As advancements in care and nutrition continue to improve, our horses are living longer, healthier lives. However, feeding our beloved senior horses, especially those with deteriorating teeth, requires a careful and thoughtful approach. Aging horses often face the challenge of not being able to chew or digest roughage properly, leading to various health issues if not managed correctly.
One of the most common problems seen in older horses is the inability to ingest enough roughage due to poor teeth. Horses with compromised dental health may struggle to graze or chew hay effectively, often resulting in a behaviour known as “quidding,” where they spit out partially chewed balls of grass or hay. Unfortunately, these quids don’t make it through the digestive system, which can lead to serious problems such as weight loss, muscle atrophy, ulcers, colic, and even behavioural changes due to discomfort.
To maintain a healthy digestive system, it’s crucial that horses consume a minimum of 2% of their body weight per day in dry weight fibre. For a 500kg horse, this translates to around 10kg of fibre daily. However, when a horse can’t chew pasture or hay effectively, it doesn’t mean the end of their quality of life. Supplementing their diet with additional fibre from alternative feed sources can help bridge the nutritional gap.
Johnson’s Natural Formula FIBRE SAFE is specifically designed for senior horses or those with poor dental health. Made from premium Australian-grown fibres and super fibres, Fibre Safe provides a mix of digestible roughage and proteins that closely mimic a horse’s natural diet. This blend not only nourishes the horse but also feeds the essential gut bacteria, supporting overall digestive health. The product is highly palatable and quickly soaks into a soft, fluffy fibrous meal, making it easy for horses to eat, even if they have little to no teeth left. This ensures their stomachs stay full and healthy, reducing the risk of digestive issues.
For an optimal feeding regime, we recommend pairing Johnson’s Natural Formula FIBRE SAFE with another complete feed from our range. These complete feeds include vital vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, and mycotoxin binders, which work together to create a balanced and effective diet.
For older horses needing extra calories and protein to maintain condition, Johnson’s Natural Formula OLD TIMER pellets are an excellent choice. This feed is specifically formulated to provide the additional nutritional support that senior horses require. If your horse doesn’t need extra energy but still needs a balanced diet, Johnson’s Natural Formula EVERY HORSE FIBRE BALANCER is a great low-dose balancer pellet that ensures they receive all the essential nutrients without adding unnecessary calories.
By selecting the right combination of fibre and complete feed, you can ensure that your senior horse continues to thrive, even in their golden years.
