Preventing Sand Colic in Horses: How Psyllium Husk Helps Remove Sand from the Gut

Psyllium husks are the “go-to” fibre when it comes to helping horses clear sand from their digestive tract. Many vets use psyllium-based products to help manage mild cases of sand colic, and horse owners commonly rely on them as part of a prevention plan. But how much can psyllium – and products like SandFlush and EAC In-SandOut – really do to prevent sand colic in the first place?

The short answer: psyllium is very useful, but it works best as one tool in a broader management routine. There is still no substitute for good pasture, feeding and overall horse husbandry.

How does psyllium help with sand?

Psyllium husks come from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant and are a rich, fermentable fibre source. Many people know psyllium as a key ingredient in human products like Metamucil, used to help regulate bowel movements.

In horses, psyllium has two main actions:

• It helps stimulate gut motility.

• When mixed with fluid in the digestive tract, it forms a sticky gel that can bind to sand and fine dirt particles.

This gel-sand mixture is then carried along the hindgut and expelled in the manure. Over time, this helps reduce the amount of sand sitting in the intestine and can prevent levels from building high enough to cause trouble.

Products such as SandFlush and EAC In-SandOut are formulated to deliver psyllium in a convenient, palatable form, making it easier to use psyllium as part of a regular management plan for horses grazing on sandy soils.

Horses grazing on sandy soils

For many owners, sandy paddocks are a fact of life. Unfortunately, sandy soil:

• Often supports poorer grass growth.

• Leaves more bare patches as pasture is grazed down.

• Encourages some horses to pick at roots, short grass and even the soil itself.

Not every horse in a sandy paddock will accumulate the same amount of sand. Some individuals are simply more prone to eating soil; others seem more sensitive to sand in the gut. It’s common to see one horse colic, only to find via manure testing that a paddock mate actually has more sand passing through without outward signs – at least for now.

This is why monitoring and prevention are so important.

Where do psyllium based products fit in?

Psyllium-based supplements can be extremely helpful for horses grazing on sandy or dusty ground, horses that are yarded on sand, or those that tend to scavenge short, “nibbled down” pasture.

They can be used:

• Short-term under veterinary direction to help clear sand in mild cases.

• Intermittently as part of a preventative program, alongside good management.

When used preventatively, many vets and nutritionists recommend feeding psyllium in blocks or courses rather than every single day, as constant exposure may reduce its effectiveness over time. A common approach is to feed a psyllium product for a set number of days each month (for example, 5–7 days), but the exact regime should always be guided by your vet and the product’s label directions.

Remember: psyllium products are not a replacement for veterinary care in a horse showing signs of colic. They are a management tool, not an emergency treatment to be given instead of calling the vet.

Management tips for horses on sandy pastures

Psyllium is most effective when combined with sensible management practices aimed at minimising sand intake:

• Pasture rotation & sward density
  Rotate paddocks and allow rest where possible so the grass remains as dense as practical. Sandy soils need more care and time to recover to maintain decent cover.

• Provide plenty of forage
  Horses on sparse grazing should be offered extra long fibre, such as hay or haylage. A constant supply of good-quality forage encourages normal gut motility and reduces the temptation to eat soil. Continuous intake of long-stem fibre also helps limit sand buildup.

• Avoid feeding directly on sandy ground
  Whenever possible, feed hay from hay nets, feeders or mats, and offer hard feeds in tubs or troughs raised to about chest height. This reduces the amount of sand accidentally scooped up with each mouthful.

• Be cautious after heavy rain following dry periods
  When a very dry sandy paddock finally gets rain, roots and short grass can be loosened, and horses may pull up more soil with each bite.

• Watch droppings closely
  Changes in the volume, consistency, frequency or smell of manure can be early warning signs of digestive upset. This is harder in large, grazing groups, but regular paddock checks still help.

How to check manure for sand

A simple manure test can give you an idea of how much sand is moving through the gut:

1. Collect around six manure balls from fresh droppings.

2. Place them in a bucket about one-quarter filled with water.

3. Break up and stir the manure until it’s fully dissolved.

4. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for around 15 minutes.

5. Carefully pour off the top liquid through a sieve or colander.
   Any sand present will sink and collect at the bottom.

Many horses will show a small amount of grit or sand, especially in summer. However, seeing more than a teaspoon or so of sand from this simple test should be treated as a warning sign and discussed with your vet.

Know the signs of colic – and call the vet first

Early recognition and rapid intervention are critical in any colic case. Horses that receive prompt treatment have a much better chance of recovery, especially if surgery is required.

Common signs of colic may include:

• Off feed or dull.

• Pawing, looking at the flank, or repeatedly lying down and getting up.

• Stretching out to urinate, repeatedly without producing much.

• Flank-watching, tail swishing, or general restlessness.

• Rolling, sometimes violently.

Even if your horse lives on sandy soil and you strongly suspect sand colic, never assume and never start dosing psyllium products. Colic is a vet emergency. Only a veterinarian can determine what type of colic your horse has and whether psyllium is appropriate and safe in that situation. In some cases, sand or other material may have accumulated to a point where surgery is the only option.

Bringing it all together

Psyllium husk – especially in convenient forms like SandFlush and EAC In-SandOut – is a valuable ally in managing sand accumulation in horses. When used intermittently, under veterinary guidance and alongside good husbandry practices, it can:

• Help remove sand that’s already in the gut.

• Reduce the likelihood of sand building to dangerous levels.

However, it is not a magic fix. Thoughtful pasture management, adequate forage, smart feeding practices and close observation of your horse’s behaviour and droppings are just as important.

Used as part of an overall management plan, psyllium can play a key role in helping keep horses on sandy pastures comfortable, healthy and less at risk of sand colic.