One Minute Read: How Sugar & Starch Affect Your Horse’s Health
How High Sugar and Starch Diets Impact Horse Digestive and Behavioral Health
Modern feeding programs often rely on grain and sweet feeds high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs)—sugars and starches that can overwhelm the equine digestive system. High-NSC diets have been linked to digestive upset, gastric ulcers, behavioral changes, and metabolic disease.
When Starch Reaches the Hindgut
The horse’s small intestine is designed to digest limited amounts of starch. When large grain meals are fed, undigested starch can spill into the hindgut. There, it ferments rapidly, disrupting the normal microbial population and lowering pH. Garner et al. (2017) note that this process can contribute to:
- Hindgut acidosis
- Endotoxin release
- Increased risk of colic and laminitis
Sugar, Ulcers, and Behavior
High-NSC diets, especially when combined with limited forage access, increase acid exposure in the stomach, raising the risk of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). In performance and stabled horses, ulcer prevalence can exceed 60% (Harris et al., 2006).
Behaviorally, rapid swings in blood sugar and poor gut comfort may contribute to excitability, anxiety, and stereotypic behaviors. Nicol et al. (2005) found that horses on high-NSC rations showed more stress-related behaviors compared with those on forage-based diets.
The Case for Forage-First, Low-NSC Feeding
Moore-Colyer et al. (2014) reported that forage-based diets with controlled NSC levels can:
- Improve gut health and microbial balance
- Reduce gastric ulcer severity
- Support calmer, more consistent behavior
By prioritizing slow, steady energy from forage and limiting high-sugar and starch feeds, owners can support digestive comfort, metabolic stability, and a more relaxed, rideable horse.
Make the Smart, Proactive Choice
When we honor a horse’s natural biology, we support their health from the inside out. Choose a treat that aligns with metabolic well-being — not against it.
Feed a delicious metabolic-safe option: Grazers Nutri-Treats™ your horse will love!
References
Harris, P., et al. (2006). “Feeding management of the equine stomach: Impact on ulcers.” Equine Veterinary Journal.
Nicol, C. J., et al. (2005). “The impact of diet on behavior in stabled horses.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
Garner, H. E., et al. (2017). “Hindgut acidosis and colic risk from high-starch feeding.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice.
Moore-Colyer, M., et al. (2014). “Benefits of forage-based diets in horses.” Equine Veterinary Education.
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