What to Feed an Old Skinny Horse: Rebuilding and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
The key to rehabilitating an old, underweight horse is a carefully planned feeding strategy focusing on easily digestible calories and supporting overall health. What do you feed an old skinny horse? A diet rich in high-quality forage, fortified with senior-specific feeds, and supplemented with targeted nutrients will rebuild and maintain a healthy weight.
Understanding the Challenges of Feeding Senior Horses
Age brings many physiological changes that can impact a horse’s ability to maintain a healthy weight. These changes can stem from dental issues, reduced digestive efficiency, and underlying health problems. It’s crucial to understand these challenges before designing a feeding plan.
- Dental Issues: Worn, missing, or uneven teeth make chewing difficult, hindering proper digestion and nutrient absorption, especially with long-stem forage.
- Decreased Digestive Efficiency: The digestive system’s ability to break down and absorb nutrients naturally declines with age.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as Cushing’s disease (PPID), Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), and arthritis can affect appetite and nutrient utilization.
- Social Dynamics: Older horses may be bullied away from food by younger, more aggressive horses in a group setting.
Building the Foundation: High-Quality Forage
Forage, such as hay or pasture, should be the cornerstone of any horse’s diet, and it is even more crucial for senior horses. But not all forages are created equal.
- Choose soft, palatable hay: Look for hay that is easy to chew and digest. Grass hays like Timothy or Orchardgrass are often preferred. Avoid coarse, stemmy hays.
- Soak hay: Soaking hay makes it softer and easier to chew, reduces dust content, and can slightly increase palatability.
- Consider hay cubes or pellets: These are excellent alternatives for horses with severe dental problems. They are easier to chew and digest and can be soaked into a mash.
- Pasture access: If teeth are in good enough condition, pasture access is very beneficial, providing both forage and mental stimulation. Monitor pasture closely to ensure sufficient grazing is available.
Supercharging the Diet: Senior-Specific Feeds
Commercial senior horse feeds are formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of older horses. They are generally higher in fat and fiber, and fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- High Digestibility: Senior feeds are often processed to improve digestibility, allowing older horses to extract more nutrients.
- Increased Caloric Density: These feeds provide more calories per pound than typical horse feeds, helping to promote weight gain.
- Fortification: Senior feeds typically contain added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health and immune function.
- Palatability: Manufacturers often include flavor enhancers to encourage consumption.
Targeted Supplementation
Depending on the individual horse’s needs, specific supplements may be beneficial. Consult with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist before adding supplements to the diet.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These can help reduce inflammation and improve joint health. Flaxseed meal and fish oil are good sources.
- Prebiotics and Probiotics: These support a healthy gut microbiome, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Joint Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM can help manage arthritis.
- Vitamin E: An important antioxidant that supports muscle function and immune health.
- Electrolytes: Especially important for horses that are sweating or have decreased water intake.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Feeding Old Horses
Several common mistakes can hinder weight gain and overall health in older horses.
- Underestimating Dental Issues: Regularly have your horse’s teeth examined by a qualified equine dentist. Address any dental problems promptly.
- Feeding Too Much at Once: Large meals can overwhelm the digestive system. Offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
- Ignoring Underlying Health Issues: Work with your veterinarian to diagnose and manage any underlying health conditions that may be affecting your horse’s weight.
- Not Monitoring Body Condition: Regularly assess your horse’s body condition score (BCS). Adjust the feeding plan as needed to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Implementing a Weight Gain Program: A Step-by-Step Approach
A successful weight gain program requires patience and careful monitoring.
- Veterinary Examination: A thorough veterinary examination is crucial to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
- Dental Examination and Floating: Address any dental problems.
- Fecal Egg Count and Deworming: Eliminate parasites that may be hindering nutrient absorption.
- Introduce New Feeds Gradually: To avoid digestive upset, introduce new feeds slowly over a period of 7-10 days.
- Monitor Body Condition Score Regularly: Use a body condition scoring system to track progress. Aim for a score of 5-6.
- Adjust Feeding Plan as Needed: Based on the horse’s response, adjust the type and amount of feed.
- Provide Constant Access to Fresh Water: Hydration is essential for digestion and overall health.
