Probiotics

Probiotics for horses

A healthy intestinal microbiota is essential for digestive function, physical condition, and overall well-being in horses. The gastrointestinal tract contains billions of microorganisms, including bacteria and yeasts, that together form the gut microbiome. These microorganisms are particularly important in the cecum and large intestine, where they ferment dietary fiber and contribute to energy production.

The composition of intestinal microbiota is influenced by diet, stress, training, transportation, and general health. During dietary changes or intensive training periods, the balance of the gut microbiome may be affected.

Probiotics for horses contain live microorganisms that may support normal digestive function. Combined with prebiotics and other nutrients, they can contribute to a healthy intestinal environment.

Which probiotic supplement is right for your horse?

Our selection includes four supplements that support different aspects of gastric and intestinal health.

Audevard Bo Yeas Act Ultra

Bo Yeas Act Ultra combines live yeast cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Actisaf®) with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Mycosorb A+® Equine.

The combination of probiotics and prebiotics supports normal microbial fermentation and nutrient utilization. This product is particularly interesting during dietary changes, intensive training, and periods when additional support for intestinal microbiota is desirable.

Available in 1.2 kg and 5 kg packages.

HP Intestovet

HP Intestovet combines prebiotics, live yeast cultures, and inactivated yeast components to provide broad nutritional support for intestinal function.

The formula contains chicory root as a natural source of inulin, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and several vitamins.

HP Intestovet is particularly suitable for horses with sensitive digestion, variable manure consistency, or an increased need for intestinal support, such as during transportation and dietary changes.

Available as palatable pellets in a 3 kg package.

Audevard Ekygard+

Ekygard+ is primarily developed to support gastric health in horses.

The formula contains pectin, lecithin, magnesium hydroxide, lithothamnion, sea buckthorn berries, and live yeast cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

This combination provides nutritional support for the gastric mucosa, helps buffer gastric acidity, and contributes to normal digestive function.

It is particularly interesting for performance horses and horses regularly exposed to transportation, competitions, and changes in management.

Available in 2.4 kg, 6 kg, and 14 kg packages.

HP Gastrovet

HP Gastrovet combines ingredients that support gastric health with live yeast cultures.

The formula contains calcareous marine algae (maerl), pectin, lecithin, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-4407.

The mineral-rich marine algae contribute to the product’s acid-buffering properties, while pectin and lecithin support the natural protective mechanisms of the gastric mucosa. The live yeast cultures provide additional nutritional support for intestinal microbiota.

Available as palatable pellets in 1.5 kg and 4.5 kg packages.

What is the difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide a health benefit when administered in adequate amounts. In horses, certain strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are commonly used.

Prebiotics are dietary substances, such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), that are selectively utilized by certain intestinal microorganisms.

Postbiotics are preparations of inactivated microorganisms and/or their components that provide a health benefit. Not every inactivated yeast ingredient automatically meets this definition.

Combining different ingredients may provide complementary nutritional support for normal intestinal function.

When can probiotics be beneficial?

Probiotics may be a valuable addition during dietary changes, intensive training, transportation, or other stressful circumstances. Horses with sensitive digestive systems or variable manure consistency may also benefit from additional nutritional support for intestinal microbiota.

However, the foundation of digestive health remains a balanced diet containing sufficient high-quality forage. Gradual dietary changes, consistent feeding schedules, and adequate access to fresh water are essential for normal digestive function.

Persistent diarrhea, recurrent colic, or unexplained weight loss should always prompt veterinary investigation.

Advice from the equine veterinarian

As a veterinarian specializing in equine sports medicine, I consider healthy gastric and intestinal function essential for the physical condition and performance of sport horses.

For targeted support of intestinal microbiota, I recommend HP Intestovet or Bo Yeas Act Ultra. When gastric health is the primary concern, HP Gastrovet and Ekygard+ are interesting alternatives.

My primary recommendation is always to optimize feeding management first. Supplements can complement a balanced diet but cannot replace adequate forage intake or appropriate treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.