Psyllium vs Feeding off the Ground for Sand Colic
One of these is a supplement with modest evidence and the other is free. What actually reduces sand intake in a sandy paddock.
The short version
Stopping the sand going in beats trying to move it once it has arrived. Feeding off the ground, in tubs, on mats, or from hay nets, removes the main route by which horses swallow sand, and it costs almost nothing. Psyllium is widely used and the evidence for clearing accumulated sand is modest and mixed rather than conclusive. It is a reasonable addition where sand exposure cannot be avoided, given as the periodic course the product specifies. Neither is a treatment for a horse showing colic signs. Sand colic can require surgery, and the signs need a vet the same day.
At a glance
| Farnam SandClear Psyllium Crumbles | Little Giant Heavy Duty Rubber Feed Tub | |
|---|---|---|
| Prevents sand intake | No | Yes |
| Removes accumulated sand | Possibly, evidence mixed | No |
| Cost | Recurring courses | One purchase |
| Effort | Feeding it on schedule | Rearranging where feed goes |
| Works for hay as well as feed | Not applicable | Yes, with mats or nets |
| Substitute for a vet in colic | Never | Never |
Choose the Farnam SandClear Psyllium Crumbles if…
Use psyllium as a periodic course if your horse lives on sandy ground and your vet supports it, following the on and off schedule the product specifies rather than feeding it continuously. Introduce it with plenty of water available. It is best understood as one part of a sand strategy rather than the strategy itself. If you want to know whether sand is actually accumulating, ask your vet, who can listen for it and can image the abdomen.
Check Farnam SandClear Psyllium Crumbles on Amazon
Choose the Little Giant Heavy Duty Rubber Feed Tub if…
Feed off the ground wherever the ground is sandy. Rubber tubs for hard feed, mats or a large tub under hay, and nets hung at a safe height all cut how much sand comes in with each mouthful. Position feeding areas away from bare patches, keep pasture from being grazed to the dirt, and provide enough forage that horses are not scavenging the last stalks off sand. It is unglamorous and it does more than any supplement.
Check Little Giant Heavy Duty Rubber Feed Tub on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Editor's Pick · Affiliate link
Cosequin ASU for the Older Horse
The joint supplement with the most research behind it in horses, combining glucosamine and chondroitin with avocado and soybean unsaponifiables. Worth starting before an older horse is visibly stiff rather than after.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my horse has sand in the gut?
The old float test on manure only shows sand that is currently passing, so a negative result does not rule accumulation out. Your vet can listen to the ventral abdomen for the sound of sand moving and can use ultrasound or radiographs to assess it properly. Signs that warrant a call include recurrent mild colic, chronic loose manure, weight loss and poor performance in a horse on sandy ground.
What are the signs of colic?
Pawing, rolling, repeatedly lying down and getting up, looking at or kicking at the flank, sweating, reduced or absent manure, going off feed and an anxious expression. Call your vet immediately, take feed away, and do not administer any painkiller unless your vet instructs you to, since it can mask the signs they need to assess. Walking a horse is only to stop dangerous rolling, not a treatment.
Should every horse on sandy ground get psyllium?
Ask your vet, because it depends on the ground, the grazing pressure and the individual horse's history. Some practices in very sandy regions recommend routine courses, others do not. What everyone agrees on is minimising intake in the first place through feeding off the ground and maintaining pasture cover, so start there regardless of what you decide about the supplement.
Need more help with your senior horse?
Browse our guides by topic to find practical solutions.
Wellness Planner: $39