When a Horse Isn't Thriving
If you don't think your horse is thriving on a particular feed, talk with your veterinarian and your feed supplier. They can help you make some new decisions about grain choices and help you determine whether your horse needs a supplement. In making recommendations, they will consider his breed, size, age, living arrangement, and amount of use.
Of course, with your veterinarian, you should rule out certain diseases and illnesses that can contribute to poor digestion. Consider the following:
Are your horse's teeth in good shape? Have an equine dentist inspect and file her teeth if necessary. Sharp points develop from uneven wear, making it difficult to chew grain and causing considerable amounts of grain to drop on the ground instead of being ingested by the horse.
If your horse is eating in a group, is he getting his full ration, or is another horse eating part of his meal?
