- If the horse cannot eat hay (leaves wads of hay by feeder): Feed complete feed with highly digestible fiber. Fiber sources include beet pulp, dehydrated alfalfa meal and soy hull.
- Assure high quality sources of protein, vitamins and minerals.
- If the horse cannot chew well, one can make a slurry of complete (and/or) extruded feed.
- Feed at least 3 times a day.
- Total intake should be 1.5 – 2.0% of horse’s body weight (15 – 20 lbs. For 1,000 lb. Horse)
What do you feed an older horse?
Therefore, the key to feeding older horses is to use high quality protein from sources like alfalfa, soybean meal and canola meal without oversupplying their requirements. Aged horses lose body condition and muscle along the topline due to less efficient processing of certain nutrients in the older horse, most notably protein.
What do you feed a pony?
Ponies need only the fraction of the feed that horses do. Hay for ponies should be good quality grass hay. Your pony probably won't need the nutrition provided by alfalfa and clovers. These fodders, which are more energy and nutrient dense than many grass hay, are often too rich for a pony. Lush pasture is a danger zone for ponies.
What can I give my Pony to help him gain weight?
If the pony—especially a competitive sport pony—is in heavy work, you might need to add calories. If it’s an insulin-resistant pony, Bailey recommends offering feeds that incorporate some oil (such as flax oil) instead of purely starch-based concentrate feeds.
How can I Keep my Pony from getting fat?
Feeding your pony like a pony, rather than a horse, and learning to monitor his weight and nutritional needs can help him enjoy a healthy future. And those interventions could make his risks of developing EMS, laminitis, and obesity “gone with the wind.”
What to feed a pony if it is not working?
What is a good pasture for a pony?
What happens if a pony eats too much pasture?
What happens if you feed a pony hay?
How long does it take for a pony to start grazing?
What do you use to let a pony graze?
Why is my pony chewing so hard?
See more
About this website
What is the best feed for old ponies?
A combination of Alfa-Beet, Grass Pellets and a High Fibre Cube/Mash can be the best senior horse feed options for for those who can't even manage to chew short chop fibres any more.
How do you fatten up an old pony?
To maximize nutrient intake in an aging horse, try the following:Feed 1% of a high-quality forage daily (based on body weight).Offer a complete feed specifically designed for senior horses with higher digestible fiber at a minimum of 0.5% body weight.Feed a senior horse more frequently, at least three times daily.More items...•
What to feed an older horse that is losing weight?
Chopped hay should be premium quality, with alfalfa or a mixture of high-quality grass hay and alfalfa probably the best choices. If chopped hay is fed, a vitamin-mineral supplement should be offered. These supplements often come in the form of a pellet and can be moistened to increase palatability.
What can I feed my older horse to gain weight?
Ultium® Competition, Omolene® #200 and Omolene® #500 are also calorie-dense feeds that may be helpful to help an older horse gain weight when fed with appropriate good quality hay and/or pasture.
What will put weight on a horse fast?
What is the fastest way to put weight on a horse? High fat, high protein grain combined with a rich alfalfa hay can quickly put weight on a horse, if there is not an underlying medical condition.
Are Oats good for senior horses?
Yes – if your horse needs them! Of all the cereal grains (e.g. corn, barley, wheat, etc.) oats have the most appropriate nutritional profile for horses. They are an excellent source of calories, and have a better protein and amino acid profile than many other grains.
What age is considered elderly in horses?
By age definition “senior” horse has been defined as 15+ years of age. Due to improvements in veterinary care and nutrition, horse routinely live 25-30 years of age, some into their 40's. It is not uncommon to see horses in late teens and twenties performing at high levels.
How do you keep an old horse healthy?
Good nutrition Adapting nutrition is the key factor in maintaining the health of the aged horse. Advancing years will affect a horse's ability to chew and digest, therefore feeds that are easy to chew, highly digestible and made with top-quality ingredients should be provided.
Is it normal for an old horse to be skinny?
Senior Horses Don't Have to Be Skinny While it's true that there are a lot of too-thin senior horses out there, just because your horse is getting up there in years doesn't mean he has to look painfully thin or have a rough coat. So it's a myth that senior horses are skinny — so long as you take good care of them.
How can I get my pony to put on weight?
Make all feed changes gradually over a two-week period to allow enough time for the gut to adjust to the change. Feed for a weight gain of 0.5 to 0.75 pounds daily. Three to four pounds of an additional grain product can meet this gain if the horse's body weight is stable.
What hay is best for older horses?
A reduction in fiber fermentation means that older horses receive less nutrients from forage resulting in higher quality forages being required. Alfalfa hay and good quality grass hays are preferable to stemmy and mature hays that have tougher fiber to ferment.
What is the best feed to put weight on a horse?
