Feeding to Prevent Colic in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Guide to Natural Diet, Grain Limits & Gut Health 🌾🐴
In this article
Feeding to Prevent Colic in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Guide to Natural Diet, Grain Limits & Gut Health 🌾🐴
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Introduction
Colic remains one of the most common and feared emergencies in equine practice. Fortunately, many cases of colic are preventable through strategic feeding. In 2025, we understand more than ever that colic is closely tied to how—and what—we feed our horses. Returning to a more natural feeding pattern can greatly reduce the risk of digestive upset, gas buildup, and painful impactions.
Why Horses Are Prone to Colic 🧠
- Horses evolved as constant grazers, eating small amounts throughout the day
- Modern management often involves stall confinement and 2 large meals/day
- This feeding pattern can cause digestive tract disruption, gas accumulation, and colic
The Problem with Grain 🌽❌
- Grains (concentrates) are high in starch
- Horses can only absorb limited starch in the small intestine
- Excess grain passes into the large intestine, disrupting the gut microbiome
- Leads to:
- Gas formation
- Acidosis
- Toxin production
Best Feeding Practices to Prevent Colic ✅
1. Maximize Turnout 🐎🌱
- Pasture grazing mimics natural feeding behavior
- Horses on pasture have lower colic rates than stalled horses
- If pasture is not available, offer free-choice hay throughout the day
2. Feed Small, Frequent Meals 🍽️
- If concentrates are necessary, feed small amounts 2–3 times per day
- Never feed more than 4 lbs (1.8 kg) of grain per meal
3. Prioritize Forage First 🌾
- Hay or pasture should be the main energy source
- Feed 1.5–2% of body weight in forage daily
- Use slow feeders or hay nets to mimic grazing patterns
4. Avoid Sudden Feed Changes 🔄
- Introduce new feeds gradually over 7–10 days
- Sudden changes can shock the microbiome and cause colic
5. Hydration Is Essential 💧
- Ensure constant access to clean water
- Wet hay or soak feeds if water intake is low
- Electrolytes may encourage drinking in hot weather
6. Provide Movement 🚶♂️
- Encourage turnout and regular exercise
- Movement promotes healthy gut motility and digestion
Warning Signs of Colic 🆘
- Looking at flank
- Pawing, rolling, or kicking at the belly
- Restlessness or depression
- Reduced manure or feed intake
Risk Factors for Colic 🔍
- Feeding large amounts of grain
- Low forage diets
- Sudden diet changes
- Stall confinement
- Travel or stress without dietary support
Case Example: Gelding with Recurrent Gas Colic
- 10-year-old Thoroughbred had 3 episodes of mild colic over 2 months
- Fed 6 lbs of grain/day, stalled with only 2 flakes of hay daily
- Vet recommended:
- Cutting grain to 2 lbs/day
- Increasing hay to 20 lbs/day with slow feeder
- Adding psyllium and electrolytes
- No colic episodes after 60 days on revised diet and turnout schedule
FAQs About Colic and Diet
Q: Can hay cause colic?
A: Rarely—unless moldy or too coarse. Hay is protective against colic in most cases.
Q: Do senior horses need grain?
A: Only if they can't maintain weight on forage. Use high-fiber senior feeds when needed.
Q: What’s better—hay or pasture?
A: Both are excellent, but fresh pasture offers natural hydration and nutrients. Just watch sugar content in spring/fall.
Conclusion
Feeding horses in line with their natural behavior is the best way to prevent colic. In 2025, we know that most colic cases can be avoided through forage-based diets, minimal grain, frequent meals, and consistent routines. Every feeding decision impacts gut health—and ultimately, your horse’s safety and comfort.
Need a custom feeding plan for a colic-prone horse? Visit AskAVet.com or download our app 📱 to consult Dr Duncan Houston for nutrition and prevention strategies. 🩺🐴
