Digestive supplements and gut balancers for horses support the digestive system to help them cope with a number of transitions throughout the year, such as increased turnout in the spring, change of grazing quality in the winter or the introduction of a different forage, such as haylage, to the diet. These changes can leave some horses’ digestive systems struggling, leading to a reduction in efficiency, loose droppings and other digestive upsets.
Often containing soothing herbs as well as pre- and probiotics, these supplements aim to maintain a healthy digestive system and promote a normal population of bacteria to make sure your horse is getting the most out of what he eats while keeping him comfortable.
How to choose a digestive supplement
Most gut balancers are formulated to help maintain a stable environment in the gut, which keeps digestion healthy, regular and efficient, despite changes in diet and environment. Some digestive supplements target other specific areas of the digestive system, such as buffering stomach acid, so we’ve rounded these up in a guide to the best gastric supplements for horses. Knowing why you want to feed your horse a digestive supplement will help you choose the right one for him.
Common ingredients of gut balancers include…
- probiotics, which are often referred to as “good bacteria”
- prebiotics, which are the “food” for probiotics, helping them to work effectively
Consider the form the supplement takes – digestive supplements can come in liquid, powder and pellet forms. Your horse may have a preference to one over another, which could make all the difference as if he won’t eat it, your horse won’t receive the benefit.
Cost is another consideration – we’ve calculated the daily cost of all the supplements featured in this guide to help you compare them easily. To make it as comparable as possible, we’ve used the smallest tubs available, but you’re better off buying a larger volume of supplement if you can as the daily cost can become significantly lower.
If you compete with your horse then it is important you make sure any supplements you use do not contain any prohibited substances.
Digestive supplements and gut balancers for horses: what are your options?
Here is a selection of the best gut balancers for horses that are currently available, including the manufacturers’ descriptions of their products…
NB: Cost per day has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in light work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available tub. Some products require loading doses and some horses will require a higher dose, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger tub will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.
Protexin Equine Premium Gut Balancer
Form: Powder
Sizes: 400g, 700g, 3.5kg, 7kg
RRP: £18.99 for 400g
Daily measure: 10g
Cost per day: £0.47
This contains prebiotics, probiotics and yeast to help re-establish a healthy gut microflora and encourage normal digestive function and efficiency.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Lincoln Yea-Sacc 30
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1kg, 2.5kg
RRP: £16.50 for 1kg
Daily measure: 32g
Cost per day: £0.53
This product is a combination of yea-sacc and brewer’s yeast, which gives both pre- and probiotic digestive support while also providing essential B vitamins and amino acids. It helps to maintain a healthy hindgut, supporting and stabilising the hindgut microflora to avoid digestive upsets.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk
NAF GastriAid
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1.8kg, 3.6kg, 10kg
RRP: £37.99 for 1.8kg
Daily measure: 60g
Cost per day: £1.27
This formula supports a healthy gastric environment, the natural anti-inflammatory processes and balanced pH levels, as well as soothing the stomach walls. Ideal for competition and performance horses, this daily supplement is designed to target digestion from the point of ingestion, then promote correct function and gut integrity from foregut to hindgut, giving your horse a happy, healthy tummy.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Baileys Digest Plus
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1kg, 5kg
RRP: £16 for 1kg
Daily measure: 20g
Cost per day: £0.32
Feeding Baileys Digest Plus prebiotic during the changeover to winter forage will give the bacterial populations of the hindgut the support they need as they get used to the new fibre sources arriving in the gut, ensuring your horse gains the maximum nutritional benefit from the forage in his diet.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Global Herbs Gut Support
Form: Powder
Sizes: 500g, 1kg
RRP: £24.50 for 500g
Daily measure: 28g
Cost per day: £1.37
This quick-acting and concentrated supplement is designed to target digestive health for normal droppings, appetite and feed utilisation by maintaining the levels of beneficial bacteria through a blend of pre- and probiotics.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, globalherbs.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Maxavita Maxabiotic
Form: Powder
Sizes: 900g
RRP: £24.95
Daily measure: 25g
Cost per day: £0.69
This supplement contains natural pre- and probiotic ingredients, plus green-lipped mussel, to help maintain a healthy, balanced digestive system. Yeast is added to encourage the growth of friendly bacteria, with dietary fibre and alfalfa to help maintain regular gut function.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
EquiNutritive B-Complete
Form: Powder
Sizes: 600g, 2.5kg
RRP: £29.99
Daily measure: 60g
Cost per day: £2.99
This natural digestive supplement contains dried, green bananas, which help to maintain normal gastric mucosa. It helps to maintain gut stability, normal digestion, feed utilisation and temperament.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Aviform Pro-Choice Gold
Form: Powder
Sizes: 500g, 1kg, 1.5kg
RRP: £34.95 for 500g
Daily measure: 25g
