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Days in Horse Country – Feeding the Senior Horse
Senior horses
are truly a joy. They tend to be slow to
spook, more cooperative, and just easy to get along with. Older horses do pose some challenges when it
comes to feeding, however.
Some senior equines have difficulty keeping weight on. Others tend to gain too much weight. Most do not have the energy requirements they once did when they were young.very old horses have difficulty chewing.
When it comes to feeding your senior horse, keep the following in mind;
- Regular dental care – Have your horse’s teeth checked every 6 months to make sure he is able to chew food properly. If you see your horse dropping food from his mouth as he chews, he may have dental problems, such as teeth that are unevenly worn or infected.
- Watch his weight – If your older horse is getting thinner even though you are feeding him more, have your veterinarian examine him. Many older horses have trouble maintaining their weight because their digestive systems don’t work as well as they once did. Weight loss can also be a sign of more serious illness.
- Consider a senior diet – Older horses have different nutritional needs than younger horses and while I am not a proponent of feeding commercial diets to your horses, some older horses may benefit from them. These commercial blends have nutrients that are particularly necessary for older horses to maintain optimal health. Because senior horses sometimes have trouble chewing, they need to be given a complete feed and roughage in pelleted form.
Michael