If you’ve ever struggled to navigate feeding advice online, you’re not alone. Everywhere you turn, there’s a different opinion about what to feed for stomach comfort. “Alfalfa cures ulcers,” “alfalfa causes ulcers,” “pellets cause ulcers,” “pellets prevent ulcers,” “feed buffers before riding,” “never feed before riding,” and on it goes.
With so much contradictory information, it’s no wonder owners feel overwhelmed. But the reality is that equine gastric health is deeply influenced by what, how, and when your horse eats – and not all feeds or feeding practices support the stomach in the same way.
This article explains, in clear and practical terms, what veterinary science actually says about feeding for stomach comfort. We’ll cover alfalfa, buffering feeds, timing meals around exercise, the pros and cons of pellets, and how to support your horse’s stomach every day through informed choices.
Understanding the Horse’s Stomach: Why Feeding Matters So Much
The horse’s stomach is divided into two regions:
- Squamous (upper) region, which has no protection against acid
- Glandular (lower) region, which produces acid but is protected by mucus
Horses produce stomach acid continuously. They are designed to graze and trickle-feed – eating small amounts 16–18 hours per day. Anything that disrupts this natural pattern increases the risk of discomfort.
Four key principles for stomach comfort:
- Forage buffers acid
- Chewing produces saliva that neutralises acid
- Starch increases acid exposure
- Long gaps without food increase ulcer risk
Understanding these basics makes feeding for stomach comfort much easier.
Alfalfa (Lucerne): The Most Misunderstood Feed in the Horse World
Alfalfa (lucerne) often gets labeled as either a miracle cure or a dangerous feed. Neither is accurate. The truth is nuanced, but incredibly helpful once you understand it.
Why Alfalfa Helps the Stomach
Alfalfa is naturally:
- High in calcium
- High in magnesium
- High in protein
- Low in starch
- Buffering to stomach acid
Calcium and magnesium act as natural antacids. They help neutralise excess stomach acid and protect the squamous region.
Case example:
A local vet worked with an eventing mare who became girthy and anxious before cross-country schooling. Feeding 1–2 kg of alfalfa chaff 20–30 minutes before exercise reduced her discomfort dramatically. Gastroscopy later confirmed reduced squamous irritation.
When Alfalfa Can Be Problematic
Alfalfa is not suitable as the sole forage for some horses, especially:
- Horses prone to weight gain
- Horses sensitive to high protein
- Horses with low exercise levels
- Horses with certain metabolic conditions
It is calorie-dense and can create too much energy in some horses.
What about the myth: “Alfalfa causes ulcers”?
This myth likely arose because:
- High-protein feeds can increase metabolic heat
- Some horses get “hot” on alfalfa and appear uncomfortable
- People often feed alfalfa incorrectly (in large bucket-feed quantities instead of small, frequent buffer feeds)
But scientifically, alfalfa does not cause ulcers. In fact, research shows the opposite: alfalfa protects the stomach lining better than grass hay.
Buffers: How They Work and When to Use Them
Many feeds claim to “buffer” stomach acid. But not all buffering feeds are equal.
Natural dietary buffers include:
- Alfalfa
- Beet pulp
- Soy hulls
- Certain fibre pellets
- Chaff mixes containing lucerne
These work because they:
- Neutralise acid
- Increase saliva production
- Slow feed flow
- Form a protective fibre mat in the stomach
Artificial buffers include:
- Calcium carbonate
- Magnesium hydroxide
- Commercial gastric supplements
These provide temporary relief, especially before exercise.
When to give buffering feeds:
- 20–30 minutes before riding
- Before travel
- Before stressful events
- Before trimming or veterinary procedures
- Before groundwork or lunging
A small forage meal acts like a protective “stomach lining jacket.”
Should Horses Eat Before Exercise? Yes – Absolutely.
Many riders still believe horses should be ridden on an empty stomach. This is outdated advice based on human athletes, not horses.
Why horses must eat before work:
- A small forage meal reduces acid splash
- Chewing produces saliva to buffer the stomach
- Fibre creates a protective “mat”
- Horses feel calmer and more comfortable
- Prevents the stomach sloshing acid upward
What to feed before exercise:
- A double handful of alfalfa
- Mixed chaff
- A small amount of soaked beet pulp
- A little hay
Avoid:
- Grain
- Starch-heavy feeds
- Sugary treats
These increase acid and reduce gut comfort.
