Introduction 🐎

As horses age, their nutritional needs may change. Understanding how older horses digest their food is key to providing them with the best care. While there is still some uncertainty about the aging digestive system in horses, recent studies offer valuable insights. In this article, Dr Duncan Houston discusses how aging affects digestion, when to change diets, and what you need to consider to keep your older horse healthy in 2025 and beyond.

1. Digestive Changes in Aging Horses 🧬

As horses grow older, their digestive systems don’t process nutrients as efficiently as when they were younger. Some studies have indicated that older horses may have difficulty digesting certain nutrients, like phosphorus, fiber, and crude protein. However, it's important to note that these issues may be compounded by factors like dental disease or parasites:

• 🦷 Dental disease: Missing or worn teeth can affect a horse’s ability to chew properly, leading to poor digestion of nutrients.
• 🐛 Parasites: Undiagnosed parasites can also interfere with nutrient absorption in older horses.
• 🍽️ Changes in gut efficiency: Some research suggests that older horses may absorb nutrients as efficiently as younger horses, provided they have no other health issues.

Thus, while digestive issues are a concern, they aren’t always a given as a horse ages. Keeping an eye on other health factors like teeth and parasites can go a long way in ensuring proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

2. A Recent Study on Older Horses’ Digestibility 🔬

In a recent study, 17 stock-type mares aged 5 to 28 years were tested to evaluate how well they absorbed nutrients. The mares were given three different diets:

• 🍂 Hay only
• 🍞 Hay with a starch and sugar-rich concentrate
• 🧈 Hay with a fat and fiber-rich concentrate

Each diet was fed for five weeks, and the horses were evaluated for digestibility through fecal and urine samples. The results showed that older horses in good health can digest nutrients just as well as younger horses, including:

• ⚡ Energy
• 🍂 Neutral detergent fiber
• 🥩 Crude protein
• 🥛 Fat
• 🦴 Calcium and phosphorus

These results suggest that as long as the horse is in good health, their digestion may not decline significantly with age.

3. When to Change Diets for Older Horses 🍽️

As horses get older, they may face different challenges that affect their ability to digest food. However, if they have good teeth and no significant health problems, their diet may not need to change much:

• 🦷 Dental care is key: Older horses often have worn or missing teeth, making it harder for them to chew properly. This is when switching to a senior diet can be beneficial, as these feeds are easier to chew and digest.
• 🐴 Parasite control: Older horses may also be more susceptible to parasites, so regular deworming is important to ensure they are absorbing nutrients efficiently.

Consult your veterinarian about diet adjustments, especially if your horse has dental problems, digestive concerns, or other age-related issues. A senior diet may not be necessary unless your horse is having trouble chewing or digesting their food properly.

4. Senior Diets: When They’re Beneficial 🥕

Senior diets are formulated to address the needs of aging horses, offering a more easily digestible form of nutrients. These diets typically feature:

• 🥬 Higher fiber content: To assist digestion in horses with less efficient digestive systems.
• 🍗 Enhanced protein levels: To maintain muscle mass and support immune function in older horses.
• 💧 More digestible forms of nutrients: Senior feeds are designed to be easier to chew and absorb, particularly in horses with dental issues.

If your older horse has difficulty chewing, suffers from weight loss, or shows signs of digestive discomfort, a senior diet may help address these issues. However, it’s important to only make this change based on your veterinarian’s advice.

5. Dental Health and Its Impact on Digestion 🦷

Dental health plays a significant role in the digestive efficiency of older horses. As horses age, their teeth may wear down or become malformed, leading to difficulty chewing and a decreased ability to break down food properly. Regular dental checkups are essential:

• 🦷 Annual exams: Schedule annual dental exams with your vet to catch any issues early.
• 🍎 Good-quality forage: Provide forage that is easy to chew, such as soft hay or chopped hay, to avoid issues with tough, fibrous hay.
• 🍽️ Senior diets: If necessary, feed soft, pelleted or mash-like senior diets to ease digestion.

By staying on top of your horse’s dental care, you can ensure they’re able to eat properly and digest their food efficiently, maintaining a healthy weight and body condition.

6. Parasites and Older Horses 🐛

Older horses are more prone to parasite infestations, which can impact their ability to absorb nutrients. Regular deworming is essential to maintain good digestive health:

• 💉 Routine deworming: Talk to your vet about a deworming schedule tailored to your horse’s age and health status.
• 🧫 Check for signs of parasites: Watch for weight loss, poor coat condition, and reduced appetite.

By managing parasites effectively, you can help ensure that your older horse is getting the full benefit of their food, improving overall health and digestion.

7. Managing Weight in Older Horses ⚖️

Weight management is critical for older horses, as obesity can exacerbate health problems like laminitis and metabolic disorders. To manage your older horse's weight:

• 🏃‍♂️ Exercise regularly: Maintain daily turnout or light exercise to help burn excess calories.
• 🍃 Provide appropriate feed: Ensure the horse’s diet is well-balanced and tailored to their age, activity level, and health condition.
• 📊 Monitor body condition: Keep track of your horse’s body condition score (BCS) and adjust their feeding plan accordingly.

Regular exercise and monitoring of the horse's diet can help keep them at a healthy weight, preventing complications like laminitis and joint stress.

8. Final Thoughts on Aging Horse Nutrition 🐴🍏

• 🍽️ Adapt to age: While aging horses may not need significant diet changes, dental care and health assessments are key.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Consult your vet: Work with your vet to determine the best feeding and health management plan for your older horse.
• 🦷 Regular exams: Keep up with dental exams, deworming, and overall health assessments.

Need Help with Senior Horse Care? Ask A Vet 📲

For personalized advice on your older horse’s nutrition, digestion, and overall health, download the Ask A Vet app. Get expert support from Dr Duncan Houston and other veterinarians who specialize in equine care. 🐴💡