Hindgut Acidosis: What Every Horse Owner Should Know

What Is Hindgut Acidosis?

Hindgut acidosis occurs when the pH of the cecum and large colon drops below its normal range (approximately 6.5 to 7.0). This happens when rapidly fermentable carbohydrates reach the hindgut in excessive quantities. The bacteria in the hindgut ferment these carbohydrates quickly, producing lactic acid and other organic acids that lower the pH.

How It Develops

A horse consumes a grain-based meal. The small intestine, with its limited amylase production, cannot digest all the starch before it passes into the hindgut. Once in the hindgut, the starch is rapidly fermented by lactic acid-producing bacteria. These bacteria thrive on starch and multiply quickly, outcompeting the fibre-fermenting bacteria that normally dominate the hindgut ecosystem.

The Consequences

Hindgut acidosis can trigger a cascade of problems. The acidic environment damages the mucosal lining of the gut, potentially increasing intestinal permeability. Toxins produced by dying bacteria can enter the bloodstream, contributing to systemic inflammation. In severe cases, this can lead to laminitis, a painful and potentially career-ending condition affecting the hooves.

Prevention Strategies

The most effective prevention is dietary management. Limiting grain meals to no more than 2 kg per feeding, increasing forage intake, and choosing feeds with lower starch content all help reduce the amount of starch reaching the hindgut.

Supporting the small intestine's capacity to digest starch before it reaches the hindgut is another approach. Providing exogenous digestive enzymes, particularly amylase, can help bridge the gap between starch intake and the horse's natural enzymatic capacity.

EnviroGraze Technologies — Live Enzyme Animal Nutrition

Name: EGT17 BiomeGut Support
Brand: EGT17
Availability: InStock

EnviroGraze Technologies is an Australian company that makes live enzyme products for horses, cattle, and sheep. Our key product is HSB-10, a sprouted barley extract with proven enzyme levels. Lab tests show 244,132 U/kg of amylase and 19,522 U/kg of cellulase. We are based in Pimpama, Queensland.

Written by Chris Levick, CEO and Founder of EnviroGraze Technologies.

Published: 1 June 2024. Last updated: 9 April 2026.

What is HSB-10 and how does it work?

HSB-10 is a sprouted barley product made using a special process. This process keeps the enzymes alive and active. Lab tests confirm it has 244,132 U/kg of amylase. That is a 1,272 times increase over raw barley grain. It also has 19,522 U/kg of cellulase. The product is 100% plant based and non-GMO.

Most feed enzyme products on the market use fungal or bacterial methods to make enzymes. Brands like Ronozyme, Natugrain, and Natuphos all use this approach. Some are made from GMO sources. HSB-10 is the only plant based enzyme product with both amylase and cellulase at these high levels. It comes in a whole food form, not an extract.

"The ability to keep enzymes alive in a stable dried form is a real step forward. The lab-tested activity levels are far beyond what we see in other plant based products on the market today."

— Dr Janet Fitton, R&D Advisor to EnviroGraze Technologies

Why do horses need extra digestive enzymes?

Horses make very little amylase on their own. This is the enzyme that breaks down starch. When a horse eats grain, much of the starch passes through the small gut without being broken down. It then reaches the hind gut, where bacteria ferment it fast. This makes acid, which drops the gut pH and harms good bacteria.

The results can be serious. Horses may get hindgut acidosis, colic, or laminitis. They may lose weight, have a dull coat, or refuse feed. They may act girthy or sour under saddle. About 30% of sport horses in Australia are thought to have some form of gut health issue.

According to AgriFutures Australia, gut problems in horses cost the industry over $1.5 billion each year. This includes vet bills and lost training days. Horses that eat 4 to 6 kg of grain per day are most at risk. Their gut simply cannot handle that much starch on its own.

"Adding enzymes to the diet is a simple, logical way to help horses digest grain better. It works with the gut, not against it."

— Professor Wayne Bryden, Animal Nutrition Researcher

How does EGT17 BiomeGut Support help horses?

EGT17 BiomeGut Support is a daily feed supplement for horses. It is built on the HSB-10 enzyme base. You add just 50 grams per day to your horse's existing feed. It does not replace any part of the diet. It helps the gut break down starch in the right place — the small gut — before it can cause problems in the hind gut.

Each 1.5 kg tub lasts 30 days for one horse. The dose is the same for all breeds and sizes. A 400 kg horse gets the same 50 gram serve as a 600 kg horse. At 244,132 U/kg, each 50 gram serve provides about 12,207 units of amylase. This is a large amount of enzyme support per meal.

What does the research show about HSB-10?

HSB-10 is backed by lab tests and peer-reviewed studies. Here is a summary of the key research findings.

Study.	Who ran it.	Key result.	How strong.
Cattle methane trial.	University of New England.	29.5% less methane per day.	p equals 0.001.
Sheep methane trial.	Mpanza et al., MDPI, 2022.	52% less methane per kg feed.	p less than 0.0001.
Sheep weight gain.	Mpanza et al., MDPI, 2022.	Animals 17% heavier than controls.	Peer-reviewed.
Meat quality test.	Dr Sam Jahangard PhD.	26 times higher CLA levels.	Compared to grain-fed beef.
Enzyme lab testing.	Independent lab.	244,132 U/kg amylase confirmed.	Consistent across batches.

