Feeding a horse with no teeth can be a challenge, but it is possible with proper care and consideration of the horse's condition. Horses with no teeth or severe dental issues may have difficulty chewing and processing food effectively, making it essential to provide them with a diet that is easy to consume and digest.
Here are some tips from our experts:
Provide the horse with hay cubes or pellets that have been soaked in water. This will soften the feed, making it easier for the horse to chew and swallow. Soaking the feed also helps to prevent choke, as the horse won't be able to chew as efficiently.
Purchase chopped forage or haylage, which is already cut into smaller pieces. This can be more manageable for the horse to chew and digest. Again, you can moisten the forage if necessary to make it easier to eat.
There are specially formulated feeds for senior horses that are easy to chew and digest. These feeds often contain a blend of fiber, grains, and other essential nutrients that can help meet the horse's nutritional requirements.
Beet pulp is an excellent option for horses with dental issues. It is high in fiber and can be soaked in water to create a soft and palatable mash that is easy for the horse to eat.
Complete feeds are processed feeds that contain all the necessary nutrients a horse needs in a concentrated form. They can be softened with water if needed and fed as a mash.
Even if the horse has no teeth, it's essential to have their mouth examined regularly by a veterinarian or equine dentist. This ensures there are no other issues that may affect their ability to eat or cause discomfort.
Offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to ensure the horse gets enough nutrients without overwhelming their digestive system.
If possible, allow the horse access to pasture with soft, tender grass. Horses can graze even without teeth, using their lips to gather and consume the grass.
Each horse is different, it is essential to work closely with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to create a diet plan tailored to the specific needs of the horse. They can guide you on the appropriate types of feed and ensure the horse's nutritional requirements are being met.
We are proud to carry a wide variety of these products at Spikes & Houles! Our experts are always available for questions, stop into any of our locations to chat with our staff and browse new products.
