Feeding the Senior Horse: Top Tips and Nutritional Guide

We are fortunate to live in a time where advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition, and management greatly contribute to longer, healthier lives for our horses. While wild horses rarely live beyond 15 years, domesticated horses commonly reach 25-30 years and often thrive into their 30s. As they age, feeding becomes increasingly important to maintain vitality and health throughout their golden years.

Nutrition for senior horses demands careful attention as the digestive system slows and dental problems arise. Their dietary needs change, requiring higher energy levels and more digestible protein to compensate for decreased digestive efficiency. Without proper care, senior horses may rapidly lose condition, but with a thoughtful feeding plan, they can maintain good health and quality of life.

Recognising the Signs of Ageing in Your Horse

Owners will notice subtle yet definite signs of ageing in their horses over time:

• Greying or discolouration of hairs around the eyes, muzzle, and ears, especially in darker coats.
• Changes in muscle tone, such as a declining topline, more prominent withers, a dipping back, and slackening muscles in the hindquarters.
• Dental changes including elongated incisors that may face forward, tooth loss, and difficulty chewing.
• Joint wear and signs of arthritis causing discomfort and reduced mobility.
• Digestive challenges, including undigested feed in droppings or loose stools due to impaired chewing and altered gut bacteria.

While many ageing signs are irreversible, appropriate diet and nutrition can slow their progression and minimise their impact on wellbeing.

Top Tips for Feeding Your Senior Horse

1. Prioritise Highly Digestible Forage and Fibre: Forage remains the foundation of a senior horse’s diet, ideally amounting to at least 1.5% of body weight daily. High-quality hay or alternatives like soaked hay cubes provide essential fibre that's easier to digest, especially if dental issues are present. For horses struggling with traditional hay, consider soaking or steaming it to soften, though some nutrient loss may occur.
2. Provide Adequate Digestible Protein: Utilize protein sources such as alfalfa, soybean, or canola meals to supply essential amino acids like lysine and threonine. However, avoid excess protein to prevent kidney strain. Balanced protein supports muscle maintenance and overall health.
3. Incorporate Fats for Energy: Many senior horses benefit from added energy in the form of fats or oils, such as vegetable or linseed oil. Fats are efficiently digested and provide caloric density without the “heating” effects linked to starch and sugars.
4. Feed Small, Frequent Meals: Limit meal sizes to less than 2kg to reduce digestive overload and improve nutrient absorption. Feeding three to four smaller meals daily supports gut health and comfort.
5. Use Specialized Senior Feeds: Consider commercial senior feeds formulated for older horses; these are usually pelleted or extruded for easier chewing and contain balanced nutrients tailored for ageing digestive systems. Consult feed suppliers for advice on the best product for your horse’s needs.
6. Maintain Hydration and Salt Access: Always provide fresh water and free access to salt blocks to support body functions and hydration.
7. Support Gastrointestinal Health: Adding probiotics or prebiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, improving fibre digestion and reducing harmful bacteria.
8. Address Dental Problems Promptly: Regular dental checks are vital to identify and treat issues like missing or damaged teeth affecting feed intake. Offer soaked or pelleted feeds to horses with compromised chewing ability.
9. Encourage Turnout and Grazing: Allow as much turnout to fresh grass as possible. Spring grass is nutrient dense and easily consumed even by horses with poor dentition. Turnout supports digestive motility and mental well-being through social interaction.
10. Monitor Feed Quality and Hygiene: Always serve feed in a clean environment free from dust, mould, or rodent contamination. Older horses have weaker immune systems, so limiting exposure to harmful pathogens is essential.
11. Manage Palatability: Older horses may become picky feeders due to changes in taste and smell perception. Enhance palatability by trialling different feeds or adding natural flavour enhancers like molasses or apple juice. Transition feed changes gradually over 5-7 days to protect gut health.

Each horse ages uniquely according to breed, lifestyle, and genetics. Regular monitoring of body condition, adapting feeding programmes, and working with your vet or equine nutritionist will ensure your senior horse enjoys a happy, healthy life through their senior years.

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