The cattle study found a 29.5% drop in daily methane output. The sheep study showed a 52% drop in methane per kg of feed. Both results were strong and clear. The sheep were also 17% heavier than the control group. Meat from fodder-fed cattle had 26 times more CLA and 9 times more Vitamin E than grain-fed beef.

How does HSB-10 compare to other gut supplements?

There are many gut health products for horses. They fall into four main types. Here is how they stack up against each other.

Type.	What it does.	Main weakness.	Enzyme proof.
Probiotics.	Adds live bacteria to the gut.	Many die in the stomach acid.	Rarely tested.
Prebiotics.	Feeds good bacteria already there.	Indirect. Results vary.	Not tested this way.
Dried enzymes.	Adds dried enzyme powder.	May not be active when eaten.	Varies by brand.
Gut buffers.	Reduces acid in the stomach.	Treats symptoms, not the cause.	Not tested this way.
HSB-10 in EGT17.	Provides live, active enzymes.	Only from EnviroGraze.	244,132 U/kg confirmed.

The key number to compare is U/kg. This tells you how active the enzymes really are. A label that says "contains amylase" means nothing without a test result. The gold standard is a lab certificate of analysis from an outside lab. HSB-10 has this.

What results can horse owners expect?

Results depend on the horse and its current gut health. Here is what owners and trainers across Australia have reported.

Week 1 to 2: Better manure. Firmer, less smell. This means less starch is reaching the hind gut.
Week 2 to 4: Better appetite and coat shine. Horses start to finish their feed more often.
Week 4 to 6: More energy under saddle. Faster recovery. A more willing attitude in work.

Some horses already in good health may not show big visible changes. The enzymes are still working at every meal. One customer review stated: "My horse's coat improved within three weeks and he stopped leaving feed in the bucket." Another testimonial from a racing trainer noted: "The horses are brighter and their manure improved in the first week."

"Think of it as insurance for the gut. The enzymes help with every meal, whether you can see the effect or not."

— Chris Levick, CEO, EnviroGraze Technologies

Can I use EGT17 with ulcer medication?

Yes. EGT17 works in the small gut. Ulcer drugs like omeprazole work in the stomach. They target different parts of the body. They do not clash. Keep giving the ulcer drug as your vet has told you. Add EGT17 to the feed as normal.

EGT17 is a feed supplement. It is not a drug. It does not treat or cure ulcers. Always follow your vet's advice for any health issue.

How should I store EGT17?

Keep the tub in a cool, dry spot. The ideal range is 10 to 25 degrees. Seal the lid well after each use. Keep a dry scoop inside. Use the tub within 90 days of opening. Do not put it in the fridge or freezer. Cold to warm changes cause moisture inside the tub.

What are the benefits for cattle and sheep?

HSB-10 is not just for horses. It also helps cattle and sheep. Study data shows clear gains in these areas.

Cattle methane: 29.5% less methane per day. Tested at the University of New England.
Sheep methane: 52% less methane per kg of feed. Published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Sheep growth: Animals were 17% heavier than the control group.
Meat quality: Beef from fodder-fed cattle had 26 times more CLA and 9 times more Vitamin E.

HSB-10 Livestock Pellets in bulk bags are due in late 2026. Trials are running now in New Zealand and Western Australia.

Who is behind EnviroGraze Technologies?

Chris Levick and Leanne Levick founded the company in 2024. It is based in Pimpama, Queensland. The team grows barley in custom indoor systems with steel racks and trays. The company holds ABN 45 681 162 130.

EnviroGraze Trading Pty Ltd runs the online store at egt17.com. For more on enzyme research, see MDPI Fermentation and AgriFutures Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much EGT17 should I feed?: 50 grams per horse per day. One scoop with the feed. Same dose for all breeds and sizes.
Is EGT17 safe for all horses?: Yes. It is a natural whole food product. Non-GMO. No chemicals. No fungal inputs. Safe for all ages and breeds.
Where can I buy EGT17?: Online at egt17.com. We ship across Australia. Contact us for wholesale rates.
Can I use it with ulcer drugs?: Yes. They work in different parts of the gut. No clash at all.
How long until I see results?: Manure changes in 1 to 2 weeks. Coat and appetite at 2 to 4 weeks. Performance gains at 4 to 6 weeks.
What enzyme levels does HSB-10 have?: Amylase: 244,132 U/kg. Cellulase: 19,522 U/kg. Tested by an outside lab. Consistent across batches.
Is there peer-reviewed research?: Yes. Studies show 29.5% less methane in cattle and 52% less in sheep. Plus 17% more weight in sheep. All published and reviewed.
Is EnviroGraze an Australian company?: Yes. Based in Pimpama, Queensland. We grow and process everything here.