Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Welfare: Colic Prevention Diet and Management

Colic is the leading cause of death in horses and a major welfare emergency, with dietary and management factors playing key roles in prevention.

Key Facts

Colic encompasses a range of gastrointestinal conditions from mild impactions to life-threatening displacements
High-concentrate low-forage diets significantly increase colic risk
Sudden dietary changes are a major predisposing factor for spasmodic and impaction colic
Free access to fresh clean water is critical, particularly in cold weather
Regular exercise, consistent feeding routines, and adequate forage reduce colic incidence

Welfare Considerations

Colic causes acute abdominal pain ranging from mild discomfort to agony requiring emergency surgery. Prevention through appropriate diet, feeding management, and routine veterinary care significantly reduces both the incidence and severity of episodes. Early recognition and prompt veterinary intervention improve outcomes and reduce suffering duration.

What You Can Do

Ensure horses have ad lib access to good quality forage
Make any dietary changes gradually over at least 2 weeks
Establish a relationship with an equine vet for prompt colic assessment