in our bio to find out more 🩵
Trying to find an alfalfa-free feed for your horse? The entire Pure Feed range is alfalfa-free 🩵
Whether your horse is a sensitive good doer, laminitis-prone, or just needs a balanced, controlled diet, our alfalfa-free range delivers everything they need!
Take the guesswork out of feeding and explore the Pure Feed range today and see the difference gut-friendly, balanced nutrition can make!
Trying to find an alfalfa-free feed for your horse? The entire Pure Feed range is alfalfa-free 🩵
Whether your horse is a sensitive good doer, laminitis-prone, or just needs a balanced, controlled diet, our alfalfa-free range delivers everything they need!
Take the guesswork out of feeding and explore the Pure Feed range today and see the difference gut-friendly, balanced nutrition can make!
🩵 Shoutout to Avon Animal Feeds 🩵
Your go-to local hub for all things horsey and proud stockists of Pure Feed!
Whether you need a bag of your favourite feed, advice on what to try next, or just an excuse to browse… the team at Avon Animal Feeds has you covered!
📍 Pop in and support your local store
🛒 Grab your Pure Feed favourites
📲 Or head to our bio to visit our stockist map
🩵 Shoutout to Avon Animal Feeds 🩵
Your go-to local hub for all things horsey and proud stockists of Pure Feed!
Whether you need a bag of your favourite feed, advice on what to try next, or just an excuse to browse… the team at Avon Animal Feeds has you covered!
📍 Pop in and support your local store
🛒 Grab your Pure Feed favourites
📲 Or head to our bio to visit our stockist map
Boost your horse’s diet naturally with Pure Linseed 🌿
A high-quality, oil-rich, micronised seed that’s gentle on the gut and provides slow-release calories to support condition, coat quality, and overall wellbeing. Packed with natural oils and fibre, linseed promotes a shiny coat, skin condition, and a balanced digestive system, all without added sugar or starch.
Micronised for optimal digestibility, it can be fed to support weight gain or sprinkled over feed to enhance skin and coat. Versatile, natural, and wholesome nutrition you can trust.
Boost your horse’s diet naturally with Pure Linseed 🌿
A high-quality, oil-rich, micronised seed that’s gentle on the gut and provides slow-release calories to support condition, coat quality, and overall wellbeing. Packed with natural oils and fibre, linseed promotes a shiny coat, skin condition, and a balanced digestive system, all without added sugar or starch.
Micronised for optimal digestibility, it can be fed to support weight gain or sprinkled over feed to enhance skin and coat. Versatile, natural, and wholesome nutrition you can trust.
Struggling with less grass this winter? All Pure Feed complete feeds are high in digestible fibre, keeping your horse’s gut moving and energy steady.
Need extra fibre or a hay replacer? Pure Meadow Mash is perfect – safe to feed in larger quantities and great for popping straight out into your horse’s field so they can nibble naturally 🩵
Struggling with less grass this winter? All Pure Feed complete feeds are high in digestible fibre, keeping your horse’s gut moving and energy steady.
Need extra fibre or a hay replacer? Pure Meadow Mash is perfect – safe to feed in larger quantities and great for popping straight out into your horse’s field so they can nibble naturally 🩵
What people say about Pure Feed
