When the gut microbiome is out of balance, the immune system’s ability to respond effectively is compromised. Supporting beneficial gut bacteria while clearing out harmful microbes is essential to rebalance the microbiome and maintain overall gut health.

The challenge of dysbiosis

Leaky gut and hindgut dysbiosis, also referred to as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), occur when pro-inflammatory bacteria dominate, including the resistant Archaea strain. These imbalances can lead to gut permeability, chronic inflammation, and faecal water syndrome.

Antibiotic treatments, often prescribed for gut infections, are not only increasingly ineffective (with as little as a 5% success rate) but also pose a risk of long-term microbiome disruption. Studies show that the microbiome often struggles to recover fully after an antibiotic course, leading to further health challenges.

The ripple effect on detoxification

Leaky gut can overwhelm the body’s natural detoxification processes. An excess of toxins from the gut increases the burden on the liver (responsible for biotransformation) and the kidneys (responsible for excretion). This toxin overload can keep a horse in a prolonged state of chronic ill health, affecting their overall vitality.

This programme takes a botanical, gut-focused approach, helping to rebuild the microbiome naturally without the risks associated with aggressive pharmaceutical treatments. By clearing harmful microbes and supporting gut lining integrity, this programme encourages long-term gut health and overall wellness.

For further hindgut insights, see our main Gut System page (Advice Centre/A-Z Equine Condition)

Important Note

This is a nutritional, functional food programme and not veterinary medicine. For more on this, see Dr Kellon's article - Nutrition is not 'Alternative' Therapy .

A step-by-step guide to supporting your horse’s recovery

* Each item is available separately - see the product links below.

Step 1: Alleviate

- DuoBute

First, we start alleviating the gut discomfort and inflammation with DuoBute , formulated to be very gentle on the fragile gut mucosa.

• Feed for a couple of days in a p.m. feed to start taking the edge off, before starting the detox. Continue feeding until finished (1-Month).
• Optional - if your horse is stressed, also feed a 1-month course of StressTonic .
  
  

Step 2: Gut Stabilise & Reset

- HindgutCOMBO

Once your horse has had a couple of days on the DuoBute (and StressTonic if feeding), now we start the reset.

Feed the HindgutCOMBO in an a.m. feed for 1-month, then take a few days to assess. It's important to see how your horse's gut functions following the supplement; depending on the historic degree of gut damage, it may be that a 2nd month's course will need to be fed.

• A 1-month course of HindgutCOMBO - a combined 3-in-1 blend of EquiNatural's SiboCARE , GutAminos , & Spirulina .

Stage 3: Detoxification Organs

- LKLCARE

We now tone the body's detoxification organs - liver, kidneys, lymph nodes. This addresses the body's natural detox process and resets the gut:liver:kidneys pathway, to support immune function and metabolic health.

• A 1-month course of LKLCARE

NB. If you think your horse is a KPU candidate, see our KPU page .

Top Tip

For fussy eaters, start slow! A pinch of each at a time and slowly build up.

* Supplements of any kind should be fed with caution to the pregnant or nursing mare so always seek veterinary advice.

The focus now is on maintaining your horse's health long-term. By feeding tonifying supplements to support a balanced gut microbiome, alongside a diet rich in healthy, natural nutrition, you'll be giving your horse the best chance to thrive.

Have a look at our suggestions below - we're not saying to feed them all - just go with what feels right for your horse. Metabolic health is a sliding scale, influenced by daily choices that compound over time. Each decision - big or small - helps tip the scales in your horse's favour, ensuring lasting wellness and vitality.

1. Think fortify - switch processed feeds to a grass forage-fibre feed, i.e a meadow cob/chaff, and getting as much quality hay going through the hindgut, while closing the nutrient gap with forage-balanced minerals.
   
   
2. BiomeTonic , aka the well-known 'oily herbs', stabilise the intestinal environment by protecting the beneficial gut bacteria while creating an unwelcome environment for pathogen microbes and parasites. Some horses seem to need it permanently; others do well when fed every couple of weeks or so. It's very much horses for courses so your horse will no doubt tell you.
   
   
3. WildFed adds valuable prebiotic roughage and nutrient diversity to the diet. Either add to the feedbowl or sprinkle a handful over hay every other day or so - horses love to seek out the herbs for enrichment.
   
   
4. VitaBoost is more than a supplement - it's a powerhouse of natural nourishment for your horse. Crafted from 9 organic antioxidant-rich ingredients, this soya-free, synthetic-free blend provides essential vitamins in their natural form (A, C, E, K, and B-complex), anti-inflammatory antioxidants, and powerful beta-glucans to fortify vitality, performance, and long-term health.
   
   Whether your horse is in light work or intense training, VitaBoost delivers a natural feedbowl tonic for optimal wellbeing. Feed however it suits, either every day or one week a month - whenever you think your horse needs a nutrient boost.