How to Feed a Horse with Colic: Nutrition and Veterinary Guidance

Jan 18

By Annie Emery, MS CRC CESMT CENA

Colic is one of the most common and concerning conditions affecting horses. I have seen an uptick in cases this year around the USA and Canada. Due to the nature of this condition there naturally are questions about supplements for these horses. However, we need to remember this is at heart a medical issue first. Though nutrition is helpful and a necessary step, the conversation with myself or colleague should happen only after the horse has had a full medical review. It will help you avoid making the wrong move, and get you the best results. If you focus only on a supplement “fix”, you are missing the most important parts of the conversation.

Also, some horses need to be on special diets as they recover, others can move to regular feeds more quickly. Don’t guess and get your horse a solid plan.

Here’s a guide to understanding colic, its management, and how to approach feeding during and after an episode. Also, we will touch on how to reduce risks.

What is Colic?

Colic refers to abdominal discomfort in horses, but it’s not a disease itself—rather, it’s a symptom of various potential issues within the digestive system. Some common causes of colic include:

Gas Colic: Excessive gas buildup in the intestines.
Impaction Colic: A blockage in the intestines caused by feed, sand, or other material.
Spasmodic Colic: Intestinal cramping or spasms.
Displacement/Torsion: A twist or displacement of the intestines, which can quickly become life-threatening.
Enteritis/Colitis: Inflammation or infection of the intestines.

Colic can vary from mild and self-limiting to severe and requiring surgical intervention. This is why it’s crucial to involve a veterinarian immediately at the first signs of colic.

Step 1: Always Call the Veterinarian First

The first and most critical step in managing a colic case is to contact your veterinarian. They will perform a physical examination, assess vital signs, and may use diagnostic tools like rectal exams, ultrasounds, or nasogastric intubation to determine the cause and severity of the colic.

Here’s a scenario to consider:

You notice your horse pawing and looking at its sides in the morning. It refuses breakfast, something it never does. Instead of offering treats or attempting to coax it into eating, you immediately pick up the phone and call your veterinarian. As you wait for the vet to arrive, you make note of the horse’s symptoms—is it rolling? Sweating? Lying down? Having this information ready helps the vet assess the situation quickly.

Administering nutrition or medications without a veterinarian’s input can worsen the situation. For instance, offering food to a horse with an intestinal blockage could increase the risk of rupture or further complications. Trust your veterinarian’s guidance to stabilize your horse before making any nutritional adjustments.

Feeding After Colic: A Gradual and Careful Approach

Once the veterinarian has resolved the immediate issue and gives the go-ahead to reintroduce feed, it’s essential to proceed cautiously. Nutrition plays a vital role in both recovery and prevention of colic, but it should only be addressed after a veterinarian has diagnosed and treated the horse. Many veterinarians make suggestions for diets and that is a very important step.

Here are the ***general*** key principles for feeding a horse recovering from colic:

1. Start with Forage

Begin with small amounts of easily digestible forage, such as soaked hay, pellets or chopped forage.

For example:

Your vet gives the all-clear for feeding. You offer your horse a handful of soaked alfalfa, monitoring carefully to ensure it’s chewing and swallowing without discomfort. Over the next several hours, you gradually increase the amount while watching for any signs of distress.

A veterinarian will tell you how to reintroduce long stem forage. For now, skip the “grain” meal.

2. Hydration is Key

Ensure your horse has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Dehydration can worsen colic and slow recovery.

You might consider:

Offering soaked feeds to encourage drinking.
Remember to give 35 grams of table salt if your vet approves to encourage drinking

Imagine this:

You notice your horse isn’t drinking as much as usual after a colic episode. Following your vet’s advice, you add a small handful of salt to its soaked hay pellets to stimulate thirst. Within hours, it’s drinking more normally.

3. Gradually Reintroduce Grain

If your horse’s diet includes grain, wait until the veterinarian approves reintroduction. Start with small amounts and gradually increase over several days. Focus on high-fiber, low-starch feeds to support digestive health and reduce the risk of gas or other complications.

For instance, instead of offering a full scoop of grain, you begin with a quarter scoop of a low-starch feed mixed with water. Over the week, you incrementally increase the portion, always monitoring for signs of discomfort.

4. Use Supplements Wisely

Digestive aids, such as prebiotics or probiotics, can help restore a healthy gut microbiome after colic. Psyllium may be recommended if the colic was caused by sand ingestion. Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements.

Preventing Future Colic Episodes

Proper nutrition and management are essential to reduce the risk of colic.

Here are some preventative measures:

Feed Consistently: Provide regular meals and avoid abrupt changes in diet. Add new feeds (hay or concentrates) slowly over 7-10 days.
Maximize Forage: Horses are designed to graze throughout the day. Ensure they have access to high-quality forage in appropriate amounts. Use a slow feeder or net to slow down the horse and increase buffering. Use long- stem hay (vs pellets/cubes) when possible as they are the best for the gut
Treat for Ulcers: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome is a known risk factor for colic
Monitor Hydration: Dehydration is a common contributor to colic. Offer clean water and add 2 tablespoons of salt to the diet every day/year round to encourage drinking
Avoid Overfeeding Starch/NSCs: High-starch diets can disrupt the gut’s microbial balance. Learn to evaluate starch levels in feeds and tailor them to your horse’s specific needs. Don’t be scared of starch, but keep it in the right balance
We Love Soy: Soy is not known to be a trigger in many horses. If your veterinarian clears the horse, soy-based feeds are a lovely addition to many diets due to the high nutrient value and low NSCs.
Forage Feeds: Select digestible feeds based on your horses’ life-stage and needs- look for alfalfa, wheat mids, beet pulp, etc
Encourage Movement: Regular exercise supports healthy gut motility. Even light activity, like hand-walking, can make a difference.
Minimize Sand Ingestion: Feed off the ground in sandy areas and consider using psyllium treatments as recommended by your vet.
Use Supplements Carefully: Choose reputable brands and use only what your horse needs.

Conclusion

Colic is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Once your veterinarian has addressed the issue, nutrition plays a key role in recovery and long-term prevention. By taking a careful, gradual approach to feeding and maintaining proper management practices, you can support your horse’s digestive health and reduce the risk of future episodes.

Remember, every horse is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Always consult your veterinarian or an equine nutrition professional to tailor a feeding plan that meets your horse’s unique needs. By combining vigilance, veterinary care, and thoughtful nutrition, you can help your horse stay happy and healthy for years to come. If you need help with your diet reach out!

Disclaimer
The information provided in this equine nutrition guide is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional advice or consultation. Use of this guide and any application of its content is entirely at your own risk.

All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, please contact the author.

Ann Emery