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Can Supplements Really Prevent Colic?

These days, it’s popular to market supplements that claim to “prevent colic.”But... can they?


A horse eating

What Is Colic, Really?

Colic is a general term used to describe abdominal pain in horses.

That’s right — it doesn’t always mean a problem with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Colic can stem from any abdominal organ, which makes it more complex than many realize.

Common Signs of Colic:

  • Inappetence (not eating)

  • Pawing

  • Rolling

  • Flank watching

Non-Surgical GI Causes of Colic

Some types of gastrointestinal discomfort can be managed without surgery and may respond well to diet and supplementation:

  • Gastric ulcers

  • Hindgut ulcers

  • Gastric impaction

  • Gas distention

  • Mild colonic displacement

  • Large colon impaction

  • Mild small colon impaction

  • Ileal impaction

Can Supplements Help with These?

Yes — when paired with proper feeding practices.

High-quality supplements can support your horse’s GI health by:

  • Helping ulcers heal

  • Improving digestion

  • Nourishing gut lining cells

  • Supporting a healthy pH

  • Reducing gas buildup

  • Promoting beneficial gut flora

  • Supporting motility and transit time



What Supplements Can’t Fix

Unfortunately, some types of colic require surgical intervention and cannot be prevented by any supplement. These are known as strangulating gastrointestinal lesions.

Common surgical colics include:

  • Large colon volvulus (broodmares)

  • Strangulating lipoma (older horses)

  • Small intestinal volvulus

  • Epiploic foramen entrapment (cribbers)

  • Gastrosplenic ligament entrapment

A Word of Caution

🚨 Always take colic seriously.If your horse is showing signs of colic, call your veterinarian immediately — early intervention is critical, and no supplement can replace timely veterinary care.

A Smarter, Supportive Option: Equi-Gut+

Our vet-developed Equi-Gut+ formula contains:

  • Marshmallow, Ginger, and Aloe Vera — to soothe and heal ulcers

  • Saccharomyces & Beta Glucan — to enrich gut flora, reduce gas, and balance pH

These ingredients are highly beneficial in supporting digestive health and helping to prevent non-surgical GI-related colic.

Final Thoughts

Be cautious of brands that promise to fully prevent colic — it’s just not scientifically accurate.

✅ Use supplements as part of a proactive wellness plan🚫 Don’t rely on them to prevent every kind of colic📞 Always reach out to your vet if you think something’s wrong

Wishing you and your horse good health and peace of mind. 💗Thanks for reading!



 
 
 

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