Adding highly digestible fibre sources such as sugar beet is beneficial for promoting weight gain in horses. Dengie Alfa-Beet is an ideal feed for underweight horses as it combines alfalfa with unmolassed sugar beet. Studies have shown this also helps to improve the digestibility of other fibre sources in the diet.
How do I put weight on my Shetland pony?
Check your horses' teeth. ... De-worm your horse. ... Give your horse free access to hay and clean water. ... Use alfalfa hay to put weight on horses. ... Beet pulp to put weight on horses. ... Commercial feeds to use to put weight on horses. ... Feeding Grain.
How can my pony lose weight?
Here are a few tips to help your horse lose weight:Get exercising. Even if your horse isn't ridden, you can lunge, long rein, use horse walkers, track systems, or walk in-hand to help them burn a few calories. ... Reduce hard food intake. ... Restrict grazing. ... Look at forage. ... Don't starve your horse.
How do I get my miniature pony to lose weight?
Answer. The best way to help Biggie shed weight is by reducing caloric intake and increasing exercise. The most efficient way to do this is by slowly discontinuing the sweet feed and rice bran oil, both of which only serve to increase energy consumption.
What to feed a pony with insulin resistance?
If it’s an insulin-resistant pony, Bailey recommends offering feeds that incorporate some oil (such as flax oil) instead of purely starch-based concentrate feeds. “Oil offers calories but won’t affect the insulin levels in the same way,” he says.
How to reduce the risk of obesity in a pony?
To reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions —which might affect up to one-third of all ponies—there’s only one real solution: Feed ponies properly. Feed them off a pony menu, with appropriate restrictions, monitoring, and exercise.
Why do ponies gain weight?
So far, they’ve found that ponies—along with certain horse breeds such as Morgans, Andalusians, and some Warmbloods—tend to gain and maintain weight more easily than other breeds, simply because it’s in their genetic nature to do so.
Where did the ponies come from?
Most modern pony breeds (technically, those 14.2 hands and shorter) descended from ancient horses living in harsh climates—primarily the cold, rough lands of northern Europe, including Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Iceland. The ponies became emblematic for survival; they had adapted to glacial temperatures and low-quality forage in low quantities. The sparse grasses they found were often tough and bitter.
Do ponies have less protein than horses?
Ponies use about 10% less protein than horses. — Kathleen Crandell, PhD, and William Martin-Rosset, PhD. Pratt-Phillips agrees: “There needs to be a change in the industry standard of what ponies should look like. In the show ring, in the breeding world, they’re being rewarded for having that ‘roly-poly’ look.
Do ponies have easy keepers?
Just because ponies get labeled as easy keepers doesn’t necessarily mean they’re easier to care for. While the challenge with some horses might be keeping the weight on, with ponies it’s keeping the weight off. For that, you’ll need some body condition score knowledge and a weight tape.
Is a fat pony a good pony?
A fat pony is an adorable pony, no doubt. But it’s also a pony at risk for developing serious diseases. Feeding your pony like a pony, rather than a horse, and learning to monitor his weight and nutritional needs can help him enjoy a healthy future. And those interventions could make his risks of developing EMS, laminitis, and obesity “gone with the wind.”
Why do horses need low protein?
For example: any horse with liver problems requires a low protein diet in order to reduce the strain placed on the already damaged organ. Similarly, horses and ponies prone to or at risk of laminitis, including Cushing’s sufferers should only be fed feeds that have very low starch and sugar levels of under 10% combined.
What causes a horse to be fizzy?
Feeds which contain cereals and molasses will be higher in starch and sugar, which can not only cause fizzy and excitable behaviour, but can also make the horse more susceptible to developing laminitis or colic.
Why is fibre important for horses?
Fibre first. Regardless of age, fibre is the most important part of every horse’s diet and is vital for good digestive health. In the wild, horses would graze for up to 18 hours a day and it is our job as owners to replicate this near constant supply of fibre.
Do veteran horses lose weight?
Feed according to condition. Weight loss is a common problem that affects horses as they age and for this reason most specific veteran feeds, are high in calories to help older horses gain weight and maintain good condition. However, not all veteran horse lose weight, many that have been good doers all of their lives will remain so in their later ...
Can horses chew hay?
Unfortunately as horse’s age their dental condition will naturally decline, often making it difficult for them to graze and chew hay efficiently. It is then necessary to provide alternative sources of fibre that can be easily chewed and digested by the veteran horse. Feed according to condition.
What can horses with poor teeth eat?
Alternative forges like hay cubes and pellets can be fed to horses with poor teeth. Sugar beet pulp and soybean hulls can also be fed to increase fiber intake. Grains, if fed, should be well processed (extruded, pelleted, micronized or steam flaked). The hindgut loses some of its ability to ferment fiber.
How much protein should a horse have?
