Biotic for Horses Biotic for Horses

Good to Know

Gut microbiota in horses: why the gastrointestinal tract is so important

Approximately 80% of the immune system resides in the gut. Your horse's gut microbiota can make a decisive contribution to health, performance and wellbeing. Billions of microorganisms work in the equine gut: bacteria such as lactobacilli, yeasts, fungi and protozoa together form the microbiome that breaks down crude fibre and makes it available to the horse as an energy source. An intact intestinal barrier and a stable gut environment are essential for digestive function and a healthy microbiome.

This delicate balance can quickly be disrupted by stress, feed changes, spring grazing, transport, illness or medication. The quality of forage also plays a role: poor-quality or badly stored hay can put additional strain on the gut microbiota. The consequences: soft stools, faecal water, bloating, stomach and digestive problems. The immune system can also be affected, because immune defence is closely linked to the health of the gastrointestinal tract.

Targeted gut recovery in horses works precisely at this point. As a horse owner, you can actively support the gut microbiota with probiotics. Prebiotics supply the nutrition that beneficial gut bacteria need to grow. Gut recovery is not a one-off measure but works best with regular, consistent use.

Pre- and probiotics for horses: what's the difference?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that actively support gut microbiota. They can contain bacterial strains, yeast cultures or both. NutraVital® Biotic uses live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which, unlike inactive brewer's yeast, works actively in the horse's digestive system and can contribute to stabilising the microbiome.

Prebiotics are indigestible fibres that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. The inulin in NutraVital® Biotic specifically promotes the growth of "good" microorganisms. If you're looking for gut probiotics for your horse, it's worth choosing a product that combines pre- and probiotic substances.

The combination of prebiotics and probiotics can be more effective than either component alone. The probiotic stabilises the gut microbiota, the prebiotic nourishes the healthy bacteria. A dual approach to maintaining your horse's gut health.

Gut recovery in horses: after antibiotics, with soft stools and faecal water

After antibiotic treatment or worming, the horse's gut microbiota is often decimated. Antibiotics do not distinguish between harmful and beneficial bacteria. Targeted gut recovery with a probiotic can support the rebuilding of gut microbiota and contribute to stabilising the microbiome.

Soft stools and faecal water are among the most common digestive problems in horses, with the cause often lying in the large intestine. Even during a feed change, such as the transition from hay to grass in spring, the composition of the gut microbiota shifts. Stressful situations such as transport, stable changes or competitions can put further strain on the delicate balance.

NutraVital® Biotic is designed for permanent use. Not as a one-off treatment, but as continuous support for regulating and stabilising digestive function. So your horse is prepared for whatever comes.