How do I feed my older horse? Do I feed my senior horse special feed?

Question: How do I feed my older horse? Do I feed my senior horse special feed?

Does your senior horse need supplements, special feeds or any other feed considerations?

Answer: The diet of an older horse may have to be adjusted. Their bodies don’t absorb nutrients as efficiently as they once did, so feeds need to be easily digested and of high quality. You’ll want to feed the best quality hay you can find, and perhaps add a senior feed concentrate to the diet. It’s important to continue to provide salt and fresh water. You may want to add a mineral supplement to your senior’s diet if you don’t already.

If your older horse is having difficulty staying in good condition, you may try adding beat pulp mash or corn oil to its diet. I’ve never fed rice bran, but many people recommend it. Because older horses might have very worn down, or missing teeth it’s important that the feeds be easily chewed. Hard large pellets, hay cubes and course hay may be difficult for your senior horse to chew. Not only will it not be getting the nutrition it needs, but there is a greater danger of choke. Some very old horses may need all of their feeds made into mashes (but not bran mashes). I’m not fussy about pelleted feed and prefer to feed it dampened to horses of any age.

Some senior horses become over weight, especially if their workload decreases. Feeds may need to be regulated, being sure that they still provide good nutrition, while not adding to your horse’s weight. You might consider a vitamin/mineral supplement, along with good hay or pasture. Weight gain can be a sign of health problems too.

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