A horse’s stomach makes acid around the clock, so ulcers come down to a simple equation: acid plus an empty stomach, made worse by stress. Prevention is mostly about keeping forage moving through the gut and taking the pressure off — and most of it costs little or nothing. For the full background, see our complete guide to equine gastric ulcers.
Maximize forage — the single biggest lever
Near-constant access to hay or pasture buffers stomach acid and mimics the way horses are built to graze. Long gaps without food are a primary cause of ulcers, so aim to keep something in front of your horse most of the day — slow-feed haynets are a good way to stretch forage without overfeeding.
Feed a little before you ride
During exercise, acid splashes up into the unprotected upper stomach. A small amount of hay before work — alfalfa is an excellent buffer — creates a mat that helps keep acid down and is one of the easiest protective habits to build.
Cut the grain and starch
High-starch concentrate feeds increase ulcer risk. Where you can, lean on forage and added fat for calories instead of large grain meals, and split any concentrates into smaller, more frequent feedings.
Turnout, company, and less stress
Confinement, isolation, heavy training, and frequent travel all raise risk. More turnout and social contact, plus steady routines, reduce the stress that drives glandular disease in particular. Around known stressors like shipping or competition, ask your vet about a preventive dose of omeprazole — and be cautious with NSAIDs like bute, which can contribute to glandular ulcers.
If your horse has already been treated, these same habits are what protect that investment — see how treatment works and what it costs.
Not sure where your horse stands?
VETR is building nationwide telehealth that connects you with licensed veterinarians from home. Join the list and we’ll help you build a feeding and management plan that keeps ulcers away.
Join VETR →Confirm equine telehealth availability and your state’s prescribing rules before launch.
Everyday gut & calm support from VETR
Alongside good management, VETR offers supportive products — digestive and calming supplements — for hard-working and easily-stressed horses.
Shop VETR →Supportive supplements are not a treatment for diagnosed ulcers and don’t replace veterinary care.
Frequently asked questions
What should I feed a horse to prevent ulcers?
Aim for near-constant forage (hay or pasture), keep grain and high-starch feeds low, and offer a little hay before exercise. Forage buffers stomach acid and is the single most protective thing you can do.
Does alfalfa help prevent ulcers?
Yes - alfalfa acts as a natural buffer against stomach acid, so a small amount of alfalfa hay, especially before exercise, can help protect the upper stomach.
Can turnout prevent ulcers?
More turnout and social contact reduce the confinement stress that contributes to ulcers, and grazing keeps forage and saliva flowing, both of which lower risk.
Should I use UlcerGard at shows or during travel?
Many owners use a preventive dose of omeprazole around known stressors like shipping and competition. Talk to your vet about timing and dose for your horse.
Do gastric supplements prevent ulcers?
Supportive supplements may help round out gut care, but they are not a proven substitute for forage-first management or for medication when a horse is at high risk. Treat them as support, not a cure.
References & sources
- Sykes BW, et al. ECEIM Consensus Statement: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in Adult Horses. J Vet Intern Med. 2015;29(5):1288–1299.
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Stomach (Gastric) Ulcers in Horses
Dosing figures follow FDA-approved label rates for omeprazole; cost ranges are general market estimates. Always confirm diagnosis, dosing, and treatment with your veterinarian.