Prebiotics and postbiotics are available nutrient supplements to support horse gut health and immune function. 

What is the Gut Microbiome?

The horses’ gastrointestinal tract contains an ecosystem of microorganisms, called the microbiome. In a healthy state, the microbiome is balanced with beneficial bacteria (also known as probiotics). These bacteria are fermenting carbohydrates (such as fibre) to produce volatile fatty acids (VFA’s) which are a major energy source for the horse.  When horses are stressed, this population of bacteria can become unstable, leading to reduced nutrient absorption and poor gut function. 

What are Prebiotics and Postbiotics?

Prebiotics are considered the “fuel” for probiotics (beneficial bacteria) in the gut. They support a healthy gut, fibre fermentation and nutrient utilization. 

Probiotics use the prebiotic “fuel” produce postbiotics or metabolites, such as amino acids, vitamins, short chain fatty acids and more. These are absorbed by the gut to perform various functions in the body. These postbiotics can be precisely produced outside of the animal through fermentation technology.

How to Support my Horse’s Gut Health:

A well-balanced gut not only supports optimal nutrient absorption but also contributes to overall well-being and health.

Feeding prebiotics and postbiotics to your horse, supports this healthy gut function and maintenance of the microbiome. During times of stress, the gut is not functioning at optimal levels, and the supplementation of prebiotics and postbiotics can help support your horses’ healthy gut. 

What are the Main Benefits of Prebiotics and Postbiotics For My Horse?

• Maintain Horse Gut Health: leading to enhanced gut function & improved nutrient utilization
• Immune System Support: postbiotics have been shown to reduce inflammation and stress markers which support overall health
• Improved Performance: Horses with a healthy & stable gut environment are more likely to have consistent energy levels, better coat condition, and exercise recovery.

What About Supplemental Probiotics?

Probiotics are the live beneficial bacteria that naturally exist in the horse’s digestive system as part of the microbiome. Horses have the ability to maintain a diverse gut microbiome when they are in good health and are fueled with a balanced diet. Adding probiotics to your horse’s diet is not always necessary, but could be considered in certain situations or during times of stress. Such as, a change of environment, strenuous exercise or a bout of inconsistent manure/diarrhea, are all stressful challenges for your horse where we often recommend investing in a high-quality short-term probiotic supplement to support and repopulate the gut microbiome.

Where Can I Find Prebiotics and Postbiotics for my Horse? 

They are one of the gut health supplements built into all of the Harmony Feeds. 

References: 

1. Responses to an intra-articular lipopolysaccharide challenge following dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product in young horses. Martinez et al., 2021. Journal of Animal Science. 
2. Postbiotics- a Step beyond pre- and probiotics. Zolkiewicz et al., 2020. Nutrients.