A horse's diet can influence the development and healing of ulcers, so diet evaluation is an important part of ulcer management. Though any horse can develop ulcers, those that are often in a stall, don't eat a lot of hay, are exercised intensely, are on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and are excessively stressed are more prone to ulcer formation, reports The Horse.
Ulcers often occur in the upper region of the stomach that doesn't secrete hydrochloric acid or mucus, like the lower, glandular portion does. Hydrochloric acid is produced continually and helps protect the lower part of the stomach from developing ulcers.
Horses should be fed at least 1.5 percent of their body weight in forage each day, preferably continually, to mimic grazing. If the horse isn't turned out often or for extended lengths of time, consider using a slow-feed haynet, which will maximize the amount of time the horse is actively eating hay.
The act of chewing produces saliva, which buffers stomach acid. Chewed forage also forms a “mat” that floats on top of the stomach acid, preventing it from splashing up onto the non-glandular region of the stomach.
Legumes like alfalfa increase the magnesium, calcium and amino acids available to a horse. Adding legume forage to a horse's diet can also help buffer stomach acid and heal compromised cells lining the stomach.
Sweet feed can cause a spike in stomach acid production, but this can be minimized by offering forage first so it can help buffer acid production. If sweet feed can be divided into multiple smaller meals, it may be possible to keep it in the glandular region of the stomach.
Additionally, if the horse must be fed a high-calorie feed to maintain weight and energy, look for one with a higher fat content. These feeds cause less gastric acid production and less feed can be given.
Read more at The Horse.
The post Chew On That: Sweet Feed May Help Fuel Ulcers appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
