Horse nutrition advice for fussy eaters

Just like humans and other pets, horses and ponies can have a range of appetites depending on their personality, breed, workload, condition and stage of life. A change in routine, illness and stress can all be reasons why horses go off their food, but some are just fussy and require a little encouragement.

Here, we discuss the common reasons why horses stop eating and what we can do to tempt them.

Reasons for reduced appetite in horses

Horses by nature usually eat well, and some — especially native breeds — would eat excessively given the chance. So, if your horse is totally off their feed, it could be a cause for concern.

Loss of appetite is often a symptom of a larger problem. Quick identification and appropriate care can prevent minor issues from escalating into serious conditions — and a claim on your horse insurance policy. Consult a vet if your horse shows signs of pain, discomfort or illness, or if there is any sudden, or significant, or prolonged loss of appetite.

Here are some of the reasons why horses may go off their food.

• Fever, colic, bacterial/viral infections or systemic diseases may suppress appetite.
• Laminitis, arthritis or other sources of pain can lead to reduced food intake.
• A horse who usually eats well, but starts to lose their appetite, may be suffering from gastric ulcers.
• Dental problems can make eating hay or haylage difficult. Sloppy feeds, long grass and soft hay/haylage can be easier for these types of horses, but you can experiment to find out which foods they cope with best.
• Changes in feed or environment can put a horse off their A new type of hay, hard feed or sudden changes in routine may make a horse reluctant to eat, as can stress from transportation, new surroundings, or a change in companions.
• A heavy parasite load can affect digestion and appetite. Look out for accompanying weight loss, dull coat and poor condition.
• Older horses may lose their appetite due to a slower metabolism, decreased digestive efficiency or chronic conditions.

Of course, some horses are simply fussy eaters. These types may need to be tempted with tasty aromas and succulents, or different feeds in different buckets so they have a variety to choose from.

Tips for managing fussy eaters

It can be frustrating when your horse won’t eat, especially when they need medication or dietary supplements. Here are six ways you can encourage your fussy eater to leave a clean bucket.

Add some flavour to feeds

A little bit of apple juice or succulents such as apples or carrots can work well to make a feed more enticing. Grating a fruit or vegetable and mixing it into the feed works better than slicing it into big chunks, as horses can’t easily pick them out.

Research has shown that horses like certain flavours, so experiment with herbs like fenugreek and mint, or juices like apple or blackcurrant. Molasses is an old favourite with lots of horses, so try lacing your feeds with a little.

Offer smaller feeds across the day

Sometimes, offering a number of small feeds throughout the day is better than overwhelming your horse with one or two big buckets. Horses are trickle feeders and are designed to eat little and often.

Introduce a different aroma

Horses have a strong sense of smell, so using potent aromas in their feed can work to your advantage. Adding a cup of lukewarm (not hot) water to your horse’s feed just before feeding will make the food smell irresistible.

If your horse is put off by the smell of the feed itself, try masking it with mint or garlic and then add lukewarm water. Avoid adding extra oils or supplements where possible, as these can further deter fussy eaters.

Check your stable management

Check that buckets are clean, and that the feed itself is stored correctly, kept fresh and used within its sell-by date.

Check that your horse is not feeling intimidated by other horses, either in the field or neighbouring stable, and that they are fed when it is quiet and peaceful.

Try feeding forage 30 minutes before hard feed

This stimulates the digestive system and helps the horse feel more interested in eating. If your horse still refuses to eat their feed, consider gradually changing them over to something else.

Provide fresh water

Dehydration can worsen appetite issues. If your horse isn’t keen on drinking, try adding some soaked sugar beet water or apple juice to your horse’s water. Giving them electrolytes either in their feed, as a paste, or in their water will also encourage them to drink.

How to get a fussy horse to eat supplements or medication

Equine medication often comes in the form of a powder or granules, which can be challenging to disguise. If you have a fussy eater, try these tips:

• Allow your horse to eat a few mouthfuls of their feed without the medication, instead adding it in halfway through when they’re in the flow. After the feeding frenzy has started, they may not notice (or care about) the addition.
• Try disguising the medication in molasses, black treacle or puréed carrots and apples – but make sure your horse likes these things first.
• If you are giving two different medications, give them in separate feeds, as two together might be too much for your horse to accept in one go.
• If all else fails, mix the medication in water or apple juice and syringe it straight into your horse’s mouth, just as you would when worming your horse.

How to change your horse’s feed safely

Horses have sensitive digestive systems, so any changes to their feed should be done gradually to help reduce the risk of digestive upsets and gastrointestinal issues, such as colic or laminitis. With fussy horses, the process needs to be even slower.

A typical change in feeding regime would require replacing 10-20% of the old feed with the new feed every other day. In the case of a fussy horse, perhaps halving this is sensible. Mixing in a bit of molasses or soaked sugar beet water may also help to disguise any new smells and tastes.