By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of older horses, thanks to advances in equine care and nutrition. With better veterinary care and a wide range of products specifically for senior horses, both retired and active, older horses are living healthier, longer lives.
As the owner of a retired competition horse, I’ve been impressed by the variety of senior horse feeds now available. But what does an older horse really need? Should we change their diet just because they're getting older?
In this guide, we’ll explore common questions about feeding older horses and how to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
As horses age, their bodies undergo various changes. These changes can affect their nutrition, which is why adjusting their diet becomes essential. Here are some of the most common reasons why the nutritional needs of older horses change:
Cushing's Disease: Many senior horses develop Cushing’s disease, affecting their immunity, coat quality, and muscle mass.
Body Temperature Regulation: As body mass decreases, older horses may struggle to regulate body temperature, especially in winter.
Immune Decline: Older horses may experience a weaker immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to worms and other health issues.
Liver and Muscle Mass: Ageing may impair liver function, resulting in a decline in muscle mass.
Dental Issues: Dental disease becomes more prevalent with age, often causing weight loss due to difficulty chewing.
Hindgut Health: Research shows that older horses may experience negative changes in their hindgut microbiome, reducing bacterial diversity and impacting digestion.
Social Hierarchy: Senior horses in group settings may drop in the pecking order, affecting their access to feed. Alternatively, reduced activity levels can cause weight gain.
Physical Challenges: Arthritis or neck issues can make it difficult for some older horses to eat from hay nets or access their feed.
Many older horses thrive on simple diets. However, there are signs that may indicate it's time to reassess their feeding routine:
Weight Loss or difficulty maintaining condition
Dental Problems that make chewing difficult
Health Issues such as Cushing's or liver disease
Declining Muscle Mass
Lower Energy Levels
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to make adjustments to your horse's feed.
When feeding an older horse, it's important to ensure their diet is tailored to their needs. Here’s what to focus on:
Easily Chewable Feed: For horses with dental issues, fibre-rich mash or softened feed is essential.
High-Quality Protein: Helps to maintain muscle mass and overall body condition.
Oils for Extra Calories: Oils are a great, easily digestible source of energy that don’t require chewing.
Digestible Feeds: Processed feeds, such as steam-extruded ones, are more digestible, allowing you to feed smaller quantities while ensuring your horse receives the nutrients they need.
Balanced Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure the diet provides essential vitamins and minerals at the recommended feeding rate to support overall health.
Fibre is a crucial part of any horse’s diet, including older horses. However, dental issues can make it difficult for senior horses to chew hay or haylage. Here’s how to ensure they get enough fibre:
Soft, High-Quality Hay: Offering soft hay can help horses with dental problems.
Fibre Replacements: If your horse struggles with hay, you can use a fibre replacement like Pink Mash, which is easy to chew and contains prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health.
A well-balanced diet should meet the nutritional needs of most senior horses. However, certain supplements can address specific age-related issues, such as:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Research suggests omega-3s from fish oils can help reduce joint inflammation and improve mobility in older horses.
Joint and Digestive Health: Depending on your horse’s condition, supplements targeting joint and digestive health may be beneficial.
You can explore the Pegasus Health supplement range to find products tailored to your older horse's needs.
Caring for an older horse comes with its challenges, but with the right diet and supplements, you can ensure they remain healthy and comfortable in their golden years. Remember, each horse is different, and if you have concerns, your first step should always be a consultation with your vet.
At Keyflow, we’re here to help you create a personalised feeding plan for your horse. Reach out to us for expert advice tailored to your horse’s specific needs.
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