What aging metabolic horses need from nutrition plans

Older horses with insulin dysregulation, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, or both often need a more individualized feeding plan, not simply a standard “senior” ration. In a recent The Horse report, Purdue internist François-René Bertin and Kentucky equine nutritionist Laurie Lawrence emphasized balancing two competing priorities: controlling nonstructural carbohydrates to reduce laminitis risk, while still supplying enough high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and digestible calories to offset age-related muscle loss and the practical challenges that come with dental disease or poor appetite. The article also points readers to exercise guidance from the 2019 European College of Equine Internal Medicine consensus statement on equine metabolic syndrome, which frames movement as helpful when horses are sound enough to work. (thehorse.com)

Why it matters: For veterinarians and nutrition-minded equine teams, the take-home message is that “metabolic” and “geriatric” can’t be managed in separate silos. Older horses with PPID or insulin dysregulation may need low-NSC forage, ration balancers or carefully selected senior feeds, protein support for sarcopenia, and close dental assessment before weight loss is blamed on endocrine disease alone. That point is reinforced by related guidance on EOTRH, another age-associated condition that can limit intake because of incisor pain; The Horse notes affected horses may need soaked or chopped forage, pelleted feeds, or other texture changes, and many improve after extraction of painful incisors. Meanwhile, ECIR guidance continues to stress pergolide for PPID management and diet plus exercise as the backbone of care when insulin dysregulation is present. (thehorse.com)

What to watch: Expect continued focus on practical protocols that combine endocrine control, dental management, and muscle-preserving nutrition for senior horses, especially as clinicians refine how to feed horses managing both PPID/insulin dysregulation and age-related oral disease. (thehorse.com)