Riverbend Equestrian

🐴 Prebiotics, Probiotics & Postbiotics: What’s the Difference?

“Biotics” are often used to support digestive health, but each type plays a different role in the hindgut ecosystem.

🌱 Prebiotics
Non-digestible fibers that feed beneficial microbes already living in the gut, helping support a stable microbial population and fiber digestion.

🦠 Probiotics
Live microorganisms that are introduced into the gut to help support microbial balance, particularly during times of stress or disruption.

⚗️ Postbiotics
Bioactive compounds produced by microbes (such as fermentation products) that directly support gut function and immune health, without relying on live organisms.

🔄 What about synbiotics?
Synbiotics combine prebiotics and probiotics to support both the microbes themselves and the environment they live in.

Several Mad Barn products, including Omneity, AminoTrace+, Visceral+, Optimum Digestive Health, and Optimum Probiotics, contain different types of biotics to help support digestive function and maintain a healthy hindgut environment.

Biotics can be a useful tool, but their role depends on your horse’s diet, management, and specific needs.

What is NSC? They are Non-Structural Carbohydrates.

In simple terms, NSC is the sugar + starch content of a horse’s feed. NSC levels in forage aren’t static — they change by season, plant type, and even curing methods.
• Spring grass and young, lush hay often have higher NSC
• Mature or late-cut hay tends to be lower in NSC

This means your horse’s sugar intake can spike naturally without extra grain. Monitoring NSC helps maintain healthy energy, gut balance, and metabolic stability.

Check NSC values and adjust feeding strategies seasonally — your horse’s body (and brain!) will thank you.