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When to Switch to a Senior Feed
Feeding a senior horse is not just about age—it’s about meeting their changing nutritional needs as they get older. Some horses continue thriving on their usual diet well into their twenties, while others start showing signs of needing additional support as early as 15.
So how do you know when it’s time to switch to a senior-specific feed? Here are the key signs to look for.
1. Difficulty Maintaining Weight One of the earliest signs that a horse may need a senior diet is unexplained weight loss. As horses age, their digestive efficiency declines, meaning they don’t absorb nutrients as effectively as they once did. A high-quality senior feed like Barastoc Senior is specifically designed to be more digestible and provide balanced energy, ensuring older horses get the nutrition they need without excessive grain intake.
2. Dental Issues and Trouble Chewing Many senior horses develop worn or missing teeth, making it harder for them to chew hay and grain properly. If your horse is dropping feed, struggling with long-stem forage, or taking longer to eat, it may be time to switch to a soakable senior feed.
Barastoc Senior turns into a soft, palatable mash when soaked, ensuring that horses with dental issues can still consume the fibre and nutrients they need.
3. Changes in Energy Levels and Condition As horses age, their metabolism shifts, and they may require more targeted nutrition to maintain muscle tone and stamina. A good senior feed provides: • Slow-release energy to support sustained activity • Essential amino acids to maintain muscle condition • Vitamin E and antioxidants to support immune function
If your senior horse is feeling sluggish, stiff, or struggling to hold topline, a balanced senior diet can help provide the right energy without excessive calories.
4. Signs of Digestive Sensitivity Older horses may become more prone to digestive issues, including loose manure or inconsistent gut health. A well-formulated senior feed with prebiotics and easily digestible fibre supports gut function and nutrient absorption.
Barastoc Senior is designed to be gentle on aging digestive systems, ensuring that nutrients are absorbed efficiently, even in horses with compromised gut health.
5. Coat and Hoof Quality Declining A dull coat, brittle hooves, and a general loss of condition can all be indicators that a horse isn’t getting the nutrition they need. A high-quality senior feed provides balanced vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to promote healthy coat shine and strong hooves.
Making the Switch If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your horse, transitioning to a senior-specific feed like Barastoc Senior can help maintain health, condition, and vitality as they age.
Switching feeds gradually over 10-14 days allows the digestive system to adjust and ensures a smooth transition to a diet that better meets their changing needs.
For horses needing extra conditioning support, pairing Barastoc Senior with Barastoc Fibre-Beet Mash provides an ideal balance of digestible fibre, weight-building nutrition, and gut-friendly ingredients.
By feeding wisely, adjusting for age-related changes, and monitoring condition closely, you can ensure your senior horse continues thriving well into their golden years.