Diet and Colic in Horses: Causes, Prevention & Feeding Tips

Published: July 10, 2026

Print as PDF

Colic is one of the most common health issues affecting horses. It can also be one of the most serious. While colic can present itself as mild gas, it can be far more severe – with intestinal twists, ruptures and severe pain. The good news is, prevention is possible.

Diet plays a major role in digestive health and is key to reducing gastrointestinal problems. Keep reading to learn what causes colic, how nutrition is key to preventing it, and feeding tips to help you reduce colic risk for your horse.

Explore our Feed Selector Tool

What is colic and what are the signs?

Colic is a general term to describe abdominal pain and can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening intestinal problems. While colic can have other causes, diet plays a major role. Horses have sensitive digestive systems, and even small changes in nutrition or feeding routines can trigger digestive upset.

What to look for:

Pawing at the ground
Rolling or lying down repeatedly
Loss of appetite
Looking at the flank
Sweating or restlessness
Reduced manure production

If you suspect colic in your horse, contact your veterinarian right away. Severity ranges significantly, but the line between mild and emergency colic can change quickly. Early vet involvement will give you the best outcomes.

What causes colic in horses?

Feeding practices, hydration, forage intake and sudden changes in routines all affect your horse’s digestive system and can cause colic.

Sudden changes in feed

Abrupt changes in hay, grain or pasture can upset the balance of bacteria in the gut. This may lead to gas buildup, digestive discomfort, or impaction colic. Changes in feed should be made gradually over 7 to 14 days.
Low forage intake

Forage is essential for healthy digestion – most horses benefit from a forage-first feeding strategy. Diets that are too low in hay or pasture can slow gut movement and increase the risk of impaction.
Too much grain

High levels of starch may not digest fully in the small intestine and can ferment, causing inflammation and digestive disturbances. Choosing low starch and fiber rich feeds, like Triple Crown Low Starch, can help reduce colic risk.
Lack of hydration

Dehydration is a major risk factor for colic. Horses that don’t drink enough water may develop dry, compacted material in the intestines.
Poor-quality feed

Dusty hay, moldy grain, or spoiled feed can irritate the digestive tract and negatively affect gut health. Feed should always be stored properly and inspected before feeding.

How can I prevent colic in my horse?

Practice prevention

Yes, you can help prevent colic in your horse – adopt a smart feeding strategy that prioritizes forage, hydration and consistency. The goal is to avoid anything that can upset your horse’s digestive tract. These steps go a long way toward reducing the risk of colic and maintaining good digestive health long term.

Forage first

Forage is the ideal foundation of a horse’s diet and one of the simplest ways to reduce colic risk. You want to provide constant access to fresh, high-quality fiber sources like hay or pasture whenever possible.
Feed smaller meals

Large meals can overload the digestive system. Splitting grain into smaller feedings throughout the day is naturally easier on your horse’s gut.
Consistency is key

Horses thrive on routine. Feeding at consistent times each day helps support stable digestion.
Make changes gradually

Any diet change should be introduced slowly to allow your horse’s digestive system to adapt. Don’t overlook any shift – from new feed and forage to different grains, increased pasture access and supplements.
Accessible water, always

Hydration is essential for proper digestion. Without enough water to soften feed, forage can become too dry and compacted, creating intestinal blockage. Horses typically drink the most water within three hours of eating, so make sure they have access around feed times. And during the winter, slightly warming water can encourage horses to drink more.
Movement matters

Don’t forget exercise – regular movement helps stimulate gut motility and supports healthy digestion. Even light daily turnout can help reduce colic risk.

What else can I do to reduce colic risk?

Ensure feed quality

Always inspect feed for mold, dust or spoilage before feeding. Make sure you’re choosing feed from a trusted, quality source – you can learn more about Triple Crown Forage products here.

Use slow feeders when appropriate

Slow feeders can help horses eat more naturally and prevent long periods without forage.

Watch overall behavior and manure output

Owners can catch colic early by noticing even subtle changes. Shifts in appetite, manure consistency, or normal behavior can indicate that your horse isn’t feeling well, signaling digestive issues.

Reduce stress

Stress in your horse can affect digestion, so maintaining a routine and a calm environment is important. When you anticipate potential stress for your horse, you can prepare their gut by feeding a product like Stress Free Fortified Forage.

Routine dental care

Don’t skip regular dental exams; it’s important for your horse to properly chew foot feed and avoid impactions.

Keeping colic away

It’s clear that diet plays a critical role in preventing colic in horses. By understanding what causes colic and effective prevention practices, you can ensure your horse’s best digestive health.
Triple Crown experts are here to help with feeding, forage and other questions. For even more information about colic and what you can do to prevent it in your horse, get in touch today.

Diet and Colic in Horses: Causes, Prevention & Feeding Tips