Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Jane,
I would not give sodium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate to a horse who has ulcers. Both of these are antacids, but they will not heal anything. They will only make the horse feel better for a few minutes.
Sodium bicarbonate is baking soda -- the little yellow box you put in your refrigerator to absorb odors, or use in baking. It is a leavening agent, and surprisingly, the horse's pancreas actually produces sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acid so the digestive enzymes in the small intestine can function.
Calcium carbonate is an antacid that people commonly take -- Tums is a popular brand. It is also a source of calcium (though not a very good one since it neutralizes acid and calcium needs acid to be absorbed).
So, having said that -- the cure is to give this unfortunate horse all the hay he wants and remove the stress of competition for every last blade of grass. Since he currently has an ulcer, I would recommend a month regimen (no longer) of Gastrogard, while also administering Amiquell to help his digestive tract heal. A good probiotic such as Daily Start is also a must.
Keep me posted!
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO