What's in senior horse feed and why is it different?
Senior horse mix provides non-heating calories for the older horse in a digestible format. As horses get older, their ability to gain the full benefit of the nutrients in their feed decreases. Muscle development and condition can also deteriorate and a little extra help may be needed. Senior horse mixes are generally high fibre, high oil and low in sugar and starch. Low levels of sugar and starch are especially important in elderly horses in order to keep the hindgut healthy and avoid loose droppings. Most senior mixes can be dampened for easier eating if the horse struggles to chew.
Senior horse mix may contain the following ingredients:
- Quality protein - to promote improved muscle tone and protect against muscle wastage.
- Oil –to keep the horse’s coat healthy.
- A prebiotic – in order to promote gut efficiency.
- Antioxidants – for immune support.
- Glucosamine and/or MSM – to help support joints.
- Vitamin C - to maintain healthy lungs.
- Vitamin E and Selenium –to neutralise the free radicals that may speed up ageing.
- B Vitamins – to compensate for decreased production in the hindgut.
Senior horse mix may also be high in calories in order to protect against weight loss in the older horse. However, low calorie feeds are also available for the older and more overweight horse. Feeds that are lower in calories may also contain less cereal starch and sugar in order to control behaviour.
Posted: 02/10/2014 08:32:44