- Offer Salt and Minerals: Ensure the horse has access to a salt block or loose salt, and consider a mineral supplement.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| —————————————- | ——————————————————————————————- |
| Veterinary Examination | Rule out underlying medical conditions, such as Cushing’s or other health problems. |
| Dental Exam and Floating | Correct dental issues to allow for proper chewing and digestion. |
| Fecal Egg Count & Deworming | Eliminate parasites that compete for nutrients and interfere with digestion. |
| Gradual Feed Introduction | Introduce new feeds slowly (over 7-10 days) to avoid digestive upset (colic, diarrhea). |
| Body Condition Score (BCS) Monitoring | Regularly assess BCS using a standardized system to track progress and adjust feed accordingly. |
| Feeding Plan Adjustment | Adjust the feed type and amount based on response and BCS. |
| Constant Fresh Water Access | Ensure adequate hydration to support digestion and overall health. |
| Salt and Mineral Supplementation | Provide a salt block or loose salt and consider a mineral supplement. |
Considerations for Group Feeding
If the horse is part of a group, special considerations are needed to ensure adequate feed intake.
- Separate Feeding: If possible, feed the older horse separately from the rest of the group to prevent competition.
- Monitor Interaction: Observe feeding interactions to ensure the older horse is not being bullied away from food.
- Provide Multiple Feeding Stations: This can help reduce competition and ensure all horses have access to food.
- Slow Feeder Nets: Slow feeder hay nets can help extend feeding time and reduce bolting food, improving digestion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ideal Body Condition Score (BCS) for an old horse?
The ideal Body Condition Score for an old horse is generally considered to be between 5 and 6 on a scale of 1 to 9. This indicates a horse with good muscle covering and a moderate amount of fat cover. Maintaining this range helps to ensure adequate energy reserves and supports overall health.
How often should I feed an old skinny horse?
Feeding an old skinny horse smaller, more frequent meals is often more effective than offering one or two large meals. This is because their digestive system may be less efficient. Aim for 3-4 feedings per day to maximize nutrient absorption and minimize digestive upset.
My old horse has trouble chewing hay. What are my options?
If your old horse has trouble chewing hay, consider alternatives like soaked hay, hay cubes, or hay pellets. Soaking hay softens it, making it easier to chew. Hay cubes and pellets are pre-processed and can be easily soaked into a mash. Chopped hay (chaff) may also be helpful.
How much senior feed should I give my old skinny horse?
The amount of senior feed needed depends on the horse’s size, current weight, and activity level. Start with the manufacturer’s recommended feeding rate and adjust based on the horse’s body condition score. It’s often best to increase the amount gradually, monitoring the horse’s response.
Can I give my old horse beet pulp to help him gain weight?
Yes, beet pulp is an excellent source of digestible fiber and can be beneficial for helping an old, skinny horse gain weight. It is also highly palatable and can be soaked for easier consumption. It is relatively low in protein, so ensure the total diet provides sufficient protein.
What are some good supplements to help my old horse gain weight?
Several supplements can aid weight gain in old horses. Options include omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation, prebiotics and probiotics for gut health, vitamin E as an antioxidant, and joint supplements for arthritis. However, consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplements.
My old horse has Cushing’s disease (PPID). How does that affect his diet?
Horses with Cushing’s disease require a carefully managed diet. They are often insulin resistant, so limit feeds high in starch and sugar. Choose low-NSC (non-structural carbohydrate) feeds and hay. Regular monitoring and close communication with your veterinarian are crucial.
How long will it take for my old horse to gain weight?
Weight gain is a gradual process. It can take several months to see significant improvement. Factors such as underlying health conditions, dental health, and the consistency of the feeding plan all play a role. Consistent monitoring and adjustments are key.
What are the signs of overfeeding an old horse?
Signs of overfeeding include rapid weight gain, laminitis (founder), colic, and diarrhea. Monitor your horse’s body condition score closely and adjust the feeding plan as needed. Gradual changes are generally preferable to abrupt ones.
Should I feed my old horse grain?
While senior feeds are generally preferred, small amounts of grain may be beneficial for some horses. However, grain is high in starch, which can be problematic for horses with insulin resistance or other metabolic issues. Choose whole grains, such as oats, and feed them in moderation.
My old horse is a picky eater. How can I get him to eat more?
Several strategies can encourage picky eaters. Try adding molasses or apple sauce to the feed to enhance palatability. Offer a variety of feedstuffs to see what the horse prefers. Ensure the feed is fresh and free of mold. Soaking the feed can also increase palatability. Make sure dental issues are ruled out as well.
What role does exercise play in helping my old horse gain weight?
While it might seem counterintuitive, gentle exercise can help stimulate appetite and improve muscle tone. Avoid strenuous activity, but regular turnout and light exercise can be beneficial for overall health and weight gain. Consult your vet on what is appropriate.