When To Feed A Veteran Feed

Knowing what to feed your horse—and how much—can be confusing, especially as they get older. With so many veteran feeds available, it’s common for owners to wonder when to switch their older horse or pony to a specialist diet. As horses age, subtle changes in their digestive system can make it harder for them to get the most from their usual feed and forage, which is often where a veteran feed can help.

Do veteran horses need a feed?

Yes, veteran horses do need a feed to provide them with a balanced diet with all of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals required for the overall health and wellbeing. Horses should consume a minimum of 1.5% of their body weight in forage per day (Ermers et al., 2023). Failing to meet the minimum forage requirement will result in an increased risk of digestive issues, poor condition, and poor performance. Although veteran horses may need a feed it does not necessarily need to be a veteran specific feed, providing they are getting the appropriate nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Main Reasons to Choose a Specialist Veteran Feed

As horses age, their nutritional needs change, and a specialist veteran feed can help support them through this stage of life. Some key reasons to consider switching include:

• Dental Decline: Older horses often experience tooth loss or increased tooth mobility, leading to gaps that make chewing hard feed and long-stem forage difficult or even painful. In such cases, soaked feeds and forage replacers may be recommended if they can no longer manage grass or hay.

• Weight Maintenance: Senior horses may struggle to maintain a healthy weight, particularly during the winter months. This can be due to reduced gut motility or a natural decline in digestive function.

• Joint Health: Arthritis is common in aging horses and can affect mobility and comfort. Some veteran feeds are fortified with joint-supporting nutrients, or a separate joint supplement may be advised.

• Metabolic Concerns: Conditions such as laminitis become more prevalent with age. Horses with metabolic issues often require a diet that is low in starch and sugar to help manage their condition effectively.

• Reduced Digestive Efficiency: As horses get older, their ability to absorb nutrients from feed and forage can decline. This means they may not be getting the full benefit of their current diet, even if it appears balanced.

• Muscle Tone and Topline: Age-related muscle loss is common, and veteran feeds are typically formulated with higher-quality protein to help support muscle maintenance and topline condition.