20 August 2008 14:20
My 13-year-old TB x Welsh Cob used to be a fantastic eater but has gone off his feed. He had D&H Safe and Sound and Pasture Mix, which was ideal as he can be fizzy. I got a sample of Alfa-A, which he liked, but now he won’t eat his mix. He does quite a lot of work.
Can you help?
Answer
By Your Horse
Nutritionist Lizzie Drury replies:
Have his teeth checked for abscesses or sharp edges. If OK, try the following:
● If he’s fussy with a mix, try a cube or pencil such as Saracen Super Fibre Pencils or Spillers High Fibre Pencils. They’re high in fibre but low in energy so won’t make him excitable, and you can mix them with Alfa-A. As a guide, feed 2-2.5kg a day.
● To tempt his appetite, soak them for five minutes: it makes them sweet-smelling and soft.
● Persist with your new feed: horses can be crafty by refusing food, knowing they’ll get offered another.
● If he needs extra energy, try high-fat supplements such as Saracen Equi Jewel or Baileys Ultimate Finish.