Cost per day: £1.75
This supplement features a unique blend of a pre- and probiotic making it ideal for horses prone to stress or upset due to dietary change, or any who may need extra support. Available in a 100% compostable pouch.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Science Supplements Gut Balancer
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1.5kg
RRP: £39.99
Daily measure: 50g
Cost per day: £1.33
Winner of the BETA International Innovation Award, this fast-acting supplement is a balanced combination of pre- and probiotics to support gut health and aid digestion.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Dodson & Horrell Digestive Support
Form: Pellet
Sizes: 1.5kg
RRP: £19.95
Daily measure: 25g
Cost per day: £0.33
This high specification, pelleted supplement provides nutritional and herbal support for the entire digestive system, promoting the normal population of bacteria within the large intestine. It is ideal for sensitive digestive systems, those undergoing dietary changes, being stabled for long periods, travelling or during periods of change or competition.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Cavalor Vitaflora
Form: Powder
Sizes: 2kg
RRP: £73.50
Daily measure: 30g
Cost per day: £1.10
This is a high quality pre- and pro-biotic that aids your horse’s digestion and supports his intestinal health.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
TopSpec Digestive Aid
Form: Powder
Sizes: 3kg, 9kg, 20kg
RRP: £37.50 for 3kg
Daily measure: 100g
Cost per day: £1.25
Designed to optimise digestive health and stimulate appetite in horses, this supplement contains high levels of a pure, protected probiotic yeast and pre-biotic MOS as well as vitamin B12. It is particularly effective for horses that are working hard, on high concentrate/low forage diets, or stressed.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Equine America Pro Gut Balancer
Form: Powder
Sizes: 450g, 900g, 2.7kg
RRP: £17.99 for 450g
Daily measure: 15g
Cost per day: £0.60
This triple action combination of live probiotics, prebiotics (FOS), and a mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) is designed to support digestive health and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. It’s described as being particularly helpful to re-establish healthy gut microbiota following a digestive upset or course of antibiotics, and supports horses during stressful times such as travel, changing yards or a change in diet or forage.
BETA NOPS compliant.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or equine-america.co.uk
Betta Life PharmaTrac Total Digestive Support
Form: Powder
Sizes: 120g, 400g, 1kg, 2kg, 5kg
RRP: £15 for 400g
Daily measure: 10g
Cost per day: £1.25
This supplement targets both the fore and hindgut, supporting the gastric environment and helping to maintain an optimum pH level.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Equine Products UK TransVite Excel
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1.5kg, 9kg
RRP: £69.03 for 1.5kg
Daily measure: 25g
Cost per day: £1.15
This high-grade probiotic is one of the strongest currently available and works by balancing the good flora inside the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to increase appetite and condition.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or equineproducts-ukltd.co.uk
Hilton Herbs GastriX
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1kg
RRP: £41.75
Daily measure: 34g
Cost per day: £1.42
A dry supplement containing herbs, such as slippery elm, meadowsweet and cramp bark, to help support healthy digestion, optimum nutrient absorption and maintain balanced pH levels. This is especially helpful during a change in routine.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
Fouganza Brewer’s Yeast
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1kg
RRP: £11.99
Daily measure: 15g
Cost per day: £0.19
This brewer’s yeast supplement is naturally rich in vitamins and amino acids to support good gut health.
In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk
Nettex Gut Balancer
Form: Powder
Sizes: 750g, 1.5kg
RRP: £24.99 for 750g
Daily measure: 67g
Cost per day: £2.23
A highly effective pre- and probiotic supplement that supports healthy hindgut and digestive function, skin and coat and condition and vitality.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Horse First Garlic&More
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1.5kg, 4kg
RRP: £23
Daily measure: 25–50g
Cost per day: £0.38–0.77
This supplement is a blend of garlic, seaweed, herbs, oil, salt and vitamins, suitable for all horses, which delivers all of the age old benefits of these natural ingredients. It provides your horse with a range of herbs and vitamins to help utilise nutrition, aid digestion, soothe the gut and boost the immune system.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk
NutriScience Gut Gold
Form: Powder
Sizes: 750g, 1.2kg
RRP: £28
Daily measure: 25g
Cost per day: £0.38–0.77
Formerly known as Equine Gold, Gut Gold is a pre- and probiotic supplement that contains a live yeast formulation. It also includes a balanced combination of MOS and beta-glucans to help achieve gut health.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Aloeride Aloe Vera
Form: Powder
Sizes: Carton of 30 sachets
RRP: £55.20
Daily measure: One sachet
Cost per day: £1.84
An organic, taste-free and easy-to-feed aloe vera supplement that supports a healthy digestive system.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
KER EquiShure
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1.25kg, 3.6kg, 7.2kg, 18kg
RRP: £54.24 for 1.25kg
Daily measure: 30–120g
Cost per day: £1.30–5.20
A scientifically proven time-released buffer that supplies an encapsulated source of sodium bicarbonate to the hindgut, helping to stabilise the pH and optimise digestive function.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
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