What kind of hay is best to feed a horse with a history of ulcers?
The pattern of hay feeding is more important than the type. Free choice feeding of hay helps maintain the pH of the stomach environment at a level less likely to promote ulcer formation. There have been studies that show alfalfa hay to have a more beneficial effect compared to grass hay. This may be due to the higher calcium and protein content of alfalfa hay (Robinson, 2003). back to top REFERENCES: Andrews FM, Sifferman RL, Bernard W, et al. Efficacy of omeprazole paste in the treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers in horses. Equine Vet J Suppl 1999; 29:81-86. Andrews FM. Ulcers in the Stomach and Colon; Diagnosis and Treatment: A Pain in the Gut! Proceedings Am Assoc Equine Pract Focus Meeting 2005. Bertone JJ. Prevalence of gastric ulcers in elite, heavy use western performance horses. Proceedings Am Assoc Equine Pract 2000; 46:256-259. Flemstrom G. Isenberg JI. Gastroduodenal mucosal alkaline secretion and mucosal protection. News Physiol Sci 2001; 16:23-28 Hinchcliff KW, Kane