The total diet, hay and grain combined (dry matter basis), should contain 12-14% high quality protein, 03. – 0.4% phosphorous, 0.6 – 0.8% calcium and added Vitamin C. Aged horses that are healthy with a BCS of 5 to 7 require 1.5-2.0% of their BW DM/day of good quality grass or legume mix hay.
Why is it so hard for horses to chew hay?
Dental disease and/ or loss of teeth can cause chewing to become difficult and even ineffective. Worn incisors will make it difficult for horses to graze. Worn or damaged molars cause difficulty grinding feed. Worn molars cannot chew hay and the horses have a difficult time swallowing and digesting the hay.
Why do older horses lose muscle?
Aged horses lose body condition and muscle along the topline due to less efficient processing of certain nutrients in the older horse, most notably protein. Commercial senior feeds has improved the amino acid balance to help reverse such changes. Older horses are prone to Cushing’s Syndrome.
Why should a senior horse be evaluated?
If the senior horse is maintained in a herd, they should be evaluated on a continuous basis because most will fall down the pecking order and are more easily bossed around. This results in the aged horse eating less feed. Loss of body score (body condition or body fat) is related to all of the above issues.
How to reverse muscle loss in horses?
Again, improving the amino acid balance (not just feeding MORE protein) can help reverse the loss of or maintain muscle mass. One of the most obvious changes in an older horse is loss of mobility.
Do horses need grain?
Typically, no grain is required but if desired or needed, choose one with restricted starch/sugar and contains added fat (4-7%). In these horses, forage based pellets or cubes could replace 10 to 50% of the long stem/chopped forages.
What is the best feed for a senior horse?
A combination of Alfa-Beet, Grass Pellets and a High Fibre Cube/Mash can be the best senior horse feed options for for those who can’t even manage to chew short chop fibres any more.
What to feed an older horse with poor dentition?
Another option for feed for older horses with poor dentition is to soak food to a mash or gruel consistency. Adding Dengie’s Alfa-Beet or Grass Pellets to a hay replacer ration is an ideal way of softening it as well as providing extra calories for those horses that need to gain weight. Dengie Alfa-Beet combines alfalfa ...
What are the problems with senior horses?
Poor dentition, weight loss, PPID (formerly known as Cushing’s disease) and laminitis are just some of the problems that a senior horse may face. In practice, this means that they require a more specialised ration all year round, but feeding horses and ponies with poor teeth in winter can be particularly challenging as the reliance on conserved, long stem forage increases. Monitoring bodyweight and condition by regular use of a weigh tape and body condition scoring is good practice for any horse owner, but it is especially important for those with older horses. This will provide plenty of opportunity to alter the feed for older horses before any weight changes progress too far.
How much fibre should a horse eat?
It is vital to remember that a horse needs fibre to maintain digestive health and fibre intake should still equate to at least 1.5% of bodyweight; a 500kg horse would therefore require 7.5kg of a fibre-based feed per day. When horses can no longer manage long stem forage the next step is to try a short chop hay replacer such as Dengie Hi-Fi Senior ...
What to use for horses with long stem forage?
When horses can no longer manage long stem forage the next step is to try a short chop hay replacer such as Dengie Hi-Fi Senior or Dengie Pure Grass. These are short chop alternatives to long stem forage and are much easier to chew. Simply treat them like a haynet in a bucket.
What is the best feed for a horse with PPID?
Healthy Tummy is also a low sugar and starch feed making it an ideal senior horse feed for those with PPID that need to gain weight, or that struggle to maintain weight. For friendly feeding advice contact the Dengie Feedline on 01621 841188 or click here to send an e-mail.
What is the best diet for weight loss?
For those that struggle to maintain weight Dengie Alfa-A Oil, Alfa-A Molasses Free and Alfa-Beet are all suitable feeds.
Why is it important to keep horses cool in summer?
Extremes of temperature are likely to affect appetite and therefore keeping horses/ ponies cool in summer months may be equally important (Cushingoid horses/ ponies may need clipping) Keep an eye on herd dynamics - older horses may be more susceptible to bullying resulting in reduced food/ water access. Tips for Feeding Hay Replacers.
Why is my horse reluctant to drink cold water?
Like people, older horses may suffer from sensitive teeth making them reluctant to drink very cold water.
What supplements are needed for cushings?
Cushingoid/ PPID horses and ponies need similar nutritional management to a laminitic. Higher levels of amino acids (to support muscle mass) and in theory, supplementary antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium may be helpful. For more information see topic on Cushings's Syndrome. Osteoarthritis in the neck and forelimbs may lowering ...
When do horses become vets?
Traditionally horses became 'veterans' at fifteen although with good management and better veterinary care, horses and ponies are now living healthy and active lives well into twenties and even thirties. In fact, many competition horses do not reach the peak of their career until their late teens. Like people, horses age at different rates ...
