Sand Colic in Horses: Signs, Causes & Prevention

Sand colic is one of the more preventable forms of colic in horses, but also one of the easiest to overlook. Whether your horse lives in a dry paddock or grazes in sandy soil, the risk of ingesting sand and developing gastrointestinal issues is real. Fortunately, with the right preventative care and management tools, sand colic doesn’t have to be part of your horse’s story.

What Is Sand Colic?

Sand colic occurs when a horse ingests sand or dirt, which accumulates in the large intestine. Over time, this build-up can cause irritation to the intestinal lining, interfere with normal digestion, and in more serious cases, lead to impaction.

Horses may ingest sand while eating hay or grain off the ground, grazing in sandy pastures, or drinking from low-lying water sources. While a small amount of sand can usually pass through the digestive system without issue, larger or repeated accumulations can cause discomfort, diarrhea, or even life-threatening colic.

What Causes Sand Colic?

Several common environmental and management factors increase the risk of sand colic, including:

• Feeding on sandy or dirt-covered ground
  Horses that eat hay or grain directly off the ground may unintentionally consume sand and fine particles.
• Dry, sandy turnout areas
  Horses that live in dry or overgrazed areas are more likely to pick up sand while grazing.
• Low forage diets or poor gut motility
  Diets low in roughage can slow digestion and thus reduce the gut’s ability to move sand through the system.
• Inadequate hydration
  Without proper water intake, intestinal contents can become dry and sluggish, increasing the chance of impaction. 

Signs of Sand Colic in Horses

Because sand colic can develop gradually, it’s important to know the warning signs. These symptoms may vary in severity, but even mild signs should not be ignored. These symptoms include (but not limited to):

• Intermittent or mild colic symptoms (pawing, rolling, restlessness)
• Decreased appetite or interest in feed
• Changes in manure (loose stool, diarrhea, or decreased volume)
• Abnormal gut sounds or bloating
• Recurring mild colic episodes

A “fecal sand test” (placing manure in water and watching for sediment) or veterinary imaging may be used to confirm sand accumulation.

Preventing Sand Colic

The good news is that sand colic is highly preventable with a few proactive measures:

• Feed hay in raised feeders or on mats to reduce sand ingestion.
• Avoid feeding on overgrazed or sandy pastures.
• Ensure constant access to clean water.
• Use a monthly psyllium supplement to help move any ingested sand safely through the digestive system.

Durvet SandRid Psyllium Pellets

SandRid is a great option for horses in sandy areas or those fed off the ground. The high swell volume of psyllium helps trap and carry sand out of the digestive tract, promoting a clean and functioning gut.

Farnam SandClear Psyllium Crumbles

SandClear is a staple in many feeding programs for horses living on sandy terrain. Used for 7 days each month, it helps support the natural elimination of sand and dirt while keeping digestion moving smoothly.

Arenus Assure Plus

Assure Plus goes beyond simple sand removal. Its advanced formula promotes a healthy microbiome, optimal gut function, and improved feed efficiency. It’s a great option for horses with a history of digestive issues or recurring mild colic episodes.

Prevention Starts Today

Sand colic can be a serious issue, but with the right management practices and consistent use of psyllium-based supplements, it’s one of the most preventable types of equine colic. Explore more digestive support options and shop trusted products at FarmVet.

Learn More

Want to support your horse’s digestive and respiratory health even further? Learn how Haygain steamed hay can help reduce allergens and irritants in their forage.