Feeding with Dental Issues

FEEDING WITH DENTAL PROBLEMS

One of the most common problems is a wave mouth. This is where the dominant or long tooth will push on the smaller tooth so eventually, rather than a round and round grinding movement, the horse has to try to chew with no grinding so the jaw goes up and down. This is when you will find ½ chewings ½ from hay or grass.

HAY REPLACER

It is extremely easy to feed with dental problems. With little chew ability hay may not be an option so you will need a ½hay-replacer ½. This is very simple to make and can make a huge difference to horses and ponies with limited chewing ability.

½ a large bucket of Dengie Hi-Fi Original
1lb of Fast Fibre

(the above photograph shows a 30 year old charity horse with extreme dental problems)

4lb wet sugar beet, for those who do find weight hard to keep on.
½ bucket of water.
Let this stand for 2 hours or make in the morning for the evening.

Always use a cube or nut (coarse mix is impossible for some veterans to chew), soaking it to a pate ½ type consistency before feeding. Add 1 scoop of water to every 2lb (1 scoop) of cube feed.

Horses aged over 25 usually start to show a poor dental condition and this will mean giving a slightly higher protein intake and supplement being adding to their feed.

Each veteran is very different in weight, height and breed and therefore before amending or changing any feed management please contact the charity, Veteran Horse Society or equine professional.

Hard feed

 

It is impossible to give amounts or feed products generally so we have tried to give simple basic information as a guide.  Feeding any horse can be complex but veterans more than most.  A good time routine is essential as well and a well established routine.

For those who need additional weight, it is always vital to contact the feed manufacturer to check the amount of protein and contents in relation to the age, breed and dental capabilities of your veteran.

Below is a general guide to feeding in relation to the their age – again this is general and depends on previous dental attention, turnout and of course breed.

15-20 years

Generally a veteran who is showing no signs of weight loss and is bright and healthy would be happy on a diet that is not too high in protein but gives them the vitamins and minerals needed through the year.

20 year+

Some veterans age very quickly, such as thoroughbreds, other more native breeds may not show their age until later in the lives.  For those starting to drop weight and needing extra condition a product such as Veteran Vitality is excellent for maintaining weight and giving more energy and warm.  This added with a small amount of molassed chaff will allow them to eat slowly and process their feed.

25+

Generally this is the time to start considering introducing sugar beet or a higher energy feed during the winter or very dry summer months.  Many older veterans (like people) do require much more energy to keep warm and keep weight on, and fibre intake may now needed to be given as a hay replacer.

Poor or no teeth

THERE IS NO REASON TO PANIC – HORSES WITH NO TEETH CAN HAVE A GOOD QUALITY OF LIFE.

This is when the charity has found that feeding 3/4 times a day will be required and smaller amounts.  A high protein and energy diet will be required and no chaff with the hard feed as this makes if very difficult to digest or chew, so always offer a hay replacer.

HAY REPLACER

This is very simple to make and although it does look a large amount, it is known to many HAY REPLACER

It is extremely easy to feed with dental problems. With little chew ability hay may not be an option so you will need a hay-replacer. This is very simple to make and can make a huge difference to horses and ponies with limited chewing ability.

In a Large bucket place about 1/3 of Dengie, then a 1/2 or 1 scoop of Fast Fibre, add 3 round scoops of water and allow to stand for at least 2 hours.  For those who need additional forage or make it a little more exciting add 1 round scoop of speedy beet, already soaked.  This will look as if you are giving a large hard feed and maybe eaten quickly to start but they will soon realise it is not over tasty and soon slow down.  If the amount has all been eaten by morning more Dengie and water can be added.

It is simply a hay net in a bucket and large amounts maybe consumed with no harm, but please do not give a full bucket they simply do not need that much for an average horse.

 

For further information about fully qualified dentists in your area please visit British Association of Equine Dental Technicans.

essential in their daily diet.

HARD WORKING VETERANS

Veterans in hard work will need to have an excellent feed routine. High protein feed ise vital as well as good supplements and regular turnout. Feeds such as Veteran Vitality, Calm and Condition or Power & Performance soaked before feeding are an excellent form of added protein. Not so long ago horses over 15 years would have not been in work; now top competition horses compete at the age of 20+. Careful feeding is vital as well as joint and immune system supplements. It is important they have rest and turnout time and that planning is in place for their retirement.

These veterans will be treated as younger, companions in full work and if they are fit and healthy this is fine, BUT older horses need a close eye kept on them in relation to the breakdown of organs. So, despite looking like ‘a youngster’, their internal organs have taken more wear and tear. Respect their age and, if they look tired, then they usually are and don’t push them too hard.

These veterans will be treated as younger, companions in full work and if they are fit and healthy this is fine, BUT older horses need a close eye kept on them in relation to the breakdown of organs. So, despite looking like ‘a youngster’, their internal organs have taken more wear and tear. Respect their age and, if they look tired, then they usually are and don’t push them too hard.

BREATHING

As the environment changes, you may have experienced a change in your veteran’s breathing especially in built-up areas or those close to motorways. After harvest or busy holiday travelling your veteran may have breathing problems going into winter, so an excellent product is Ventapulmin. Dry hay or feed should never be offered. Always soak hay and feed before feeding. Make sure your stable is well ventilated and draught-free. Avoid stabling next to a horse that is on dry hay as the spores of hay can be a real problem.

It is very important that veterans with breathing problems are turned out during the day and that dusty bedding or feed is avoided.

BEDDING

Straw bedding is certainly not ideal for veterans and we use wood pellets from Sorbeo Bedding, which gives an ideal bed for those with poor joints or laminitis. It is a thick soft bedding that can give even our 18.3 hh comfort on his old joints when he lies down. Deep litter can cause breathing problems for some veterans, so make sure the bed is lifted daily.

Should you have any problems with your veteran this winter, please contact Veteran Horse Welfare on: 01239 881300.
Email: info@veteran-horse-welfare.co.uk