Signs of Equine Gut Imbalance
Equine Answers on Why Gut Health Matters More Than You Think
A healthy horse starts with a healthy gut. While horse hoof care, joint supplements, and muscle builder programs often take centre stage in equine management, gut health remains one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of a horse’s overall wellbeing. From equine nutrition, digestion and nutrient absorption to immune function and mental stability, a well-balanced gut microbiome plays a critical role in every aspect of equine health.
At Equell, we believe in a gut-first approach to equine nutrition, one that respects the way horses are designed to eat while supporting them in modern management systems including track systems and restricted grazing. Understanding how to maintain gut health is the key to unlocking your horse’s full potential.
The Equine Gut: A Delicate Ecosystem
Horses have evolved as grazing animals, designed to consume small amounts of forage throughout the day. In the wild, they naturally select from a wide variety of plant species, which helps maintain a diverse and resilient gut microbiome. These microbes are responsible for breaking down fibre, producing essential nutrients, and defending against harmful pathogens.
However, today’s feeding practices often disrupt this delicate balance. Restricted forage variety, processed feeds, high-starch competition feeds, stress, and even routine medications recommended by vets can negatively impact gut flora, leading to digestive imbalances, poor nutrient absorption, and an increased risk of common issues such as colic, ulcers, and hindgut acidosis.
Signs of Gut Imbalance
Horses with compromised gut health may exhibit a variety of signs, including:
✔️ Foul smelling, loose manure
✔️ Gas, bloating, or discomfort after feeding
✔️ Frequent colic episodes
✔️ Weight loss despite adequate feed intake
✔️ Behavioural changes such as irritability or girthiness
✔️ Dull coat and lacklustre condition
If your horse displays any of these signs, their gut microbiome may be out of balance, and it’s time to focus on equine digestive health and consider digestion products for horses.
The Equell Approach: Supporting Gut Health Naturally
At Equell, we take a holistic approach to equine gut health by creating scientifically formulated equine supplements that support microbial diversity, fibre digestion, and overall gut health in every pouch bag. Our products are rooted in nature, utilising natural ingredients and enriched with prebiotics and probiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria. We integrate scientifically proven ingredients to support digestion, nutrient absorption, joint health, spooky horses, top line building and more.
By providing horses with a diverse range of natural ingredients including herbs, berries, superfoods, daily vitamins and minerals and gut-supporting nutrients, Equell’s range of UK manufactured equine supplements help support a stable digestive environment, assisting everything from feed efficiency to temperament and performance. A healthy gut isn’t just about digestion—it’s about unlocking a horse’s full potential from the inside out.
Gut Health: The Foundation for a Thriving Horse
The importance of gut health cannot be overstated. It influences every aspect of a horse’s condition, from energy levels and coat shine to immunity and stress management. Taking a proactive approach to digestive care is one of the most powerful ways to support long-term equine wellness. Every one of our horse supplements from calmers, joint supplements, respiratory supplements, muscle builders, gut balancers and more, focuses on the importance of gut health and feeding the microbiome.
At Equell, we’re committed to becoming the best equine supplement brand and helping horse owners make informed choices about their horse’s nutrition, ensuring that gut health remains a top priority. Because when the gut is happy, the whole horse thrives. Our team of expert equine nutritionists are on hand to answer any questions you may have on our range of products.
Give your horse the digestive support they deserve — choose Equell for a healthy, happy equine partner.