Why Horses Go Off Their Feed: Causes and Care Tips

Nutrition is essential for a sick or recovering horse, as good feed supports healing and maintains condition. However, a common challenge faced by owners and vets is when a horse goes off its feed and refuses to eat hay or grain. Understanding the underlying causes and how to encourage appetite can make a significant difference in recovery and wellbeing.

Common Reasons Why Horses Go Off Their Feed

Horses may refuse food for several medical, environmental, and behavioural reasons. Identifying the cause allows appropriate care and feeding adjustments.

1. Fever and Illness

Horses with a fever above 101.58F (38.68C) often lose their appetite. As the fever and illness resolve, they typically resume eating. Veterinary treatment focuses on resolving the underlying disease causing the fever, often with NSAIDs and supportive care.

2. Gastrointestinal Disorders

Conditions like colic, impaction, or intestinal stones (enteroliths) can cause pain and discomfort that suppress appetite. Diarrhoea episodes also often reduce interest in food. Veterinary examination and appropriate treatment are necessary to address these issues.

3. Respiratory Problems

Respiratory infections, whether viral or bacterial, frequently cause horses to stop eating. This is partly due to discomfort and systemic illness.

4. Gastric Ulcers

Horses with gastric ulcers may eat less or refuse food, although the direct link to appetite loss is sometimes unclear. Managing ulceration with veterinary guidance is important for recovery.

5. Antibiotics and Medication Taste

Some medications, especially antibiotics like metronidazole, have an unpleasant taste that can cause horses to go off their feed. Alternative administration methods or flavour masking may help with feeding.

6. Dental Disease and Oral Pain

Older horses are prone to dental disease, such as sharp molar points, worn, fractured, or painful teeth. Oral pain makes chewing difficult and uncomfortable, often causing weight loss. Regular dental checks and treatment by a qualified equine dentist or vet are vital to maintain oral health and feeding ability.

7. Colon Acidosis from Diet Imbalance

An incorrect diet with excessive starch and insufficient fibre can lead to colon acidosis, where too much acidity builds up in the large intestine. This can reduce appetite or even cause horses to refuse food. Ensuring an adequate supply of good-quality forage and pasture turnout can help reverse the condition and encourage eating.

8. Stress and Environmental Factors

Stressful changes such as altered routines, new surroundings, loss of pasture companions, or competition with dominant horses can cause some horses to stop eating. Providing a calm environment, consistent routine, and comfortable feeding areas can reduce stress and improve feed intake.

How to Encourage a Sick or Recovering Horse to Eat

The primary goal is to restore appetite and maintain body condition, even if that means temporarily feeding less ideal but palatable options. Strategies include effective vet support, diet adjustments, and environmental management.

• Try feeding alfalfa hay instead of grass hay, as it is often more palatable and nutrient-rich for sick horses.
• Offer small, frequent meals to tempt appetite without overwhelming the horse.
• Consult your vet about appetite stimulants or supportive supplements tailored to your horse%s needs.
• Ensure fresh, clean water is always available, crucial for hydration in sick or recovering horses.
• If water intake is low, adding small amounts of salt to feed may encourage drinking.
• Supplement omega-3 fatty acids if advised by your vet, as these can help reduce inflammation and support kidney health.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

If a horse shows prolonged loss of appetite, sudden refusal to eat, or other concerning signs such as weight loss, lethargy, colic symptoms, or changes in behaviour, it is essential to have a full veterinary examination promptly. The vet should assess dental health, perform diagnostic tests if needed, and identify any environmental or medical causes underlying the loss of appetite.

Conclusion

Horses can go off their feed for many reasons, from simple dietary or environmental factors to serious medical issues. Good management involves monitoring feed quality, ensuring oral health, reducing stress, and seeking veterinary care when necessary. With thoughtful care and veterinary guidance, most horses will regain their appetite and maintain good condition during recovery.

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