I have an older horse who seems to be having trouble keeping weight on even though she gets the same high quality hay and grain she always has. What is wrong?
Older horses begin to absorb less nutrients from their diet as their intestinal tract ages. It is also widely believed that the ability to synthesize some vitamins, such as B & C, decreases with age. It is important to supplement them with highly absorbable organic vitamins and minerals as well as a digestive aid such as yeast and/or probiotics to improve feed efficiency. Many older horses also benefit from supplementation with Glucosamine and Chondroitin as well as a natural anti-inflammatory such as Yucca or MSM. These agents are proven to reduce the damaging and often painful effects of osteoarthritis which will help keep the older horse sound and comfortable. It is also critically important to maintain good dental health via annual exams by a qualified equine dental health professional. If your older horse is missing teeth, or having trouble chewing hay (as evidenced by clumps or wads of chewed hay), you may need to add an alternative forage source such as chopped hay, soaked beet
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