Probiotics are booming in the human supplement world, with many of us turning to them for gastrointestinal relief. Yet, despite their popularity, not all probiotic products survive the gastric stomach acid (there are only two brands that I personally know of that actually get through into the intestines), and equally not everyone finds them effective - some even experience negative effects.

So, do they really work? Since 2020, here at EquiNatural we've been tracking the science of the equine gut biome and probiotics, and the truth is, it’s complex. Human studies show that simply adding a few strains of bacteria often isn’t enough to rebalance the gut. In fact, only 15-25% of people report any benefit, while others notice no change or experience worse symptoms like gas or bloating.

For horses, this uncertainty is magnified as currently there's no equine probiotic that mimics the equine hindgut bacteria colonies. Yet without our horse able to communicate discomfort alongside limited equine research, we’re left guessing. Often, probiotic products are also given without addressing root causes such as chronic stress or inappropriate diets, which themselves fuel harmful bacterial growth.

The solution? A focus on feeding probiotically - feed your horse as they're evolved to be fed with grass forage fibre, supported by pre -biotic fibres to feed the biome flora, and phytonutrients to balance the diet. These natural allies stabilise the GI tract, suppress pathogens and yeast, and encourage a healthy balance of gut flora.

In short, whether human or horse, a balanced grass forage diet, enriched with prebiotics and gut-supporting herbs, is key to restoring and maintaining gut health.

For the latest insights on equine gut health, see our A-Z Equine Condition/Gut System page.

Produced to ecological standards and free from agro-chemicals. See our Quality page for for Organic Certification Documents.

• Feed 5g/100kg bodyweight per day. i.e. 25g daily for a 500kg horse.
• 1 level 75ml scoop = 16-grams.

If your horse already has onset leaky gut, then the intestinal environment needs stabilising first. See our SiboCARE blend, or contact us for guidance.

• When I turned Bobby out this morning he spun, bucked, and sprung off like a spring lamb! Before he'd just stand there and look miserable. I haven't seen him like this for such a long time, it's wonderful to see, so happy x
• What have you done to my horse? I can do his fly rug up again! You were right! Carolyn & Victor
• Don’t want to speak too soon but what a difference, and only in 24hours. He stopped trying to bite me and I can now touch his belly and reach underneath him. He just seems more comfortable, it's amazing so thank you so much, Emma