A horse’s digestive system is sensitive and multi-stage. Stress, feed changes, hard training, and long intervals between meals can destabilise stomach function and predispose the mucous membranes to irritation. Protect That Tummy was developed to support the normal function of the horse’s stomach and intestines with a combination of natural ingredients. This combination is based on research and equine physiology. The ingredients form a whole that calms the stomach, strengthens the mucous membrane, and promotes hindgut balance.
There are three critical areas related to the wellbeing of the horse’s stomach and intestines:
- Protecting the mucous membrane from acidity
- Balancing the gut microbiome
- Supporting mucosal healing and immune defence
The Protect That Tummy formula is built to nutritionally address these three challenges. Each ingredient has been chosen based on research evidence, experience, and equine physiology.
PECTIN
Pectin is one of the most central raw materials in the product, because its ability to form a gel-like layer together with the acidic contents of the stomach is well documented. This protective gel surface reduces direct contact between acids and the mucous membrane. In addition, it helps stabilise movements of stomach contents, especially during exercise. The effect of pectin is not limited to the stomach alone, because it also ferments gently in the large intestine, which supports normal gut function.
In studies, the pectin–lecithin combination has been observed to strengthen the gastric mucosa, increase its protective lipid layer, reduce the severity of gastric ulcers, and decrease clinical signs. The effect was in part comparable to medicinal treatment (despite a different mechanism of action).
INULIN
Inulin strengthens the product’s prebiotic effect. Inulin travels undigested to the large intestine, where beneficial bacteria ferment it into short-chain fatty acids. These are the main energy source for intestinal mucosal cells, and they have been shown to support mucosal integrity and functional recovery. Inulin contains fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), which are effective prebiotics. FOS increase beneficial bacteria within 24–48 hours and feed especially bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
They prevent excessive acidification in the hindgut, and in studies FOS has improved faecal quality in horses, acting as a stabiliser for diarrhoea and loose manure. With inulin, the microbiome can be supported when the horse is experiencing stress or dietary changes, which are often also linked to stomach issues. The amount of inulin in Protect That Tummy provides a prebiotic effect without overloading a sensitive stomach.
BREWER’S YEAST
In horses, brewer’s yeast has been well studied particularly as a microbiome balancer and as a supporter of improved fibre breakdown. Brewer’s yeast contains components that support both immune defence and gut balance. According to one study, beta-glucan improved immune response in horses in stressful situations. MOS (mannan-oligosaccharides) bind harmful bacteria (including E. coli) in the gut and prevent them from attaching to the intestinal surface, which is especially helpful when the horse’s gut is out of balance. In addition, it has the ability to increase beneficial bacteria.
Equine studies have shown that beta-glucan can improve horses’ acute immune response and resistance during periods of stress. This is important for horses prone to gastric ulcers.
FENUGREEK
Fenugreek contains natural mucilages that form a soft, protective surface layer on the gastric mucosa. Its gel-like effect helps smooth gastric acidity and relieve mucosal irritation. Fenugreek is also known for its ability to stimulate appetite, which can be helpful in horses whose eating has temporarily decreased due to stomach issues. Fenugreek’s properties complement pectin’s effect and strengthen the product’s stomach-friendly qualities.
LECITHIN
Lecithin is one of the most important components in stomach products when the goal is to support the mucosa’s own protective barrier. The phospholipids in lecithin strengthen the natural lipid layer of the gastric mucosa, which acts as a mechanical shield against acids. The benefits of lecithin have been studied especially together with pectin, and this combination has been found to support both gastric mucosal wellbeing and its normal structure.
ROSEHIP
Rosehip adds natural antioxidants, vitamin C, and fermentable fibres to the product. The role of antioxidants is to support normal mucosal renewal and reduce oxidative load, which is often associated with both stress and an acidic environment. Rosehip also supports the horse’s overall condition and recovery, which makes it a very suitable part of the formula. When these above-mentioned ingredients are combined, Protect That Tummy delivers three mechanisms of action that are central for supporting a sensitive-stomached horse: it forms a natural protective film in the stomach, strengthens mucosal structures, and balances the hindgut microbiome. The combined effect of these mechanisms is calming, stomach-supportive, and promotes the horse’s wellbeing holistically.
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