Should I Feed Psyllium?

Should I Feed Psyllium?  

Many horse managers, especially those that may live on sandy soil, or have their horses in sand yards, will feed psyllium at one time or another. With the dry conditions we are facing this spring and into summer, it is also a practice popping up in conversation regularly! It leaves the question to be asked, should I feed Psyllium? 

The use of Psyllium as an additive is nothing new, it has been used to help prevent and treat sand colic for many years. The feeding of Psyllium works best when used as part of a broader management plan. If your horse does have a risk of getting sand colic a treatment and prevention plan is best, this can be discussed with your veterinarian, they will help you with all you need to know.  

Sand is generally picked up when horses are grazing or picking feed up off the ground. It unfortunately doesn’t move well through the digestive tract, and over time accumulates in the large intestine. A horse that lives in a sandy environment may show signs such as weight loss, continued digestive issues, and decreased appetite.  

Over time this may lead to:   

• Colic (in severe cases surgery) 

• Poor nutrient absorption 

• Constipation or scouring 

• Irritation to the lining of both the stomach and intestine 

Psyllium is a natural product that comes from the husk of seeds from Plantago Ovata plant. It is high in soluble fibre and when exposed to water, it turns into a gel-like substance that expands. It’s this gel that adheres to the sand in the gut and helps it move through the digestive system. 

Benefits of Psyllium: 

• Can help in the prevention of sand colic and the accumulation of sand in the gut 

• Known to support good digestive health, helping to improve gut function 

• Assists in clearing sand from digestive system 

• Promotes regular bowel movements 

• Helps alleviate constipation as it has a mild laxative effect 

• Support growth of good bacteria in the gut 

• Improved faecal texture 

• Helps provide a protective coating for the stomach, which may help reduce irritation, this in turn may assist with other digestive issues.  

Correct dosage will depend on weight, especially for foals and smaller horses. Below is a guide only, appropriate dosages should be discussed with your veterinarian.  

• Adult horses 450kg-500kg, 180-200g daily for 5 days 

• Ponies 250-350kg, 90-150g daily for 5 days 

• Foals and Miniatures, 50-90g daily for 5 days 

Always make sure your horse has access to plenty of clean fresh water as psyllium absorbs so much moisture you don’t want your horse getting dehydrated. Avoid feeding psyllium every day, it is best used for shorter periods of 5 days, once a month. Do not wet psyllium prior to feeding, this can lead to the possibility of choke as the husk swells. It can however be mixed with oil to help improve the palatability, or there are some pelleted forms available. 

How do I know if the treatment is working? 

• You may be able to see the sand in your horse’s manure. You can try placing some manure in a bucket of water, the sand should make its way to the bottom of the bucket as the manure dissolves 

• Your horse should appear happier and not as uncomfortable 

• Improved appetite 

• Overall condition should improve 

As with any new supplement it should be introduced gradually and always monitor your horse closely for any changes. Before starting your horse on psyllium or if you horse does appear unwell, call your veterinarian for assistance to determine the best treatment available.