Is high starch good for horses?
High starch diets are not suitable for horses/ ponies prone to/ suffering from laminitis, PPID, colic, tying up or gastric ulcers. The most suitable feed may not always say 'senior' on the bag - speak to a nutritionist for more advice.
Is fenugreek poisonous to horses?
In fact one study, fenugreek was ranked as the number the one flavour preferred by horses closely followed by banana and cherry (fresh cherries are poisonous to horses)! Older horses may find it harder to regulate their body temperature and in cold weather, may need more access to shelter and warmer rugs.
Do horses age at different rates?
Like people, horses age at different rates and there is no 'correct' age at which a specific 'senior feed' needs to be introduced. The most suitable dietary management will depend on the individual's clinical and/ or metabolic status and ability to maintain condition. When age is just a number…. Like people, some horses ...
What is the key to complete or senior feed?
The key in complete or senior feeds is that the vitamins and minerals are balanced for the horse. You will need to feed the suggest feed rate of the product for your horses weight, and you need to weigh the feed.
What are the nutrients in a senior dog's diet?
They do well on senior feeds that are fortified with lysine, methionine, biotin, vitamin E and organic trace minerals (copper, zinc, manganese and selenium) to help maintain muscle mass, support hoof growth and support immune response.
Why is protein important for hoof?
Increased protein level in order to provide proper amino acids, such as lysine and methionine, for metabolic functions, muscle maintenance and hoof quality. Elevated fat content to provide extra calories, with the benefit of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
What is a senior horse feed?
They are fiber-based, often with alfalfa, but contain highly palatable, chewable and digestible materials along with energy sources of fat, and vitamins and minerals.
What are the problems with old horses?
Old horses have musculoskeletal ailments such as osteoarthritis, so consult with your veterinarian to help your horse be as comfortable as possible. These old age considerations create challenges for a horse owner to keep his or her horse in good body condition.
Can you put weight on an old horse?
Putting Weight on Older Horses. There are many good options for safely putting weight on older horses. An owner might be inclined to start pushing more grain to the old horse in an attempt to provide added calories, but, this can cause a number of unintended consequences, including gastric ulcers, colic or laminitis.
Does age affect nutrition in horses?
Nutrient absorption might decline as horses age, and old age dentition adversely affects intake and digestion. Another important point to consider is that a horse in pain is stressed sufficiently that weight loss might be an issue. Old horses have musculoskeletal ailments such as osteoarthritis, so consult with your veterinarian to help your horse ...
Can horses eat hay cubes?
Soaked hay cubes are also more easily consumed by horses with missing or painful teeth. Thanks for watching! Thanks for watching! An owner might be inclined to start pushing more grain (corn, oats, barley, sweet feed) to the old horse in an attempt to provide added calories.
Can horses eat beet pulp?
For example, a one-pound coffee can of dried beet pulp pellets can absorb up to five gallons of water. In the form of a mash, beet pulp is easy for a horse to eat despite compromised dentition. To introduce your horse to beet pulp, start with a dry measure of half a cup, then soak this in ample water.
What to feed a pony if it is not working?
If you like to feed your pony even if it is not working hard—and for some owners, this is a very satisfying activity—look for a concentrate that is low in calories. Some manufacturers make special pony mixes. These mixes are balanced with the correct amount of supplements for a pony.
What is a good pasture for a pony?
Good pasture for a pony would be one that he has to work at finding the grass in. Sparse grass that grows slowly would be ideal. Or he could spend a small portion of his time on pasture and the rest in a grassless paddock. It might be necessary to keep a pony off of pasture for a portion of the day.
What happens if a pony eats too much pasture?
If your pony eats too much rich pasture it could lead to such things as colic or founder. You may never be able to leave some ponies on good pasture. Ponies can become obese very quickly and that can lead to health problems like metabolic syndrome.
What happens if you feed a pony hay?
If you are feeding good hay, the pony is getting a bit of pasture and you have a mineral/salt block available your pony will be getting what he needs. If you feed treats, it’s best to consider these into the overall diet, so you won’t be overdoing it.
How long does it take for a pony to start grazing?
If you plan to keep your pony on grass introduce it very slowly. Start with 10 minutes of grazing and gradually add a few minutes each day twice a day.
What do you use to let a pony graze?
Some people use their round pen or a paddock where no grass grows. Another option is to use a grazing muzzle. Grazing muzzles let a pony graze, but only get a few blades at a time. The spaces in the muzzle also allow the pony to drink, so of course, make sure your pony has access to clean fresh water.
Why is my pony chewing so hard?
Hooks and sharp edges can make chewing uncomfortable because their mouths are compact and teeth, tongue, and gums can be closer together than on some horses . Don't forget to have your vet check your pony's teeth to ensure it can chew easily. You don’t want your pony losing weight because it has a sore mouth.
