Vet Advice on Supplements for Equine Stomach Ulcers 2025 🐎💊

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Equine stomach ulcers are one of the most common yet often misunderstood health conditions affecting horses—particularly performance and show animals. 🐎 Up to 90% of racehorses and over 60% of show horses experience some form of gastric ulcer disease. The challenge lies not just in treating ulcers, but in keeping them from returning. 🔁

In this 2025 vet-reviewed guide, Dr Duncan Houston explores the difference between ulcer types, how supplements compare to prescription treatments, and how to choose the best strategy for your horse. 💊🧠

1. Understanding Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) 🧪

The horse’s stomach is divided into two key sections:

• 🔬 Glandular region: Protected by mucous lining, produces digestive acids
• 🔍 Nonglandular region: Unprotected and highly vulnerable to ulcers

Most ulcers develop in the nonglandular region due to lack of protection from stomach acid. These ulcers are typically linked to:

• 🏇 Exercise-induced acid splash
• 🍽️ Infrequent feeding (2x/day)
• 🚫 Lack of turnout or grazing
• 🧠 Stress from trailering, showing, or stalling

2. Symptoms of Equine Stomach Ulcers 🚩

Ulcers can present subtly or severely. Signs include:

• 🐴 Poor appetite or picky eating
• 💩 Soft stools or manure changes
• 😠 Girthiness or sensitivity when tacked up
• 🛑 Performance decline or reluctance to move forward
• 💤 Lethargy or irritability
• 💥 Colic episodes or weight loss

These signs should always prompt an exam and possibly a gastroscope to confirm diagnosis. 🔬

3. Pharmaceutical Treatment: GastroGard 💊

GastroGard (omeprazole) is the only FDA-approved treatment for equine gastric ulcers. It works by suppressing stomach acid to allow healing. Pros and cons:

✅ Pros:

• 🩺 Clinically proven to heal ulcers
• 📉 Reduces stomach acid, increasing pH

⚠️ Cons:

• 💲 Expensive (~$1,000+ for a full course)
• 🔁 Ulcers often return once treatment stops
• ⚖️ Long-term use may interfere with natural digestion

Because of cost and rebound risk, many owners turn to supplements for ongoing support. But which actually work? 🤔

4. Supplements for Ulcer Prevention and Maintenance 🌿

The market is filled with equine “gut” supplements claiming to reduce or prevent ulcers. But only a few have undergone research—and even fewer show clear benefits. Let's examine one of the most studied options.

🔍 SmartGut Ultra Pellets

This supplement combines prebiotics, probiotics, and herbal compounds designed to buffer acid and support gut lining. A study conducted by LSU showed:

• 📊 Reduced recurrence of ulcers post-GastroGard
• 🧫 Improved gastric health vs. no supplement

SmartGut Ultra includes:

• 🌱 Licorice and aloe vera (soothing and anti-inflammatory)
• 🧫 Live yeast cultures (digestive support)
• ⚡ L-Glutamine (mucosal healing)

It’s best used as a maintenance product post-treatment or as a preventive for horses under stress. 🛡️

5. What Doesn’t Work? ❌

Many supplements on the market contain:

• 🐂 Calcium carbonate or baking soda—short-lived buffering effects
• 🥛 Milk proteins—limited research in horses
• 🧃 Apple cider vinegar—may worsen acidity!

Warning: Products that claim to “heal” ulcers without evidence should be viewed skeptically. Always consult your veterinarian. 🩺

6. Natural Prevention Strategies 🌿

Even the best treatment will fail without management changes. Dr Duncan Houston recommends:

• 🌾 Feeding hay 24/7 (especially before exercise)
• 🧂 Offering salt and free-choice water to stimulate appetite
• 🚶 Allowing turnout and social interaction
• 🪵 Using slow-feed nets to mimic grazing behavior
• 🥕 Avoiding sugary treats or high-starch grains

7. Best Practice Feeding for Ulcer-Prone Horses 🍽️

8. How Long Do Supplements Take to Work? ⏱️

Unlike medications, supplements work more slowly and subtly. Expect:

• 🗓️ 2–4 weeks to see appetite or behavior changes
• 🧪 Up to 6 weeks for physical signs to improve

Pair with management improvements for best results. 🧠

9. When to Use GastroGard vs. Supplements ⚖️

10. Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston 💬

Managing stomach ulcers in horses is about more than just treating symptoms—it’s about creating a lifestyle and feeding routine that supports gut health long-term. GastroGard is a gold standard for healing ulcers, but supplements like SmartGut Ultra have a valuable place in ongoing care and prevention. 🐎

If you’re unsure which supplement to choose or want a full gastric support plan tailored to your horse’s needs, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📲 for expert veterinary support anytime you need it.

— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc