As horses age, there are certain things to consider when it comes to their feed. In this post, we’ll take you through the basics…
1. Make sure the feed is palatable
Like humans and other animals, horses’ dental health can decline as they grow older. With more difficulty chewing, they’re more at risk of choking and colic. For this reason, it’s good to make things more palatable. Feeds that can be mashed with warm water are really effective. Not only do they make things easier to swallow, they encourage water intake and can bring out the flavours of the feed!
2. Up calories where needed
Horses naturally lose weight as they age, so it’s important to opt for a high-calorie feed especially designed to help seniors up their intake.
3. Be mindful of health issues
Certain medications can affect what type of feed will be suitable for your horse. For instance, a horse with liver issues should be on a low-protein diet. And horses suffering from Laminitis should steer clear of food with too much starch and sugar. Your vet will be able to advise you of any watchouts.
4. Limit bending
Horses grow up eating food at ground level, but as they age and joint stiffness sets in, you may want to think about stacking their feed to limit the strain. The same goes for water – a higher trough is better for drinking out of. Always ensure there’s a fresh supply to encourage hydration, too. Older horses tend to drink less – especially in the winter months.
Here at YuMOVE, we’re on a mission to help horses live active lives for longer. Click here to see how our clinically proven formula can help your pet.
Got any questions about YuMOVE for horses? Our FAQs page is a great source of information. Alternatively, get in touch with our friendly Customer Services team.
