By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
Equine dental disease is one of the most common health issues in horses, affecting an estimated 80% of the equine population. In horses over 20 years of age, this figure rises to nearly 96%. One of the most prevalent dental conditions is diastemata, which affects nearly 50% of horses during their lifetime.
Diastemata are gaps that develop between a horse’s teeth. These spaces trap food, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. The resulting infection inflames the surrounding gum tissue, causing it to recede. As the gum recedes, the gaps widen, trapping more food - and so a painful, progressive cycle begins.
Recognising the early signs of dental disease is vital for effective management. Common symptoms include:
Dropping food (quidding)
Weight loss
Facial swellings
Ridden resistance or behavioural issues
Any form of dental disease, including diastemata, can reduce a horse’s ability to chew properly, negatively affecting digestion and nutrient absorption. Routine dental checks often reveal early signs. If you suspect an issue, consult your vet promptly.
Horses suffering from diastemata often experience discomfort when chewing. The goal of a tailored feeding strategy is to:
Reduce chewing effort
Improve digestibility
Maintain calorie and fibre intake
Each horse must be assessed individually. Factors such as age, severity of diastemata, and co-existing conditions like PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) should all be considered.
Adapting feed consistency can significantly improve both intake and comfort:
Fresh grass is often easier to chew than hay.
If feeding hay, select soft, high-quality varieties.
Avoid chaff, which may get lodged in the gaps.
Soaked mashes or complete forage replacers are ideal for severe cases.
One effective option is Golden Oldies, a complete mash that delivers essential vitamins, minerals, and a superior amino acid profile. For additional calories, consider adding oil to the feed.
Another option for an easy to eat mash is Pink Mash Condition. A slightly different version of our original Pink Mash with added Key-Plus to help horses safely build condition.
Feeds that are easier to chew and digest help reduce discomfort and maximise nutrient absorption:
Extruded or pelleted feeds are softer and easier to process.
Extruded feeds enhance starch digestion in the small intestine, reducing the risk of hindgut acidosis.
Brands like Keyflow offer highly digestible, low-volume feeds that minimise chewing while maintaining optimal nutrition.
Support your horse by adjusting feeding practices:
Offer smaller, more frequent meals.
Minimise feeding competition - allow slower eaters more time and space.
Choose molasses-free feeds to help prevent gum disease. Sugars can interact with oral bacteria, lowering pH and worsening inflammation.
Managing horses with dental conditions like diastemata requires individualised nutrition and regular dental care. Selecting the right feed format and adjusting feeding methods can significantly enhance your horse’s comfort, digestion, and overall health.
By applying evidence-based feeding strategies and working closely with your vet or equine dentist, you can support your horse’s wellbeing and performance.
Keyflow feeds offer an ideal solution for horses with dental challenges, delivering complete, easy-to-digest nutrition in a suitable and effective format.
The Keyflow Range
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