A horse’s stomach and intestinal wellbeing is one of the most significant factors behind performance, energy utilization, and overall wellbeing. When the balance is working, the horse uses feed more efficiently and everyday life runs smoothly. But when the balance is disrupted—feeding changes, stress increases, or the microbial balance is disturbed—the role of nutrition becomes even more important.
Why are fiber and yeast of interest in feeding?
The horse’s digestive tract is a sensitive ecosystem. When the microbiota functions well, nutrients are absorbed more efficiently and the horse can maintain a steady energy balance. According to studies, beta-glucans, inulin, mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), and yeast in particular support the maintenance of this balance.
Research has focused especially on prebiotic fibers and yeasts because they are directly connected to the function of the gut microbiota. Inulin serves as a food source for beneficial bacteria, and yeasts support the activity of fiber-degrading microbes. Together, these can promote normal digestive function, especially when there are changes in feeding or in everyday routines.
Yeast – versatile support for the microbiota
Saccharomyces yeast strains are among the most effective natural nutritional tools for supporting digestion. Yeast can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and support physical balance in digestion, especially together with other fibers and prebiotics.
Beta-glucans – immunity and balance
Beta-glucans are polysaccharides derived from yeasts and plant fibers, studied in equine feeding because of their structural and biological interactions. According to research, they may support the immune system and help stabilize the gut environment—meaning they can help the horse stay bright and resilient even during periods of increased load. Beta-glucans cannot be broken down by the horse’s own digestive enzymes; instead, they pass through the digestive tract and interact with the gut microbiota and immune cells.
Based on research, beta-glucans are associated with calming the gut environment and supporting a normal immune response, especially in situations where the horse’s body is under strain. Beta-glucans do not “treat” anything; rather, they support the normal function of the gut and immune system as part of balanced feeding.
MOS – maintaining gut balance
Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) are yeast-derived compounds studied in equine feeding due to their physical mechanism of action. MOS compounds are not a nutrient for the horse’s own enzymes; they pass through the gut and can bind to undesirable microbes.
As a result, the gut environment can remain calmer and beneficial microbes have better conditions to function. MOS therefore does not “treat” anything; it supports normal gut balance in a structural way.
Inulin – a prebiotic to support the microbiota
Inulin functions as a prebiotic: it feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut. Studies show that inulin can promote a balanced microbiome, support fiber utilization, and prevent imbalances that may lead to discomfort or intestinal problems.
The overall approach is what matters
In light of research, what matters for the gut is not a single ingredient, but the overall combination, where:
- prebiotic fibers feed the microbiota
- yeasts support fiber utilization
- MOS compounds support the gut’s structural balance
- mineral-based ingredients can support the physical environment of the digestive tract
When you want to support your horse’s stomach and gut in a comprehensive way, it makes sense to choose a product where these factors are combined into one complete formulation.
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Gastro Clay B has been developed specifically for this purpose—to support the nutritional balance of digestion and the microbiota when gut wellbeing is something you want to address as part of daily feeding.
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Brewer’s yeast – a natural and versatile source of B vitamins, which fiber-digesting microbes use for energy and nutrient availability.
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Bentonite clay – an alkaline clay traditionally used to support pH balance in the digestive tract.
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Inulin – a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut microbes and supports the balance of the gut microbiome.
- Liveto Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 – a probiotic yeast strain that stimulates the growth of fiber-digesting microbes and promotes nutrient availability and gut function.
CdG Gastro Clay B
Research references:
Digestion and microbiota in horses
- Julliand, V., Grimm, P. (2017). The impact of diet on the hindgut microbiome of horses. Journal of Animal Science, 95(4), 1808–1818.
Yeasts and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in equine feeding
- Jouany, J. P., Gobert, J., Medina, B., Bertin, G., Julliand, V. (2008). Effect of live yeast culture supplementation on apparent digestibility and rate of passage in horses fed a high-fiber or high-starch diet. Journal of Animal Science, 86, 339–347.
- Medina, B., Girard, I. D., Jacotot, E., Julliand, V. (2002). Effect of a preparation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on microbial profiles and fermentation patterns in the equine hindgut. Journal of Animal Science, 80, 2600–2609.
Beta-glucans (yeast-derived polysaccharides)
- Vetvicka, V., Oliveira, C. (2014). β-Glucans as modulators of immune responses. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 25(4), 343–351.
- Stuyven, E., et al. (2010). The influence of dietary β-glucans on immune responses in animals. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 135, 1–10.
MOS – mannan-oligosaccharides
- Spring, P., Wenk, C., Dawson, K. A., Newman, K. E. (2000). The effects of dietary mannanoligosaccharides on gut microbial populations and intestinal morphology in animals. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 89, 155–164.
- O’Connor-Robison, C. I., et al. (2007). Effects of yeast cell wall products on microbial populations in the equine gastrointestinal tract. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 27(10), 447–454.
Inulin and prebiotic fibers
- Julliand, V., de Fombelle, A., Drogoul, C., Jacotot, E. (2001). Feeding and microbial disorders in horses: Effects of inulin and fermentable fibers. Livestock Production Science, 68, 215–224.
- Respondek, F., et al. (2008). Effects of short-chain fructooligosaccharides on equine hindgut fermentation. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 92, 576–585.
Overall effects of fibers and the microbiota
- Salem, A. Z. M., et al. (2018). Role of dietary fiber in gut health of horses. Animals, 8(7), 123.
