Question 1

Does chopped hay need to be soaked?

Accepted Answer

Soaking chopped hay makes it easier for horses to chew, and can also reduce the chances of your horse choking on chopped hay. Damping down chopped hay will make it less dusty and also provides your horse with extra hydration.
If you choose to soak chopped hay, the water should be added shortly before the hay is fed to your horse. Soaking chopped hay further in advance can lead to the development of potentially toxic molds and spores.

Question 2

Are pellets better than hay for senior horses?

Accepted Answer

Pellets are often promoted as being "better than hay" for horses. There is no doubt that pellets are convenient, palatable, and consistent in nutritional value, but whether they are advantageous over hay when it comes to senior horses depends on several factors.
For senior horses, it is important to choose the right type of pellets. Some pellets can be quite high in starch which may cause problems with senior horses in the long run, including laminitis. Other pellets are also often high in fat, which senior horses may find difficult to digest. The best type of pellet is often one made simply from chopped hay, which can be used as a partial or complete hay replacement
Hay is nutritionally complete, meaning that it contains all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals senior horses need. Hay provides horses with long fiber, which is essential for maintaining the health of your horse's digestive tract. Another point worth considering is that hay is also more cost-effective than pellets.
However, older horses often find chewing and digesting hay difficult and will lose weight as a result of this. They are also more prone to choke due to attempting to swallow partially-chewed hay. Feeding pellets or chopped hay can be a good option in these situations.
Many senior horse owners feed a combination of hay and pellets, to keep their elderly equines in the best possible physical condition.

Question 3

What do you feed an old skinny horse?

Accepted Answer

Senior horses may tend to eat less and rest more due to their advancing age. Their digestive systems also work less efficiently, and they struggle to chew food properly. As a result, senior horses may not be getting the nutrition needed for good health and weight gain. 
Weight gain can be achieved most effectively by feeding a senior feed, with extra protein, vitamins, and minerals added in. Senior feeds are also higher in long fiber which is very beneficial for senior horses' teeth and digestive health.

Question 4

What is senior feed?

Accepted Answer

Senior feed is specially formulated horse feed to meet the needs of senior horses by providing additional calories and nutrients. They serve as a primary source of nutrients, especially during times when their appetite may be decreased due to pain or other illnesses. They can also be used when horses are recovering from surgery. 
Senior feed for horses is typically high in fiber, protein, and fat to promote good weight gain. Senior feeds may also contain vitamins and minerals like calcium and glucosamine that older horses might need during the aging process.

Question 5

How much hay does a senior horse need?

Accepted Answer

The amount of hay a senior horse needs will vary depending on your senior horse's weight, health, and temperament. A good rule of thumb is to feed 1-1.5% of your horse's body weight daily. Ask your veterinarian for advice if you are not sure how much is best to feed your senior horse. 
It is important that senior horses always have access to hay or senior feed, as eating stimulates saliva production and helps to combat dental problems. A constant intake of fibrous food is also essential for maintaining the health of your horse's gastrointestinal system.

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