Very Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Foal or Newborn, Eating Soil, Dirt or Sand
Summary
Foals are often seen eating soil or dirt. Theories for this behavior include compensation for dietary deficiencies (salt and minerals), ingestion of micro-organisms or clay (digestive aid), or behavioral issues (boredom). None of this is proven though. It is hard to keep a foal from eating dirt and, generally, it is not necessary.
However, it is very important to prevent your foal from eating SAND. Sand can accumulate in your foal's intestines and cause abdominal pain (colic) and diarrhea.
Provide your foal with quality long stem hay and ensure that they have free choice to red mineral and salt. Foals should be kept off of a sandy soil type whenever possible, especially if it is obvious that they are eating sand. Feed hay in a way that minimizes horses picking feed off of sandy soil.
However, it is very important to prevent your foal from eating SAND. Sand can accumulate in your foal's intestines and cause abdominal pain (colic) and diarrhea.
Provide your foal with quality long stem hay and ensure that they have free choice to red mineral and salt. Foals should be kept off of a sandy soil type whenever possible, especially if it is obvious that they are eating sand. Feed hay in a way that minimizes horses picking feed off of sandy soil.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources
your role
What To Do
When in doubt, evaluate your foal's general health and share your findings and concerns with your vet. When possible, house foals in areas without sandy soils. Provide lots of long-stem hay, provide socialization and exercise. Check your foal's manure for sand accumulation using the sand sediment test.What Not To Do
Do not keep newborn foals with this habit on sandy soil.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Less Common
your vet's role
Your vet uses physical exam, fecal evaluation for sand, x-ray, ultrasound to rule out sand accumulation that could cause severe colic. They assess management and often suggest changes to reduce this problem.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Does the foal appear healthy otherwise?
- Is the foal nursing?
- What is your soil type?
- Is the foal showing any signs of abdominal pain (colic)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health