HP Gastrovet

HP Gastrovet

HP Gastrovet by Health & Performance is a mineral-based complementary feed for horses, developed to support normal stomach and intestinal function. It combines calcareous marine algae, pectin, lecithin, and yeast cultures to help maintain a healthy gastric environment and support digestion.

A horse’s stomach continuously produces gastric acid, even when the horse is not eating. In horses undergoing intensive training, traveling frequently to competitions, or spending extended periods without forage, the balance between gastric acid and the stomach’s natural protective mechanisms can be challenged.

HP Gastrovet contains calcareous marine algae, also known as maerl. These are naturally rich in calcium and magnesium and have acid-buffering properties. The formula also contains pectin and lecithin, ingredients used to support the natural protective barrier of the stomach lining.

The addition of live yeast cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supports the intestinal environment and the digestion of nutrients. With its appealing apple flavor, HP Gastrovet is also easy to incorporate into the daily feeding program.

Properties and benefits

HP Gastrovet combines several ingredients that work together to support stomach and intestinal health.

• Calcareous marine algae (maerl): provide a natural source of calcium and magnesium. These minerals contribute to the product’s acid-buffering properties and help maintain normal gastric acidity.
• Pectin: a soluble dietary fiber capable of forming a gel-like structure. It is used to support the stomach lining and intestinal environment.
• Lecithin: contains phospholipids that are components of biological membranes and contribute to the natural protective properties of the stomach lining.
• Live yeast cultures: Saccharomyces cerevisiae supports the microbial balance in the intestines and contributes to efficient digestion of dietary fiber.
• Alfalfa: provides fiber and minerals, including calcium, making it a valuable component of a feeding program designed to support gastric health.
• Palatable apple flavor: ingredients such as apple pulp and apple molasses make the supplement appealing to horses.

HP Gastrovet therefore supports both the gastric environment and intestinal function, making it a practical addition to the daily diet of horses with sensitive digestive systems.

When to use HP Gastrovet?

HP Gastrovet is particularly useful for horses that may benefit from additional nutritional support for their stomach and intestines, for example:

• Performance horses undergoing intensive training or competing regularly.
• Horses that are sensitive to changes in their feeding schedule or daily routine.
• During periods of transportation, competition, or increased stress.
• Horses receiving relatively large amounts of concentrate feed.
• Horses that may benefit from additional nutritional support for the stomach lining.
• As a daily supplement for horses with sensitive stomachs or digestive systems.

Gastric acid production is a normal and essential part of digestion. Maintaining a healthy stomach depends on the balance between gastric acid, saliva, nutrition, and the stomach lining’s natural protective mechanisms.

Sufficient forage and an appropriate feeding schedule therefore remain essential. HP Gastrovet can be a valuable addition, particularly for horses experiencing increased gastrointestinal demands due to training, transportation, or daily management.

Composition

Calcareous marine algae (maerl), alfalfa, apple pulp, brewer’s yeast, vegetable oil (soybean), apple molasses (pectin), and crude lecithin.

The product also contains vitamin E, choline chloride, and biotin as nutritional additives.

As a zootechnical feed additive, HP Gastrovet contains live yeast cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-4407 to support intestinal flora.

The calcareous marine algae provide important amounts of calcium and magnesium and contribute to the mineral content and acid-buffering properties of the product.

Directions for use and dosage

HP Gastrovet is mixed with the horse’s regular feed each day. The palatable pellets can easily be administered with concentrate feed or another suitable meal.

One level measuring scoop contains approximately 25 g.

According to the feeding instructions provided by Health & Performance, the following daily amounts are recommended:

• Adult horses: 2 scoops daily (50 g).
• Performance horses undergoing intensive training: up to 4 scoops daily (100 g), depending on individual requirements.
• Ponies and foals: 1 scoop daily (25 g).

Mix the daily amount with the regular feed once a day. Ensure that the horse receives sufficient high-quality forage and avoid unnecessarily long periods without access to feed.

HP Gastrovet can be used during periods of increased demand or administered over a longer period as part of the daily feeding program to support normal stomach and intestinal function.

For horses with recurring gastric sensitivity, it is also important to evaluate the complete feeding program. Whenever possible, divide concentrate feed into several smaller meals and avoid prolonged interruptions in forage intake.

Packaging and duration of use

HP Gastrovet is available in two package sizes:

• 1.5 kg: a convenient package for an initial supplementation period or short-term digestive support.
• 4.5 kg: an economical bulk package for long-term daily supplementation.

The duration of use depends on the daily dosage.

1.5 kg package:

• 25 g daily: approximately 60 days.
• 50 g daily: approximately 30 days.
• 100 g daily: approximately 15 days.

4.5 kg package:

• 25 g daily: approximately 180 days.
• 50 g daily: approximately 90 days.
• 100 g daily: approximately 45 days.

Store the product tightly closed in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture. Keep out of reach of children and observe the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Advice from the equine veterinarian

Gastric problems are common in performance horses. Intensive training, transportation, competitions, and changes in feeding management can all affect the gastric environment. Horses that spend extended periods without forage or receive relatively large amounts of concentrate feed deserve particular attention.

I consider HP Gastrovet an interesting supplement because it combines several ingredients that support stomach and intestinal function. Calcareous marine algae help buffer gastric acid, while pectin and lecithin support the stomach lining’s natural protective mechanisms. The added yeast cultures also support intestinal flora and the digestion of dietary fiber.

I particularly recommend HP Gastrovet for performance horses that train and compete regularly, but also for horses with sensitive stomachs or during periods when their daily routine changes.

Alongside supplementation, feeding management is especially important. Horses continuously produce gastric acid. Regular forage intake stimulates saliva production and helps buffer stomach contents naturally. Providing a small amount of alfalfa before intensive exercise can also be beneficial.

For horses prone to gastric problems, I therefore recommend providing sufficient forage, avoiding prolonged periods without feed, and carefully evaluating the amount of starch-rich concentrate in the diet.

If a horse shows clear or recurring signs of gastric discomfort, such as reduced appetite, behavioral changes during girthing, weight loss, or reduced performance, gastroscopy can help determine whether gastric ulcers are present. HP Gastrovet is intended as nutritional support and does not replace appropriate treatment of diagnosed gastric ulcers.

My recommendation is to use HP Gastrovet as part of a stomach-friendly feeding program, both for horses with sensitive stomachs and for performance horses that may benefit from additional support during training and competition.