Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Colic Prevention Dietary Management

Colic is the leading cause of death in horses, and many cases are preventable through appropriate dietary management and feeding practices.

Key Facts

Colic accounts for around 10% of equine deaths, with surgical cases having 70-90% survival
Sudden diet changes disrupt hindgut microbiome and cause displacement or impaction
Feeding on the ground in natural position reduces gastric reflux and ulcer risk
Access to fresh water is critical - horses must drink 30-50 liters per day
Small frequent meals mimic natural grazing and reduce fermentation disturbances

Welfare Considerations

Colic causes severe, acute abdominal pain and fear that is extremely distressing for affected horses. Many cases are preventable through consistent dietary management. Good husbandry decisions directly reduce individual horse suffering.

What You Can Do

Make any diet changes gradually over 2-3 weeks to allow microbiome adaptation
Ensure horses have constant access to clean fresh water
Feed from ground level where possible and maintain consistent feeding times