Considering the constraints and limitations that a senior horse presents, the feeding management must be effectively adjusted in order to favor the maintenance of the same body condition, which can sometimes be challenging.
Water
It is essential to monitor water consumption in these horses. In winter, the temperature of the water can discourage its intake, so we must be particularly careful to ensure that water needs are met. In summer, on the other hand, the increase in temperature requires a greater intake of water, to ensure correct hydration. Adding electrolytes to the diet may be a good strategy.
REHIDRAMAX
fodder
Forage is a vital component of the diet. In senior horses it is particularly important to use good quality forage, considering that the intake and digestive efficiency may be reduced (particularly when there are dental problems).
Forage may be sufficient to meet energy needs, in which case a balancer should be added in order to provide protein (in particular lysine), vitamins and minerals according to needs.
BALANCE
If the forage is not sufficient to meet the energy requirements, consider the inclusion of a food suitable for senior horses and/or a fat source complement (for example flax oil), in order to increase the energy supply. Give preference to a compound feed administered in the form of "porridge", given the characteristic dental difficulties of the senior horse.
NATURE MASH
Difficulties in forage intake related to dental problems can be overcome using forage sources in the form of granules or cubes soaked in water.
ALFABEET
WAFERS
Compound foods
Concentrated feeds suitable for senior horses generally contain a fibrous ingredient such as lucerne or beetroot, and are formulated in such a way that they can be administered in greater quantities compared to a regular concentrate feed, in order to supply part of the fiber needs of these animals. .
As protein absorption in the senior horse is reduced, the concentrate feed should provide a higher protein content and should be a good source of lysine (a limiting amino acid in the horse).
The incorporation of fat makes it possible to obtain a caloric increase without increasing non-structural carbohydrates (starch and sugars), which should be reduced in the diet of these horses (particularly in animals with Cushing's Syndrome or insulin resistance).
NATURE MASH
GASTRO PRO
The levels of vitamins and minerals provided should consider the decrease in the digestive efficiency of these animals. There may be greater oxidative stress in these animals, so adequate levels of primary antioxidants, vitamin C and E should be ensured.
supplementation
Supplementation with probiotics may be beneficial, as well as the use of chondroprotectors in horses affected by joint disease.
GASTROBALANCE
ARTIPLUS