My friend’s horse suddenly stopped eating last winter. Our vet discovered that she had suffered from ulcers in her mouth. She was able to recover and eat again. I was struck by her experience and wondered if there were other factors that could cause horses to stop eating.
Horses stop eating when they are sick, have problems with their teeth, or if there is an interruption in their daily routine. Colic, gastric ulcers and choke are all common. Horses may not eat if they are anxious or dehydrated. Horses are sensitive, large animals and require lots of food. They typically consume 16 pounds of forage each day. If they stop eating, it is a sign that something is wrong. It is important to know the eating habits of your horses so that you can detect a problem and treat it quickly.
Horses stop eating for a variety of reasons.
Horses may stop eating for several reasons. Horses can become sick or have dental problems, or simply not enjoy the food they are being fed. Horses should consume at least 1 pound of hay for every 100 pounds of their body weight each day. Horses are very sensitive. Horses can suddenly stop eating if they are experiencing pain. If you recognize this sign, you can help your horse.
Let’s take a look at what could be stopping your horse from finishing his meal.
* Colic
Colic is a condition that causes abdominal pain in horses. Colic can be caused by many things. The stomach or intestines may become swollen, inflamed, the small intestine may become partially twisted, the large intestine might shrink or fold; and so on. You may notice signs of colic such as loss of appetite and bloated stomachs, loss of appetite, pawing and rolling and sweating. If you suspect your horse is suffering from colic, the first step in treatment is to determine the cause.
* Gastric ulcers
Gastric ulcers are caused by stomach acid irritating the stomach lining. Horses riding on empty stomachs, long-term use NSAIDs and excessive concentrations of food can all lead to ulcers. Horses may lose appetite. Some horses may not finish their meals. Horses with ulcers may also experience nervousness and agitation. Horses with gastric ulcers may benefit from feeds such as alfalfa Hay and beet pulp.
* Dental problem
Bad teeth can cause horses to stop eating due to pain. This can lead to weight loss or vitamin deficiencies. Sometimes, it is as simple as having their teeth floppy. Horses are often unaware of dental problems. To remove any sharpened enamel points, it is best to take your horse to a veterinary dentist at least once per year. These sharp points can cause severe irritation to the cheeks, causing ulceration. It can also make it difficult to chew. If you are unfamiliar with floating horse teeth, I have written an article about it.
* Choke
Choke is common. It is caused by material like rawage getting stuck in the horse’s esophus (the organ connecting the stomach and the throat). Choke horses will often try to cough out food. It is possible to see saliva, mucus or food escaping from your nostrils or mouth. You might see the horse bend down or shake its head downwards. If you suspect your horse is suffering from choke, it’s best to not give him any food or water. The condition usually resolves itself within a few days. However, if your horse continues to show symptoms even after several days, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
* Diarrhea
Horses suffering from diarrhea experience frequent bowel movements and stools that are watery. Diarrhea can be caused by severe conditions such as bacterial infection, viruses and parasites, diet changes, intestinal inflammation or inappropriate use of medication. Diarrhea is usually not an issue if your horse does not show extreme symptoms. If your horse is not eating or diarrhea persists more than a few days, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. Equine diarrhea is a complicated problem that can lead to serious complications. How to prevent diarrhea in horses so they stay healthy.
* Injury
Unlucky horses can get sick from injuries that they may have sustained. Most minor injuries heal quickly and should not be considered a concern. Temporary pain or discomfort may cause your horse to stop eating after an injury. You can also opt for over-the-counter medication, which is safe and effective.
* Separation
Horses are herd animals. They rely on human companionship and equine support for their mental health. Horses can become stressed easily by abrupt changes in their routines and lose their appetite. Horses who are restricted in their time outside the stable can become depressed. Horses can become anxious if they are separated from their horse. A cause of distress can be moving to another property, or taking a long journey.
* Boredom
Horses can easily become bored of a boring diet or routine. This is just like humans. It is possible to stimulate their minds by providing them with tasty treats and toys.
* Bullying
You may have heard of “pasture bullies,” which are horses who bite, kick, and bare their teeth at other horses. Bullies can not only prevent your horse’s comfortable access to hay and grass, but they can also cause stress and make them lose their appetite. Bullying is a natural part of life and can be difficult to manage. However, you cannot always keep an eye on your horses. You should avoid any aggressive behavior around horses. It might be more productive to concentrate on the bully rather than relocating it.
* Abrupt diet changes
Are your horses picky eaters? Horses will reject a change in diet, such as a shift from low-protein Bermuda Hay to Alfalfa. You should gradually change their diet over several weeks.
* Bad food
Horses can sense when food is bad or if it has been fed moldy hay. Staling is more common in hot and unclean environments. It is important to ensure that the horse’s food smells and looks right before you feed it.
* Hard work
Horses who have been subjected to a more intense work routine or worked harder can lose their appetite. This is because horses now require more hard feed, such as concentrates and less roughage. If your horse isn’t used to hard work, you can make gradual changes to its routine.
* Heat and dehydration
Horses can be discouraged from finishing their meals by hot weather or flies. Dehydration can also cause a decrease in appetite. It is important to give your horse regular baths in the summer and allow them to drink 5-10 gallons of water each day.
How do I get my horse to eat?
It is an indicator of their mood that horses eat their feed. Horses who eat their feed regularly are usually in good health. Horses that refuse to eat need your full attention and care. Finding out why your horse is refusing to eat is the first step in getting him to eat again. This could be due to a medical condition, or stress. You should consult your veterinarian to determine the extent of the problem and follow their recommendations to get your pet eating again. The hardest part of diagnosing your horse’s loss of appetite is to identify the root cause. Sometimes the problem can be as simple as anxiety or minor pain and will resolve with positive treatment. If your horse is experiencing a lack of appetite and it seems like the problem has been going on for a while, consult your veterinarian immediately. To determine the cause of your horse’s refusal to eat, a vet will run several tests. Your vet may prescribe medication or recommend a program of exercise for your horse.
How long can a horse live without eating?
Horses can’t live without water for more than a few days. Horses can live longer than humans without food, but in fragile and cruel states. Horses can live for up to three weeks without eating. Horses that are starved develop health problems within one to two days. Although there are not many studies that can determine how long horses can go without food, some evidence indicates that horses who have been abused can live for several days without being fed. Horses are used to eating grass most of the day so a hungry horse can be vulnerable to serious medical conditions such as gastric ulcers or colic. A starving horse will slowly lose muscle mass and weaken its immune system. It will be more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, poor blood circulation and organ failure. You should immediately notify your local animal welfare agency or 911 if you suspect that your horse has been abused. If you suspect that a horse is being mistreated, I have written an article.
What makes old horses stop eating?
Old horses can be finicky eaters. They will refuse to eat hay or grains that are not good, even if it is better than the younger horses. Old horses might not eat feed that is too salty, or contains even the smallest amount of mold. Old horses may also become sick and refuse food. Call a veterinarian if your horse continues to refuse to eat the feed and hay that you are sure it needs.
My horse is no longer eating grains, but only hay.
Horses that have been treated for an illness may not want to eat grains but will eat hay and grass. This is a common occurrence in horses with equine stomach ulcer syndrome. Horses with equine gastric ulcer syndrome often eat hay once they feel better. They then gradually regain their appetite and start to eat grains again.