Gastric Problems in Horses: Causes, Care, and How Gatroequi Can Help

Horses are naturally prone to gastric issues due to their unique digestive anatomy and feeding habits. Understanding why these problems occur, and how to prevent them, is essential to ensure health, comfort, and peak performance. In this post, we explore the main causes, key care strategies, and how Gatroequi can support long-term gastric well-being.

By ORGANNACT USA
2 min read
    • Gastric Problems in Horses: Causes, Care, and How Gatroequi Can Help

    Horses are particularly prone to gastric problems due to the unique anatomy and functioning of their digestive system. Conditions such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, and inflammation are common and can severely impact performance, well-being, and even the animal’s overall health.

     

    Why these problems occur

    • Delicate stomach anatomy – A horse’s stomach is small and divided into a glandular region (acid-producing) and a non-glandular region (more vulnerable to damage), making it susceptible to acid splash and irritation.

    • Long fasting periods and high-concentrate diets – Extended periods without forage, combined with high-starch feeds, increase stomach acidity and create ideal conditions for ulcer formation.

    • Stress and poor management – Stressful situations, intense training on an empty stomach, and sudden changes in feeding routine can worsen the risk.

    • Prolonged use of NSAIDs – Certain medications can reduce the stomach lining’s protective capacity, increasing vulnerability to ulcers.

     

    Preventive and supportive care

    • Accurate diagnosis – Endoscopy remains the gold standard for detecting gastric ulcers.

    • Feeding management – Offer frequent, small forage meals (pasture or hay) to stimulate saliva production, which helps buffer stomach acid.

    • Strategic adjustments – Provide free-choice fiber and fresh water, avoid long fasting periods, and include protective feeds such as alfalfa or soaked beet pulp (rich in pectin, which supports the stomach lining).

     

    How Gatroequi supports gastric health

    Gatroequi is a targeted nutritional supplement designed to help protect and maintain gastric health in horses. Its formulation works on three key fronts:

    1. Supports a natural protective barrier – Helps form a layer over the sensitive non-glandular region of the stomach, minimizing direct acid contact.

    2. Helps regulate gastric acidity – Contains ingredients that support a healthier pH balance, reducing the harmful effects of excess acid.

    3. Promotes digestive comfort and efficiency – Provides nutrients and compounds that aid digestion and reduce discomfort linked to gastric irritation.

    When paired with proper feeding and management, Gatroequi can be an effective ally in reducing the risk of gastric problems and supporting horses already undergoing treatment.

     

    Gastric problems in horses stem from a combination of factors — from diet and stress to medication side effects. Prevention and management require accurate veterinary diagnosis, proper feeding strategies, and stress control. By integrating Gatroequi into the routine, owners can actively help protect the stomach lining, ease acid-related discomfort, and support long-term digestive health.