How to feed the older horse
PROBLEMS OFTEN SEEN IN GERIATRIC HORSES:
- inefficient absorption of nutrients
- aging digestive tract
- insufficient chewing action
- loss of teeth
- insufficient production of digestive enzymes
- insufficient saliva production
- too much competition from herd members
TYPICAL OLDER HORSE DISEASES:
- cushing's disease
- colic due to all of the above
- ulcers due to insufficient saliva production (saliva neutralizes stomach acid)
- Laminitis due to improper digestion in the small intestines
- other pituitary dysfunction
- Liver dysfunction
- kidney dysfunction
- reduced immune function
- reduced metabolic rate
- Recurrent airway obstruction
- summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disorder (SPAOD)
- pain due to arthritis or other
Avoid extreme fluctuation in blood insulin levels (grain based, sweet feeds, high starch feeds) and have older horses checked for liver or kidney dysfunction before changing their diet. Avoid feeds with high phosphorus level (bran) or high calcium (alfalfa) for horses with kidney problems.
Horses produce Vitamin C from glucose in their livers, but with geriatric horses this is impaired, that's why senior horse feed has added vitamin C.
Extruded feeds are easier to digest and may aid older horses' digestive system.
When teeth are worn and saliva production is insufficient, warm water can be added to the feed.
Omega 3's support the immune system and reduces inflammation.
If feeding hay make sure it is not too mature for the older horse to digest.
- inefficient absorption of nutrients
- aging digestive tract
- insufficient chewing action
- loss of teeth
- insufficient production of digestive enzymes
- insufficient saliva production
- too much competition from herd members
TYPICAL OLDER HORSE DISEASES:
- cushing's disease
- colic due to all of the above
- ulcers due to insufficient saliva production (saliva neutralizes stomach acid)
- Laminitis due to improper digestion in the small intestines
- other pituitary dysfunction
- Liver dysfunction
- kidney dysfunction
- reduced immune function
- reduced metabolic rate
- Recurrent airway obstruction
- summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disorder (SPAOD)
- pain due to arthritis or other
Avoid extreme fluctuation in blood insulin levels (grain based, sweet feeds, high starch feeds) and have older horses checked for liver or kidney dysfunction before changing their diet. Avoid feeds with high phosphorus level (bran) or high calcium (alfalfa) for horses with kidney problems.
Horses produce Vitamin C from glucose in their livers, but with geriatric horses this is impaired, that's why senior horse feed has added vitamin C.
Extruded feeds are easier to digest and may aid older horses' digestive system.
When teeth are worn and saliva production is insufficient, warm water can be added to the feed.
Omega 3's support the immune system and reduces inflammation.
If feeding hay make sure it is not too mature for the older horse to digest.