Stress, sudden changes in diet, travel or alterations to the daily routine can put a strain on a horse’s digestive system. As a monogastric herbivore with an extraordinary yet extremely delicate digestive system, even the slightest change in stable management can compromise its wellbeing, mood and sporting performance.
This is why Equiplanet’s STOMACH & INTESTINE protocol was developed: a comprehensive nutritional approach that combines two products with complementary functions to care for the horse’s entire gastrointestinal tract.
The gastric challenge: protecting the stomach lining
In a horse’s stomach, hydrochloric acid is produced continuously. In the wild, prolonged chewing of forage produces abundant saliva, which acts as a natural buffer to protect the stomach walls.
However, with modern stable routines — characterised by grain-rich diets, intense training and transport — this natural protection is often insufficient. This exposes the horse to the risk of developing lesions or the classic Gastric Ulcer Syndrome.
Signs of gastric discomfort to look out for include:
- Loss of appetite or lack of interest in meals
- Dull coat and weight loss
- Nervousness, stereotypical behaviours such as support tics, or discomfort when fastening the girth
- Unexplained decline in performance
Trophogast Pellet: support for the gastric mucosa
Equiplanet offers Trophogast Pellet, specifically formulated to provide nutritional support for the gastric mucosa, helping to promote normal stomach function.
Why choose it?
- Film-forming protection: pectins and soya lecithin create a protective barrier that shields the tissues from the action of gastric acids.
- Support for the natural recovery and wellbeing of the mucosa: chestnut extract (Castanea sativa) and zinc support the natural wellbeing of the mucosa and counteract oxidative stress.
Furthermore, the pellet form is easy to administer, making supplementation simple and palatable even for the most fussy horses.
The gut challenge: preserving the microbiota
The large intestine, particularly the caecum, is the horse’s true digestive ‘engine’: it is home to billions of beneficial bacteria, yeasts and microorganisms that make up the gut microbiota. This flora is essential for the fermentation of fibre and the production of energy.
When the balance of the microbiota is disrupted due to seasonal changes, treatment with certain substances, an unbalanced diet or stress, a state of dysbiosis occurs. This can lead to loose stools, gas build-up, poor nutrient absorption and even metabolic disorders.
Enteroflora: balance of the gut flora
Enteroflora combines prebiotics and probiotics to promote a balanced gut flora and support natural digestive function:
- Live probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae): active yeasts that stabilise the gut pH and support the beneficial bacteria responsible for breaking down fibre.
- FOS and inulin prebiotics: selective nourishment to promote the growth of ‘good’ bacteria and support the health of enterocytes.
- Yeast cell wall (MOS): helps to limit the adhesion of unwanted microorganisms that may colonise the intestinal mucosa.
- Butyric acid supports the health of the intestinal mucosa, helps maintain the intestinal barrier and promotes the balance of the microbiota and a normal intestinal immune response.
A holistic approach: why work in synergy?
It is a common mistake to view the stomach and the gut as two separate entities. A disturbance in the stomach compromises digestion further down the digestive tract, just as an imbalance in the gut causes stress and discomfort throughout the whole body.
The STOMACH&GUT protocol offers a comprehensive solution through nutrition:
|
Product |
Focus |
Key ingredients |
Main benefit |
|
Trophogast Pellet |
Stomach & mucous membrane |
Pectin, lecithin, zinc, chestnut |
It protects the stomach lining from acid and reduces moderate ulcers |
|
Enteroflora |
Gut & microbiota |
S. cerevisiae, FOS, MOS, inulin, butyric acid |
It supports the mucosa and the microbiota, and promotes fibre digestion and the gut’s immune response |
When should it be used?
- During changes of season or diet
- During competition periods, intensive training or frequent travel
- For horses prone to loose stools, nervousness or a dip in form
- Following treatment with specific medicinal compounds
A balanced digestive system is the foundation for your horse’s well-being and physical fitness. With the synergy of Equiplanet’s STOMACH & INTESTINE protocol, you can support your horse’s normal digestive function with targeted, high-quality nutritional support.