Older horses can struggle with eating for various reasons. One of the most common causes is their teeth. After years of chewing, their teeth wear down, sharp edges or hooks may develop, or they may even lose teeth. It’s understandable that eating becomes more difficult!
Another factor is digestion. As a horse ages, its ability to absorb nutrients decreases. Even if it can still chew reasonably well, it may still lose weight or have less energy. Painful joints can also play a role—bending down to reach a feed bucket on the ground may no longer be as comfortable.

But What If a Younger Horse Struggles to Eat?

When we think of poor eating, we often associate it with older horses, but that’s not always the case. Younger horses can also have difficulty eating. This may be due to teething or dental abnormalities. Additionally, stomach and/or intestinal issues can cause a horse to eat poorly. Stress is another possible factor, along with various other physical and mental aspects that can affect appetite.

How Can You Help Your Horse?

Fortunately, there are many ways to support your (senior) horse:

• Regular dental checks – A visit to the equine dentist can prevent or resolve many problems. This is the foundation of addressing eating issues! First, rule out any physical dental problems.
• Veterinary check-up – If the horse continues to eat poorly after a dental check, have a vet examine it to rule out other physical issues.
• Adjust the feed – Choose easily chewable and digestible food, such as mash, soaked grass pellets, or senior feed.
• Ensure sufficient fiber intake – Older horses may struggle to chew hay. Soaked grass pellets or alfalfa can be a good alternative.
• Monitor body condition – Is the horse losing weight? If so, consider supplementing with extra protein.
• Observe eating behavior – Is it eating more slowly? Dropping food? These may be signs that something is wrong.

Conclusion: Make Adjustments as Needed!

An older horse may need a bit of extra care, but with the right adjustments, it can stay healthy and happy for many more years. By acting in time and providing what it needs, you ensure that your horse can continue enjoying its food. However, it’s also important to stay vigilant with younger horses, as they can lose weight quickly too. Adjust training if necessary, modify feeding routines, and consult a vet or nutritionist if problems persist.