The benefits of prebiotics for the horse's digestive health

Prebiotics are an important component when it comes to ensuring the digestive health of horses. In this article, we will explore what prebiotics are, how they work, and the many benefits they can offer your horse. You will also learn how to choose the best prebiotic supplement for your horse and its specific needs.

Why are prebiotics important for the horse's digestive health?
A healthy gut flora is crucial for a horse's well-being. It not only affects digestion but also has a significant impact on the immune system. Prebiotics help maintain a balanced gut flora and can reduce the risk of various digestive disorders.

How do prebiotics work?
Prebiotics work by nourishing the beneficial bacteria in the horse's intestines. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial for the intestinal lining and digestion. They also help create an unfriendly environment for harmful bacteria. By improving the gut flora, prebiotics can help smoothly break down feed and absorb essential nutrients. This results in better digestion and a functioning metabolism in the horse.

What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics?
It is easy to confuse prebiotics and probiotics, but they are different. Prebiotics are compounds that nourish the beneficial bacteria in the intestine, while probiotics are live bacterial strains added to the gut flora. The choice between prebiotics and probiotics depends on the horse's needs and any specific issues. Sometimes, using both can be advantageous to maximize the benefits.

Benefits of prebiotics

• Improved nutrient absorption

One of the most significant benefits of prebiotics is their ability to improve nutrient absorption. For example, horses can benefit from their concentrate feed more efficiently, leading to a healthier and more vigorous horse.

• Reduced risk of diseases

A balanced gut flora helps reduce the risk of various digestive disorders. Prebiotics strengthen the immune system and create an environment where harmful bacteria struggle to thrive.

• Enhanced performance

For competition horses, prebiotics can play a crucial role in enhancing performance. By improving digestion and energy utilization, horses can perform at their highest level.

Choosing the best prebiotic supplement - What to consider?
When choosing a prebiotic supplement for your horse, it's important to consider the horse's individual needs. All horses are different, and there are various prebiotic supplements that suit different purposes. Below are some tips on ingredients to look for and why we recommend Pur.Mash from Höveler.

Which natural ingredients strengthen the gut flora in horses?
A natural source of prebiotics for horses is fiber-rich feed materials, especially grass and hay. These materials contain complex carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, which act as prebiotics by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Other sources of prebiotics are illustrated here:

Herbs and herbal blends - Some herbs and herbal blends have prebiotic properties and can be an excellent supplement to the horse's diet.

Apples and carrots - Providing horses with apples and carrots as healthy snacks can also be a way to naturally strengthen the gut flora

Ingredients in PUR.Mash with prebiotic properties:

Chicory root fiber: Chicory root fiber is known for its prebiotic properties and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in horses.

Apple pulp & carrot bits: Apple pulp and carrot contain prebiotic components.

Carob: Carob contains oligosaccharides, which can function as prebiotics and support gut health in horses.

Psyllium seeds: Psyllium seeds also contain prebiotic substances that can support gut health.

Therefore, Höveler Pur.Mash is a strong recommendation to support the horse's digestive system.

FAQs about Prebiotics for Horses

Can prebiotics help resolve stomach issues in horses?
Yes, prebiotics can help balance the gut flora and reduce the risk of stomach issues.

How long does it take before you see results with prebiotics?
The results may vary, but some horses show improvements within one to several weeks.

Can I feed prebiotics to my young horse?
Yes, prebiotics can be beneficial for all horses regardless of age.

Which source do you recommend for the horse to get prebiotics?
We recommend reducing the concentrate feed to maximize the forage intake based on forage analysis, and for additional support, provide Höveler's Pur.Mash daily or a few times a week.

Do you also need to add probiotics if you follow the advice above?
No, if the horse is healthy and does not have major digestive issues after testing roughage and Pur.Mash, you usually do not need to add probiotics. It's more important to build the horse's own bacteria with prebiotics.