Horse Prebiotics and Probiotics

In the vast world of equine nutrition, understanding the distinct roles of probiotics and prebiotics can be somewhat complex. These two types of dietary supplements play crucial roles in promoting the health and wellbeing of horses. Let's delve into their specific functions and why your horse might benefit from them.

What Are Probiotics and Prebiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for health, especially the digestive system. Although we usually think of bacteria as something harmful, our bodies are full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often referred to as "good" or "friendly" bacteria because they help keep the gut healthy.

On the other hand, prebiotics are types of dietary fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in the gut. Essentially, they act as fuel for probiotics, helping these beneficial bacteria to grow, multiply, and outcompete some of the harmful bacteria in the gut.

The Importance of Gut Health in Horses

The gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, plays a significant role in maintaining the health of the horse. It's involved in processes such as digesting food, producing certain vitamins, regulating the immune system, and even influencing behavior. A healthy balance of gut microbiota is essential for the overall wellbeing of the horse.

In the horse's digestive system, the hindgut (the large intestine and cecum) is particularly vital. It's where the majority of fiber digestion occurs thanks to the work of billions of bacteria. Maintaining a healthy hindgut microbiota can help prevent issues such as colic, laminitis, and behavioral problems.

By now, it should be clear why equine nutrition experts focus so much on supporting gut health. Probiotics and prebiotics are two of the tools in the toolbox for achieving this, each with unique functions that can help keep your horse in top form. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at these two groups of supplements and how they can be of benefit to your horse.

Probiotics for Horses

How Do Probiotics Work in Horses?

In the horse's gut, trillions of bacteria work to break down food, extract nutrients, and keep the digestive system functioning smoothly. When this community of bacteria is balanced, it aids in digestion, immune system regulation, and even contributes to the horse's overall behaviour. Probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining this bacterial balance.

Adding a probiotic supplement to your horse's diet introduces beneficial bacteria into the gut microbiota. These 'friendly' bacteria compete with harmful bacteria for resources, essentially crowding them out and reducing their numbers. Besides, some probiotics can also produce substances that directly inhibit harmful bacteria.

When to Use Probiotics for Horses

Probiotics for horses can be especially helpful during periods of stress or digestive upset. Stress can upset the delicate balance of gut microbiota, leading to digestive problems such as diarrhea. Here, probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiota, promoting a healthy digestive system.

After antibiotic therapy, a horse's gut microbiota can be severely depleted as these medications kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Supplementing with probiotics after antibiotics can help restore the population of 'friendly' bacteria in the gut.

Changes in diet can also upset a horse's gut microbiota. If you're introducing new feed or changing grazing conditions, adding a probiotic supplement can help your horse's digestive system adjust to the change.

Choosing a Probiotic Supplement for Horses

Choosing a probiotic supplement for horses can be a little confusing due to the many options available. It's essential to select a supplement that contains strains of bacteria known to benefit horse health, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus species. Also, the supplement should ideally contain a high number of live bacteria to ensure that enough reach the gut to have an effect.

Prebiotics for Horses

How Do Prebiotics Work in Horses?

Prebiotics are non-digestible dietary fibers that act as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut. They reach the horse's large intestine or hindgut undigested, where the resident bacteria ferment them. This fermentation process produces substances like short-chain fatty acids that are beneficial for gut health and overall well-being. 

Prebiotics serve a dual purpose in the equine gut. Firstly, they provide nourishment for beneficial bacteria, helping them to grow and outnumber the harmful bacteria. Secondly, the substances produced during their fermentation have numerous benefits, including providing an energy source for the cells lining the gut, reducing inflammation, and promoting a healthy immune system.

By promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria, they can improve digestive efficiency, enhance nutrient absorption, and support a robust immune system. They also have a beneficial effect on gut health, helping to maintain the integrity of the gut lining and reduce the risk of issues such as leaky gut syndrome.

When to Use Prebiotics for Horses

There are several situations where prebiotics could be beneficial for horses:

• To Support a Healthy Gut Microbiota: Given their role in promoting beneficial bacteria, prebiotics can be useful as part of an ongoing strategy to support gut health in horses.

• To Enhance the Efficacy of Probiotics: Prebiotics act as food for probiotics, so using them together can help to maximise the benefits of probiotic supplements.

• During Periods of Digestive Stress: Stress, changes in diet, illness, or antibiotic use can all disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota. In such situations, prebiotics can help to support the population of beneficial bacteria and maintain gut health.

Choosing a Prebiotic Supplement for Horses

When it comes to choosing a prebiotic supplement for horses, there are several things to consider:

• Types of Prebiotics: There are several types of prebiotics, including fructooligosaccharides (FOS), mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), and trans-galactooligosaccharides (TOS). Each of these prebiotics provides slightly different benefits, so you may want to choose a supplement that contains a combination of these.

• Source of Prebiotics: Some prebiotics come from natural sources like chicory root or yeast cell walls, while others are synthetically produced. Both can be effective, but some horse owners may have a preference for natural sources.

• Compatibility with Your Horse's Diet: Different horses have different dietary needs, so it's crucial to choose a prebiotic supplement that fits well with your horse's overall diet.

The Combined Benefits of Probiotics and Prebiotics

Understanding Synbiotics & Their Role in Digestion

As we've explored, both probiotics and prebiotics play vital roles in maintaining your horse's gut health. However, their combined usage, known as synbiotics, can provide even greater benefits.

Synbiotics are supplements that contain both probiotics and prebiotics in a form that allows the probiotics (the live beneficial bacteria) to survive in the gut and the prebiotics (food for the bacteria) to stimulate their growth. This combination not only helps the probiotics to reach the gut alive and in large numbers but also ensures they can thrive once they're there.

When to Use Synbiotics

Synbiotics can be a great tool for supporting overall gut health in horses. They can be particularly beneficial during periods of stress or illness, where the gut microbiota may be disturbed.

Just like probiotics, synbiotics can also be useful after a course of antibiotics or a change in diet. By providing both the probiotics to restore the gut microbiota and the prebiotics to feed them, synbiotics can help the gut recover more effectively.

Choosing a Synbiotic Supplement for Horses

When choosing a synbiotic supplement for your horse, consider the same factors as for probiotic and prebiotic supplements. Look for supplements that contain proven probiotic strains and effective prebiotics. It can be beneficial to consult with a vet or equine nutritionist to ensure the supplement is suitable for your horse and is administered at the correct dosage.

Final Thoughts on Horse Probiotics and Prebiotics

Consult with Your Equine Nutritionist

Remember, while probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics can be powerful tools for maintaining and improving your horse's gut health, they should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to equine health. It's always essential to consult with your nutritionist before starting any new supplements.

Ongoing Digestive Health Management

Beyond supplementation, maintaining your horse's gut health should include a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine vet checks. Also, remember that each horse is unique, and what works for one horse may not work for another. Tailoring gut health strategies to individual horse needs is key to a thriving and happy horse.