💊 Vet Research 2025: Do Supplements Help Equine Stomach Ulcers? 🐴📉

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Stomach ulcers are a constant concern in the world of performance horses—with studies showing 90% of racehorses and a large percentage of show horses affected. As horses are trained, stalled, and fed in ways that contradict their natural digestive rhythm, ulcers in the nonglandular (squamous) region of the stomach develop rapidly. In this 2025 update, Dr Duncan Houston explores the current science behind ulcer supplements, and which—if any—are worth using. 🐎🔬

📍 Ulcers: Two Regions, Two Causes

Horses have two stomach sections:

• 🔴 Glandular region: Acid-resistant, ulcers here are usually caused by NSAIDs or chronic illness
• ⚪ Nonglandular (squamous) region: Acid-sensitive and most commonly ulcerated, especially in performance horses

Horses produce stomach acid continuously, even when they’re not eating. When they’re stalled and fed only twice a day, acid accumulates and splashes onto unprotected tissue—especially during exercise. 💥

💊 Treatment: What Works and What Doesn’t

✅ FDA-Approved Treatment

• 💊 GastroGard® (omeprazole) is the only FDA-approved drug for treating ulcers in horses
• 🛡️ It reduces acid production and effectively heals ulcers in most horses

However:

• 💸 It’s expensive—especially for long-term or repeated treatment
• 🔁 Ulcers often recur soon after stopping the drug

⚠️ Supplements and Their Limitations

There are dozens of “ulcer supplements” on the market, but most:

• 📉 Lack clinical research
• 💬 Rely on testimonials, not science
• 🧾 Are not regulated like medications—actual content can vary

🔬 One Promising Supplement: SmartGut Ultra

In a study by veterinarians at Louisiana State University, horses that had been treated with GastroGard were divided into two groups:

• 🔁 One received no follow-up treatment
• 🟢 One was given SmartGut Ultra Pellets, a commercial supplement

✅ The horses that received the supplement had fewer recurring ulcers compared to the untreated group. This suggests SmartGut Ultra may provide benefit in post-treatment maintenance—but not in replacing prescription therapy. 🧪

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Advice

"Don’t rely on supplements to treat ulcers. Use them strategically after omeprazole therapy ends—if they’re backed by science, not marketing." 🐴🩺

📋 Ulcer Prevention Tips (2025)

• 🌿 Offer free-choice hay or pasture access
• 🪑 Avoid prolonged stalling or isolation
• 🛡️ Use GastroGard® for high-risk periods (travel, competition)
• 🥣 Use slow feeders to mimic natural grazing
• 💧 Ensure consistent hydration and stress management

🔚 Final Thoughts: Choose Supplements Wisely

Supplements can be helpful tools—but only when used alongside proven treatments and sound management. Don’t skip prescription therapy in hopes a supplement will work alone. Instead, use science-backed products like SmartGut Ultra post-treatment to support long-term GI health. 🐎💚

Need help creating an ulcer prevention plan? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert advice on equine gut health. 📱🌿