{"id":32060,"date":"2026-07-08T14:36:52","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T12:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hartog.eu\/?post_type=articles&p=32060"},"modified":"2026-07-08T14:55:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T12:55:21","slug":"why-is-hartog-digest-beneficial-for-horses-prone-to-stomach-ulcers","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/hartog.eu\/en\/articles\/why-is-hartog-digest-beneficial-for-horses-prone-to-stomach-ulcers\/","title":{"rendered":"Why is Hartog Digest beneficial for horses prone to stomach ulcers?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stomach ulcers are a common concern in horses, especially in sport horses, with a prevalence of up to 90%.\u00a0They can affect comfort, appetite,\u00a0behaviour\u00a0and performance. While diagnosis and treatment should always be discussed with a veterinarian, nutrition plays\u00a0an important role\u00a0in supporting horses that are prone to gastric ulcers. A broader explanation of causes, symptoms and nutritional management is available in our guide to\u00a0<\/span>stomach ulcers in horses<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hartog Digest is a\u00a0fibre-rich roughage mix developed to support gastric health through structure, chewing time, saliva production and\u00a0a low\u00a0sugar and starch content. By adding extra\u00a0fibre\u00a0and volume to the ration, Hartog Digest can help support a healthier feeding routine for horses that need\u00a0additional\u00a0stomach support.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stomach ulcers in horses: why feeding management matters<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Horses naturally produce stomach acid throughout the day, even when they are not eating. At the same time, horses only produce saliva when they chew. This makes regular forage intake essential, because chewing stimulates saliva production and saliva helps buffer stomach acid.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For horses prone to stomach ulcers,\u00a0long periods\u00a0without forage, high-starch meals and intensive training can place extra pressure on the stomach. A ration built around sufficient roughage, structured\u00a0fibre\u00a0and controlled sugar and starch intake can therefore help support gastric health.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More background on risk factors and feeding advice can be found in our guide to\u00a0<\/span>gastric ulcers in horses<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hartog Digest fits into this approach by increasing the amount of\u00a0fibre\u00a0in the ration and by creating an\u00a0additional\u00a0roughage feeding moment during the day.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hartog Digest supports chewing and saliva production<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of the most important benefits of Hartog Digest is its structure. Hartog Digest is a structure-rich roughage mix that encourages chewing. More chewing means more saliva production, and saliva plays a key role in naturally buffering stomach acid.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because horses only produce saliva while chewing, structured\u00a0fibre-based roughage can help support the stomach\u2019s natural protective mechanisms. This makes Hartog Digest a useful addition for horses that\u00a0benefit\u00a0from longer eating time and more\u00a0fibre\u00a0in the ration.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hartog Digest can also be used as an extra roughage feeding opportunity. This helps reduce the risk of\u00a0long periods\u00a0without forage and supports a more natural feeding pattern.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The specific properties of Hartog Digest are further explained in the comparison between\u00a0<\/span>Lucerne Mix and Hartog Digest<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A low sugar and starch choice for sensitive stomachs<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Rations high in sugar and starch can contribute negatively to gastric health. Many sport horses receive concentrated feeds that are\u00a0relatively rich\u00a0in sugar and starch, especially when extra energy is needed for performance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hartog Digest is formulated with\u00a0a low\u00a0sugar and starch content. This makes it a suitable feed choice for horses that are prone to stomach ulcers or need a more stomach-friendly ration.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hartog Digest can also be mixed with standard concentrated feeds.\u00a0This promotes a more gradual intake of sugars and starches and supports a feeding pattern that better reflects the horse’s natural eating\u00a0behaviour.<\/span><\/p>\n

The role of starch in the\u00a0ration\u00a0is explained further in our article about\u00a0<\/span>starch in horse feed<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For an even lower sugar and starch ration, Hartog Digest can be combined with low sugar and starch feeds such as Hartog Essential or Hartog Daily. These combinations can help provide the required vitamins,\u00a0minerals\u00a0and trace elements while keeping the ration focused on\u00a0fibre. For this type of ration,\u00a0<\/span>Hartog Essential as a balancer for horses<\/span><\/a>\u00a0can be a useful supporting\u00a0option.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffering support from magnesium oxide and calcium<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hartog Digest\u00a0contains\u00a0added magnesium oxide and lucerne. Lucerne is naturally rich in calcium, and both calcium and magnesium oxide are known for their buffering properties, helping to\u00a0neutralise\u00a0stomach acid.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, lucerne provides\u00a0fibre, which contributes to chewing activity and saliva production. Together with the volume provided by\u00a0fibre\u00a0in the stomach, these ingredients help support a more stomach-friendly feeding strategy<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The nutritional role of lucerne is explained further in our article about\u00a0<\/span>lucerne for horses<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fibre\u00a0volume helps support a stable stomach environment<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hartog Digest has a high\u00a0fibre\u00a0content, which gives the feed a natural volume. Adding volume to the stomach can help support a more stable stomach environment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This works alongside the other nutritional features of Hartog Digest: structured\u00a0fibre\u00a0stimulates chewing, chewing stimulates saliva production, saliva helps buffer stomach acid, and magnesium oxide and calcium add further buffering support.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For horses prone to stomach ulcers, this combination makes Hartog Digest a practical way to increase\u00a0fibre\u00a0intake and support gastric balance through the daily ration.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hartog Digest helps form a protective roughage layer<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

During exercise and movement, increased pressure within the abdomen of the horse can cause stomach acid to splash onto the sensitive upper part of the stomach. This can increase the risk of stomach ulcers. Feeding roughage before exercise appears to have a buffering effect and may help reduce this risk.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hartog Digest can help form a fibrous roughage layer in the stomach. This layer helps reduce direct contact between stomach acid and the sensitive upper region of the stomach.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For horses\u00a0in\u00a0work, Hartog Digest can therefore be used as part of a feeding strategy that supports the stomach before training or exercise.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A\u00a0fibre-based nutrient source for sport horses<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sport\u00a0horses often need extra nutrients to support their workload. Traditionally, this is often supplied through concentrated feeds that may be higher in sugar and starch.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hartog Digest offers an alternative way to provide nutrients through\u00a0fibre\u00a0instead of relying\u00a0mainly on\u00a0high sugar and starch ingredients. This shift in feeding strategy supports a more\u00a0fibre-based ration and can help create a healthier digestive environment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hartog Digest can be used alongside other feeds in the ration to help increase\u00a0fibre\u00a0intake, add\u00a0structure\u00a0and support horses that are sensitive to sugar and starch. This\u00a0fibre-focused approach also fits within broader advice on\u00a0<\/span>feeding sport horses<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Hartog Digest supports the digestive system<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hartog Digest is not only relevant\u00a0for\u00a0the stomach. It is also designed to support the wider digestive system through its\u00a0fibre-rich composition and added digestive support ingredients.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This makes Hartog Digest suitable for horses that need support for both gastric comfort and digestive balance. The role of digestive support ingredients is explained further in our article about\u00a0<\/span>prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics for horses<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When can Hartog Digest be useful?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Hartog Digest can be a valuable addition for horses that need nutritional support for gastric health, especially horses that:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n