Horses age at different rates, just like humans. Physiological changes usually occur by the time they are in their twenties. These changes include exercise capacity and differences in hormones. They also go through physical changes, such as losing teeth and topline muscle loss.
But a horse can show these signs of aging beginning as early as mid- to late teens or as late as late twenties. Having your veterinarian perform regular wellness exams can help determine the rate at which your horse is aging and identify any health issues that need to be addressed.
In this month’s featured Nutrition Nugget, Dr. Nettie Liburt, Senior Equine Nutrition Manager at BUCKEYE Nutrition and Mars Horsecare US, discusses ways to help your senior horse. For example, the horse featured in the video is on a specific senior horse diet due to a lack of teeth. Watch the video below to learn more.
Senior horses or horses of any age on a senior diet need feed that is easy to chew and made with plenty of fiber and quality protein. If you’re looking for senior feed made with scientifically formulated nutrition and safe, high quality, consistent ingredients, try BUCKEYE Nutrition’s EQ8 Senior or SAFE ‘N EASY Senior. To provide additional protein, vitamins and minerals, supplement with GRO ‘N WIN or SENIOR BALANCER.