Pellets: Helpful or Harmful?
Pellets often get a bad reputation, but the question isn’t “are pellets good or bad?” It’s “what is in the pellets, and how are they fed?”
The advantages of pellets:
- Consistent nutrient profile
- Easy to digest
- Can be very low in starch
- Useful for seniors with poor teeth
- Can be soaked for horses with chewing difficulties
Potential drawbacks:
- Some pellets contain high starch
- Pellets require less chewing, producing less saliva
- They move through the stomach quickly
- Horses may consume pellets too fast
When pellets increase ulcer risk:
When fed:
- In large meals
- On an empty stomach
- With little or no forage
- When they contain high starch (check NSC values!)
When pellets help stomach comfort:
Pellets designed for gastric support:
- Low in starch
- High in fibre
- Fortified with buffers
- Provide controlled, steady energy
Feeding pellets is not the problem. Feeding the wrong pellets or feeding them incorrectly is.
Common Myths About Feeding for Stomach Comfort
Myth 1: Horses with ulcers can’t eat alfalfa
False. Alfalfa is protective when used appropriately.
Myth 2: Pellets always cause ulcers
False. It depends entirely on the ingredients.
Myth 3: Horses should work on an empty stomach
False. They need fibre to prevent acid splash.
Myth 4: Supplements can heal ulcers without management changes
False. Supplements cannot heal ulcers. Correct management is essential – and in many cases, veterinary-prescribed medication (such as omeprazole for squamous ulcers or sucralfate for glandular ulcers) is also required for healing.
Myth 5: Only performance horses need stomach support
False. Leisure horses often experience more inconsistent routines and stress.
Practical Feeding Strategies for Stomach Comfort
1. Forage First, Always
The stomach should never remain empty for long periods.
2. Feed Small Amounts Before Riding
A handful of alfalfa or chaff 20–30 minutes before exercise.
3. Reduce or Replace High-Starch Feeds
Starch increases acid exposure and ulcer risk.
4. Use Low-NSC Pellets When Needed
Ideal for horses with metabolic issues or ulcer risk.
5. Feed Multiple Small Meals
Large meals overwhelm the stomach.
6. Support Chewing
Long-stem forage increases saliva.
7. Maintain Routine
Predictability reduces cortisol and digestive stress.
8. Provide Post-Exercise Forage
Replenishes the fibre mat.
9. Offer Water Always
Avoid dehydration-induced digestive irritation.
10. Use Appropriate Supplements
Only after veterinary diagnosis and alongside management changes.
Case Studies: Real Horses, Real Outcomes
Case 1: The Anxious Eventer
A competition mare was scoped and found to have mild squamous ulceration. Her management changes included:
- Alfalfa before riding
- Reduced grain
- Low-stress rest days
- Continuous hay access
Her behaviour under saddle improved dramatically.
Case 2: The Senior Gelding With Hindgut Sensitivity
This gelding dropped weight and became girthy.
Switching from high-starch pellets to a fibre-based senior pellet, plus soaked beet pulp, improved both comfort and condition.
Case 3: The Pony Prone to Laminitis and Ulcers
This pony needed a balancing act:
- Low-sugar hay
- Carefully portioned alfalfa as a buffer
- Grazing muzzle
- Small meals before riding
He remained comfortable, safe, and ulcer-free.
When to Call Your Veterinarian
If your horse shows:
- Girthiness
- Behaviour changes
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Resistance under saddle
- Colic symptoms
- Difficulty maintaining condition
- Stress behaviours
- Poor manure quality
it’s time to involve your veterinarian. Gastroscopy is always the most accurate diagnosis.
The Takeaway
Feeding for stomach comfort is not about finding a miracle feed. It’s about understanding how your horse’s digestive system works and choosing feeds and routines that support it.
Alfalfa, pellets, buffers, fibre mixes, and specially formulated feeds all have a place – when used correctly. The key is not the ingredient itself but how, when, and why you feed it.
When you align feeding with physiology, your horse becomes:
- More comfortable
- More willing under saddle
- Healthier
- Less reactive
- Less prone to ulcers
- More emotionally settled
Stomach comfort is the foundation of welfare, performance, and partnership.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and does not replace veterinary advice for your individual horse. If you’re concerned, contact your veterinarian promptly.