How to Protect Your Horse from Ulcers

I never stop urging horse owners to feed your horse like a horse for the simple reason that a horse fed according to his physiology and instincts will be healthier. Free choice forage feeding is the first line of defense against ulcers but there is more an owner can do to protect his horse from the pain and stress of this condition.
For many reasons a steady constant supply of forage keeps your horses digestive system healthy but its especially important in ulcer prevention. Some basic anatomy knowledge reveals why Unlike in the human the horses stomach secretes acid all the time even when empty. Chewing creates saliva a natural antacid. If left without food horses will chew on whatever they can even their own manure to neutralize the acid that is causing them physical pain and mental discomfort. And if left with absolutely nothing to chew on the horse will commonly develop ulcers.

Horses in the wild do not get ulcers. The diet and lifestyle we impose on our horses are to blame for this disabling condition. The good news is encouraging We have the ability to prevent ulcers through proper feeding and stress reduction.
In addition to offering forage freechoice horse owners should consider these protective feeding guidelines
Avoid oats and other cereal grains corn barley wheat rice etc.. Starchy feeds can lead to ulcers by stimulating stomach cells to produce more acid and encouraging acid production through bacterial fermentation. In addition grains move through the stomach quickly leaving an empty stomach that is vulnerable to acid.
Feed beet pulp instead of cereal grains. It has as many calories as oats without the propensity for acid production found with starch.
If you feed extra fat choose the right type. Vegetable oils such as soybean and corn oils are the most popular fat sources but they promote inflammation due to their high omega 6 content. Instead choose vegetable sources that are high in omega 3s such as flax meal or oil or chia seeds to actually reduce the inflammation experienced with ulcers.
Provide highquality protein. Legumes such as alfalfa soybean meal and split peas will complement the rest of the diet offering enough amino acids building blocks of protein to allow for proper maintenance and healing. Plus alfalfa hay should be offered to any horse who is prone toward developing an ulcer such as during stall confinement because it is an excellent buffer.
Feed the hindgut microbial