Nutrition for the senior horse: choose a customized ration!

Older horses often need customized nutrition. Most horse owners are aware of that. However, it is not as simple as buying a bag of senior feed on your four-legged friend's 18th birthday and then calling it a day. One senior horse is not the same as the other, so always pay close attention to your horse.

When dealing with aging horses, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the teeth wear down, causing chewing problems. Therefore, a good equine dentist who regularly checks the teeth is crucial for an older horse. In addition, the digestion of an older horse changes. From around the age of 20, the processing of food becomes less efficient. Also, organs such as the liver and kidneys start to function less effectively. Older horses may struggle to extract energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals from their food. It is crucial for them to receive an adequate amount of these nutrients and for the nutrients to be easily absorbable.

Look at your horse!

Every horse is different. First, ensure that your older horse's teeth are in good condition, then proceed to assess further. If your horse shows signs of laminitis or PPID, have it checked by your veterinarian. Many older horses experience hormonal changes, so a blood test is often necessary for a thin or lethargic older horse. The exact diet for an older horse depends heavily on its individual circumstances. Some horses only become 'old' much later in life and can continue on a 'regular' diet for a long time. Always opt for a customized approach!

Teeth and the importance of chewing

When a horse chews fibers from hay and other roughage, it produces a lot of saliva. If the teeth start to wear down, or if your horse develops painful dental conditions like EOTRH, it will chew less effectively. Less saliva is produced, which means that the roughage will be less pre-digested before reaching the stomach. This also implies that digestion will no longer be as efficient since the chewing phase is crucial for a horse. An older horse should be examined by an equine dentist at least once a year - preferably every six months. You can tell if your horse chews poorly by forming food boluses or by finding undigested pieces of roughage in its manure. Weight loss can also be a sign of poor dental health.

Offering roughage differently

If your older horse indeed struggles with chewing, adjust the roughage accordingly. Good, fiber-rich roughage is the basis of every horse's diet. If your horse can no longer process hay effectively, opt for softer hay, chopped roughage, and especially pasture turnout. Older horses can often still digest grass well, while hay or silage can be more challenging. If you do not have access to grass, for example during the winter, soaked grass pellets can be a good alternative.

Weight loss

Since senior horses have reduced digestive efficiency, they often need to eat more. Therefore, provide unlimited roughage or pasture turnout. If your horse continues to lose weight and its teeth are fine, adding some oil to the feed might be a good idea. Salmon oil contains essential fatty acids and is usually palatable to horses. It also promotes appetite, maintains stable blood sugar levels, and boosts immunity. Make sure your older horse stays warm in winter. Digesting roughage helps horses stay warm, but if that process is no longer efficient, consider using a blanket to help.

Muscle loss

You can also add proteins to the diet to help maintain muscle mass. Older horses often lose muscle tone, especially along the topline. Additional proteins can be provided in the form of alfalfa, a special feed, or a supplement. Be cautious with kidney issues: if your horse has impaired kidney function, it might struggle to process extra proteins. Amino acids are also essential since a horse builds proteins from amino acids. The essential amino acids required for building additional muscle mass are lysine, methionine, and threonine. Your horse must consume these substances in its diet. There are specialized feed pellets that contain these substances, but you can also purchase them separately. Vitamin E supplements often include lysine.

Increased vitamin requirements

Older horses have higher requirements for vitamins and minerals. For example, horses produce vitamin C in the liver, but the production decreases as they age. Vitamin C is crucial for the immune system. The need for zinc, copper, and selenium is also higher. Additionally, vitamins B and K should be taken into consideration. Hydrolyzed silicon supports muscles, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissue, and helps maintain healthy cartilage and bones. Silicon ensures that your horse continues to produce natural glucosamine. Other minerals are best supplemented in liquid form for optimal absorption and effectiveness.

Special senior feeds?

If your horse struggles to chew or continues to lose weight, special feed products for seniors might be an option. Ensure that these feeds are not high in sugars, starch, or fibers. Regular concentrate or performance feed is not suitable for older horses as they often contain excessive undigestible starch. Special senior feeds usually contain more fibers to compensate for poor roughage intake. Always carefully consider which feed suits your horse best.