The Science Behind Equine Gut Health
At Performance X, we believe that a healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy horse. Your horse's gut is home to trillions of microbes; bacteria, fungi, and other tiny organisms work together as the gut microbiome. This invisible ecosystem does much more than digest food: it provides energy, strengthens immunity, prevents diseases, and even boosts athletic performance.
Horses get 30–40% of their daily energy from special molecules called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced when gut microbes ferment fiber in the cecum and colon. These SCFAs support heart health and overall vitality. A balanced microbiome maintains the gut lining, trains immune cells, and crowds out harmful bacteria. This natural protection keeps your horse healthy day-to-day.
When the Microbiome Becomes Unbalanced
Dysbiosis is when an imbalance occurs within the gut microbiome, and it is the heart of many common equine problems
Gut Health and Athletic Performance
Recent research shows the microbiome directly influences how fast and how far your horse can go.
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Racehorses with more SCFA-producing bacteria perform better.
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Lab models supplemented with SCFA increased running time, improved muscle fiber type, and boosted mitochondrial energy in muscles through the "gut-muscle axis."
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Higher bacterial diversity at just 1 month old predicted better race placings, higher official ratings, and more prize money.